RONBO
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Posts posted by RONBO
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I believe it is a generational thing. The National Convention has 3000 models entered then you have to consider how many modelers that equates to and I can't believe I'm about to say this The National Convention is for the entitled and my that I mean at the at average age of a member I'll be conservative here 50 yrs + and members of that age have the financial ability to attend.
I was once a member of 8 IPMS clubs dues to local clubs was quite affordable some had none. Local members participate in local clubs come from a wide variety of financial levels.
Now the younger generations behind us have a different outlook for their financial situation. They don't have the same opportunities the way that we had. And they have different priorities. That's life and how it it will be. To get younger people to enter a contest l have a few ideas but if we stay entrenched this will all go away within 20 yrs.
I have previously brought up using the display only as beta test for a GSB contest offer a very small fee to enter the contest to least cover the tables for the host convention. Also not make it mandatory if members still want to display by all means let them. The GSB would be completely voluntary. This serves two purposes on someone who is on the fence entering may enter. And it may attract younger casual modelers.
IPMS right now will always be what it is it won't change I'm ok with that but I will always to be positive and forward looking, thinking to bring idea's to the table. Because by 2044 IPMS Convention will be in a Hotel lobby in Chicago just like it started.
I'm not pessimistic but it is what it is. I'm a realist.
Why join IPMS old modelers join because that's what are generation does. The generations have changed it behooves us to at least make a careful thoughtful attempt to engage with other modelers.
As a aside one thing that always made me enter a National Convention was the decal sheet and pay full boat was to register even tho I was not putting a model on the table. That was before they sold them thru vendor's at the contest. It was a perk to register in the contest. A exclusive if you may say.
See everyone in Madison.
Ron "Ronbo" Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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1 hour ago, EFGrune said:
Way back before the 2000 show in Dallas the North Central Texas folks tried to have Wednesday (afternoon, noon to 5) as a members only day. What trade show can you, as a non-member, walk into and have the same perks and access as a member. Push back from the vendors and their advocates on the board -- they;ll miss 5 hours of potential sales to the folks who wouldn't pay to support the organization anyway.
To to add Dallas Convention also had busses to go to a local major hobby warehouse. So vendors in the Convention proper were slighted.
I believe non members should pay a premium for access to vendors and the National Convention. And I might add tighter security to control that. I'd stand a post to help with that.
Ron Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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57 minutes ago, ghodges said:
Interesting thought Michael.... and the IPMSUSA Nats is, in those terms of the growth of the contest and the vendors, a victim of its own success!
Having attended 32 Nats since 1978, and having seen it in just about every possible "setting" from convention centers, to hotels, to even a large motel, today's Nats makes those of 20-30-40yrs ago pale by comparison. I can remember when we ran out of vendor space the vendors would overflow into HOTEL ROOMS; not another hall! Now you routinely have major manufacturers like Eduard/Hasagawa/Revell that buy 30-50 tables just for their own purposes, let alone all of the lesser model makers and garage industry types, and the vendors alone take up 2-3 halls. I can recall when the model contest first broke the 1000 model barrier, then the 2000 count, and now 3000+ is not out of the norm.
The HUGE growth in both of those areas has meant we HAVE to find the larger convention centers and facilities, BUT at the same time we cannot afford the prices of those places in the BIG cities and thus have to target "2nd tier" cities to find something big enough and yet affordable. And that limits our choices in both places AND clubs.... as their ALSO needs to be a willing, capable host near enough to that facility!
How do you put limits on the vendors or the contest? To a degree, the vendors already DO have a limit; that being the capacity of whatever facility is being used. But do we cap it JUST to be able to afford and find slightly smaller facilities? You could also put limits on the contest simply by charging a fee per model after the first 1 or 2..... but do we want to do that? If you believe the few polls taken, viewing the models rates among the highest of the things enjoyed most by the attendees. It would seem to be a bad idea to give attendees less incentive to bring fewer models and everyone have less to view. And to cap it off..... MOST attendees rate the vendors and the models as the reasons they even decide to come..... being more important than winning in the contest, tours, the banquet, or seminars. Changing or limiting either of those areas might start a downward spiral in attendance and revenue.
And therein lies the problem with trying to make "change" at the Nats, especially seemingly JUST for the sake of change. Our Eboard really needs to be careful not to destroy the foundation of success the Nats stands on while trying to introduce new ideas and changes to its structure. It'll take a fine balancing act to be able to do both going forward!
Gil
Gil, just some food for thought. Chattanooga was a perfect situation where the city Visitors and Convention bureau worked with the home club in a positive way. Mike Moore the Convention chairman worked with the convention center to bring our National Convention to Chattanooga years before IPMS actually chose Chattanooga to host in 2019.
The Chattanooga club had outgrown their local event space they began looking for other places to hold their annual show they found the Chattanooga Convention Center was willing to work with them with a expectation that somewhere down the road that a National Convention would be held in Chattanooga.
So low and behold the club were able to have their local shows at the Convention Center. This showed me a couple of things. Local clubs who wish to hold a National Convention should work directly with the City Convention and Visitors Centers.
The second thing I learned is that once you have that relationship the hotels get the word that a major Convention is coming to town and may be more likely to work with the local chapter running the Convention.
I personally one of my local clubs hosted a Regional by working with city visitors bureau of Ottawa IL 50 miles from where the home club meets. A vendor turned me on to the thought to having a Regional in Ottawa he happened to live there. He filled me that the town was looking for events in town.
I made the trip with the club President and made a presentation to the local community leaders explained what IPMS is and what we do as holding a contest and would draw modelers from several States.
They liked the presentation they asked us what we needed I told them we needed a place to hold the event then I was truly shocked the visitors committee offered us $750.00 to help find Convention space. Needless to say our club found a space. It was a simple but wonderful event.
The Chattanooga Convention was a perfect storm of a local club working with the city to bring a National Convention to Tennessee. I'm sure that in my experience this Convention was the best experience for members of IPMS. A vendor room as large as a grocery store. Then a model room just as large and enough room for display only that equaled the contest area. The thing that made me happy was the award ceremony where every member who wished to attend was able to see everything no trying to steal a chair to sit in a hallway with a door cracked open to see who won what.
So I don't know maybe build relationships with Visitor and Convention Centers in second and third tier cities and IPMS may gain a more favorable responses to hold a National Convention. I think it is worth exploring. I'm sure post Covid prices and inflation has effected costs.
I have been to Nationals on the West coast and the Midwest the most affordable in my experience is the Midwest. The Mid South is also affordable. But going forward I think you will see that a split in the membership that cannot afford the travel and others that have no problem at all. That over time will affect attendance.
Ron Ronbo Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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17 hours ago, ghodges said:
The Eboard will try to move on..... and rather than just blather here, I tossed my name into the ring to be considered.
BUT..... IN MY APPLICATION I ALSO SAID I WOULD ACCEPT NO APPOINTMENT WITHOUT A SIGNED STATEMENT FROM THE EBOARD THAT THEY WOULD NOT "BOSS" THE NCC, AND LET IT REVERT TO WHERE THEY WORKED THROUGH THE CHIEF JUDGE, AS BEFORE.
As I said above... I'm willing to work towards making changes in IPMS and help if I can, but I will not work FOR them, like some lacky. We'll see who will step up to work for them if they don't loosen their hold on the NCC. While I believe there will be good people with good intentions, I don't see how any "new" NCC can have the experience needed for Madison. Hopefully, for IPMS's sake, I'm wrong. It wouldn't be the first time, after all, I'm married! 😉
Gil
Gil, I put my name in for consideration for the pending R5 coordinator opening. I rather be a part of the Society for as long as I can. I realized that I can offer something rather than yelling from the sidelines.
The last 5 months I really thought it was time just to let my membership lapse. But following this thread has made me reconsider that. I wish you luck in your possible E- board appointment. We have to in it to win it. I can hear Bruno yelling at me as I type. But with you and some like minded members I think and hope that this ship can be righted.
Let's get thru Madison and reset this abomination and put the train back on the track. Then we will see how this will go. I willing and somewhat able to make a difference on a local level.
Time to think about local chapters to stay in the Society there has been rumblings about tagging out and at my age I can be a Walmart greeter for IPMS.
Ron Ronbo Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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5 minutes ago, Bert said:
Here's an idea. I'll count myself in on this. I've been competing in IPMS/USA Nat'l convention contest starting in 1996. (As of now, I've only missed 4). I've been honored to have received awards in almost all I've entered. After a while, how many more trophies do you need? I understand there will be a "for display only" section in the model room at next year's Nats. How about all the consistent fortunate award-winning members stop competing and "display only" your entries? Could this stop some of some of the perceived "insiders club" reactions? IDK
Let the 123 contest continue there will always be a chase for baubles and if that's defines you as a modeler good for you.
But if IPMS wants any chance of the Society going another 50 yrs. The Society has to find a way for the casual modeler hopefully a younger modeler who might find a GSB more palatable to compete in and improve their own modelling skills. I believe that both contests can co-exist it won't be overnight we can't upset the old bulls.
I think as the Society ages out the cut throat contest will winnow down.
And the younger modelers could hopefully fill the gaps. Personally I think younger modelers aren't that enamored with a 123 contest and I could be totally wrong but I also believe that a GSB contest with feedback will get future members into the Society. But whoever's going be on a E-board should have a vision on the future if this Society is to continue for another 50 yrs.
As for me in 20 yrs I will be 81 well past my prime to do anything modeling related.
The 2030 report has some good points and some that needs fine tuning. The time was 10yrs ago but if we do nothing that to me a total disrespect to the Society.
As to Madison I just received a e-mail asking to volunteer to be a judging the contest the I have judged in a only 3 National Conventions always as OJT so I will opt out on the 30 yrs of judging model contests I have a lot to offer but being a 3rd wheel on a judging team to me personally a waste of my talents I'm sure I can be more productive in other areas of the National.
Ron Ronbo Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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30 minutes ago, WasatchModeler said:
Just made it through the discussion and have some questions. If most of the people on the Facebook page are not members, how do we get them to be members instead of trying to remove them? Why are they not members? If a large portion of members don't attend nationals, how do we get them to join? Why do they not attend?
Why are we trying to exclude people than listen to them?
It appears like growing membership is not a concern.
I would assume non members and members see the cost of attending a National Convention somewhat prohibitive unless it's in their backyard.
Facebook is easy access to interact with the modeling community and most modelers are of the casual type.
Most casual modelers aren't interested in a cut throat type of contest. IPMS is not available to many casual modelers. Most can build models without a organized society.
IMPS offers nothing but a magazine that is dated by the time that's its printed. In this day and age the internet is for better or worse is a source of real time information.
Most casual modelers could care less spending money other than spending money for their next kit and building it the way they like.
As for the IPMS webpage on facebook it's a outlet to speak about the hobby and show their models.
IPMS should leave the site as is but IPMS should understand that everyone has a opinion some valid and some not so much. It's electronic either. Some good points and some very horrible but it serves as a window to what is happening in the modeling world.
As to getting non members to join the society that's like flipping a coin. 50-50 at best. Perceived value is in the eyes of the beholder. A magazine and a union of like minded people seems to me a very hard sell to a individual solitary hobby.
I think in the future the leadership of this organization will have to incentivize the casual modeler in some form to increase membership. I'd be damned if I know what that would be. I have ideas but I'll keep those to myself for the time being until this current situation resolves itself.
Ron Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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58 minutes ago, highflight said:
Mike, that has been pondered a lot. "What is the IPMS/USA Value Statement?" See attchd. 2030 Vision Statement that was offered to the Board last August, but has yet to be discussed with any seriousness because of all the turmoil. It may come up soon, but I feel more able to bring it up here, now that I'm no longer a Board member (no offense to the Board intended by that). It can't satisfy everything to everyone, but with some tweaking here and there, it could offer an excellent roadmap for the future of IPMS. IMHO this boils down to a generational thing that, as you point out, we may never be able to overcome without serious pain. Right or wrong, good or bad, there are two completely different sets of morals and values, and a huge culture change at play in this. At the risk of sounding preachy or hokey, being nice, or at least respectful to each other is the important first step. This vision statement mentions not tolerating a bullying atmosphere a lot. That mention is aimed at the extremes on either side of anything. (As a picture for perceptions: social media "rabble rousers" vs NCC & the "old guard") Some groups are better at it than others because a moderate majority in the middle doesn't hesitate to call out any extreme, rather than letting them divide the group. With IPMS's demographics, it doesn't help that the older we get (I'm 68 now, so this hits home), the less effort we tend to put into considering differing points of view. Wearing that as a badge of honor draws lines in the sand that can't be crossed. Pushing a mantra that we all love the same great hobby regardless of our age or preferred subject matter, is key to bridging those generational gaps, and erasing those lines in the sand. The real question is whether we collectively have the ability to do that as individuals, to have a better whole.
This right here was what was needed 10 yrs ago. But I have to laugh just a bit because by 2030 I will be 67 yrs old just not what I remotely thought my retired life would be involved in.
So very absolutely correct with the generational divide. Finding any way to interact with the younger generation will be a positive for the Society it will definitely possibly be a different look to the the current IPMS but in order for this Society to move forward this report is absolutely essential.
Personally I look forward to seeing how this changes the look of IPMS the first time in decades that I feel comfortable with the vision going forward.
Now to try to find technically astute and socially engaging especially to younger potential future members but that is years down the line. Changes in small steps will lessen the shock that the current membership will definitely experience.
I might like to suggest that speaking to the juniors entered in contests local regional and the National to see what engages them to build and enter our contests. To get a better understanding of what makes this hobby tics for them. Most I think do it because a parent has encouraged them. Also 20-30 yrs old modelers may have some insights that may be useful to the Society.
Now my efforts will be used to make the Madison show a successful show. I hope to see everyone who made comments on this thread there. I'll buy a round of your favorite Adult drink.
Ron Thorne Jr
Head Bottle Washer.
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8 hours ago, ghodges said:
"This current Eboard got caught holding the bag"?
I beg to differ! The ONLY new person on this current Eboard after the election was Len Pilhofer, the 2ndVP. Other than that, the entire slate of members ran for re-election. The president resigned shortly after being reelected, and Phil Peterson took his place and now holds the reins of the Eboard. Len Pilhofer just resigned from 2ndVP after only being in the job (possibly) long enough to find out how bad things had gotten and/or how difficult it would be to work with this Eboard (SPECULATION on my part, but reasonable without any other explanation offered).
As for Secretary Rob Booth, from what I understand, he's doing IPMS a service by stepping down, and the only question in my mind is can we recover from the direction he tried to steer the Eboard and IPMSUSA.
And in BOTH cases of the recent resignations, NO explanations are given except "different reasons". Again, I'm waiting for a leader with the guts to declare what the problems are, where the current members EACH stand on those problems, and how they plan to work together toward solving those problems. The past statements implying unity were obviously complete bull, so please don't start off any newly comprised Eboard with some less than transparent statement of "solidarity" unless it's transparent and truthful.
As for the comment "we've done it that way for 50yrs"..... yes.... that can lead to complacency against needed change. BUT, it can also be used (as it was recently) as a tool to try to make radical, unneeded changes. You have to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater or do a complete engine overhaul on something only needing a tune-up! As the old saying goes- if ain't broke, don't fix it. Part of the problem right now is we (the members) are being kept in the dark as to what is broke and how badly broke it is. I believe the President's statement as to the items he listed (except maybe contest status).... but he left out a litany of other things.
I'm still worried when I read the Presidents statement that the Eboard is still trying to create a "Social Media Director" when two MUCH more important positions need filling first. It shows me THIS Eboard still has their focus on the WRONG things, like trying to control FB and creating "ethics committees" (according to the Dec. minutes); when they've communicated NO solutions for revamping the NCC and getting the new contest rules they proposed for Madison printed and rolled out in time. Could THIS be the problem on the horizon causing Eboard members to resign before the crap hits the proverbial fan?
This could indeed be a great opportunity for a couple of people to step up and help guide IPMSUSA back onto a path to of stability and to hopefully rebuild the trust they broke with the membership. But WHY should anyone join the group blindly without knowing why the people they're replacing left? And WHY shouldn't we, as members know that too?
Gil
Gil, just to reply on some of your thoughts and or positions.
#1 The current E-board board got cought holding the bag due to past E-boards hiding all of the things we are seeing now by being not transparent. Also past E-boards chose the path of least resistance. Silence on not so favorable things that should have brought into the light. Truth good or bad should be in the light. All the past sins just cought up to the current E-board.
#2. Rob Booth as Secretary in most organizations the secretary records meeting minutes on what transpired for the record. His input as I see it he has a vote. And now voting I was pleased to see a up and down vote the the Journal nice to see that it's a very small step in the transparency front also as a member it will help form a opinion on how I decide to vote on future E-boards. Just jumping out a limb here the two no votes cought my attention in a positive way.
#3 I think the NCC is dead until the members decide what the National organization and the National contest will change into. Honorable Men and Women will step up to make sure Madison will be a successful National will it be the same as before absolutely not. I have hope that the contest changes over time because if we continue do do what this organization in the past IPMS will wither on the vine we will all die out.
#4 IPMS needs more than a tune up. We need a true forward looking E-board. One that will looks outside to see what is truly happening in the modeling world and engages with thoughts and processes that may beneficial to IPMS at the very least to keep IPMS relevant to the world. Let's take the I in IPMS and truly make International. Right now foreign modelers look at IPMS and laugh or Wiskey Tango Foxtrot. If there's not a massive change over a relatively short time IPMS is doing to blow up like a Ford Pinto. I may be just too late. I hope not but I have hope
Ron Thorne Jr
Head Bottle Washer.
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2 more E-board Resignations no ejector seats on a sinking ship. The announcement leaves me less than confident that IPMS can continue as a viable organization plugging holes adhominem won't cut it.
It's sad that all of this could have been avoided a decade ago. The mantra of " We always done it this way." Really doesn't work for 50 yrs. For the history folks among us we are currently viewing the end of the Roman empire. Just a different type of empire.
The president's statement leaves me less optimistic and somewhat less than truthful sort of like your urinating on my leg and telling me it's raining.
I have no confidence in this E-board except for the DLC and one of the current resignations.
In defense of the current E-board they got cought holding the bag just their dumb luck it had to happen to somebody.
Well so much for the complaining. I do have some suggestions #1. A total rewrite of the Constitution one that doesn't favor the E-board running roughshod without checks and balances. #2. Quit printing the Journal go digital ASAP. I know members treat it like some holy book. The Journal is disimanated by members and non members on the web. Unless you want to add a large legal team everytime it shows up on the internet it will be a big expense and waste of time.
#3. Please remember that all politics are local if IPMS wants to standardize contests to match the National Convention it just won't work. If a club wants to run a contest using GSB for the love of all thing holy let them unless the E-board wants to stand a post and work the local contest. Chapters know what works for them. The chapters are responsible to their own treasury for meeting places and have a contest and pay to be a certified club in the national organization. Just remember a home run in Wrigley Field is different from a home run in Yankee Stadium. Local clubs know they're customers. Better than any National board
I do hope that IPMS goes forward but as of now you cannot even find a gear. Backwards you've been there. Find first gear in the 21st century it's different and will be scary and will take time that I'm not sure that you have. We're getting older. IPMS is not a attractive side gig at our age. Leave it to the young I'm sure IPMS will change I hope to be around long enough to see it. If the young do anything at all. I sure hope so.
Ronbo
Ron Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer.
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Andrew, Gil.
It's very hard to take what the Editor says if he wasn't even at the event. It all amounts to he said she said. But I'll defend his right to say what his take on the situation. But I will say to little and too late.
IPMS better get their minds wrapped around the social media is here to stay. IPMS is living in a vacuum. Editorials go to members and members post or share these on social media and non members alike. The whole world wide modeling community reads and passes on what is printed in the Journal.
The membership will suffer over the continued conflict with IPMS. Editorials like this do nothing to help at all.
Just my 2 cents.
Ron Thorne Jr
Head bottle Washer.
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7 hours ago, ghodges said:
Ron (and all)
Understand that IF David "resigns", the remaining Eboard can appoint ANY member in good standing to replace him, and they WILL appoint someone who's already been behind and with them as part of their cadre, taking away any roadblocks remaining to them. THAT is why I'm asking him to fight on.
If David truly feels he can do no more for IPMSUSA, or it's truly useless, then I also understand his feelings. And, if there's more reasons that he listed above, then I hope he explains further.
My assessment is that the President often forgets he has the "bully pulpit" of the Journal. The VAST majority of the membership has NO idea what's going on, what this Eboard is doing, and where it's gone off of the rails. Dave, like most people may have wanted to avoid putting such politics in front of the membership, but at this point it directly affects in what form IPMSUSA will go on as from here; with an Eboard who cooperates with their appointed committees and chartered clubs, or one which hands down edicts to be obeyed by everybody.
You're right in that in the end, he might be wasting more time when he could be relaxing and modeling. But since he stepped up for reelection, I'm hoping he will reconsider to continue to stand in their way and at least make them publicly act against him so all or at least more of the general membership wakes up to what's going on.
Gil
Gil it might be a situation that he's getting out voted by the others on the E-board just my supposition. It's my understanding the if votes are tied he has the deciding vote. I may be way off base. But that's my understanding at this point in time.
It will take at least till the end of current terms of office are expired to see any meaningful changes made.
I also wish to point out that I don't think the entire E- board has a agenda but if the team can't or won't work together meaningful progress won't be made.
I'm a eternal optimist good men and women will step up to help Madison and future Nationals. I'm of the thought that I can agree to disagree and move on to the greater and better things. It will be a hard road but I have faith and hope and looking for some charity.
Ron Thorne Jr.
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Gil, I applaud your sentiments this resignation if true should have happened after the Journal incident. The damage is already done. Can't put the toothpaste back in the tube.
I personally don't like the man but sending him back into a den of snakes won't change a darn thing. Also if the premise of your letter is true we're damned if we do or don't.
I'm sure his intentions were good but he underestimated his abilities to lead. And the others on the board I'm not sure if he picked his team or not. Better to work with the devil you know than not.
I do think Mr.Lockhart should personally apology to the judging corp. I also apologize for calling half of the modeling world Freeloaders. Ingernance shouldn't ever be an excuse as President of the Society.
Please let Dave go back modeling he doesn't need the hassle. He had his at bat he went down swinging.
No shame just right the wrongs and move on. The Society will have to deal with what is left. IPMS USA will survive tho it's very time limited in my opinion.
Ron Thorne Jr.
Head bottle Washer.
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On 6/20/2023 at 1:20 AM, SkyKing said:
The Executive Board must have seen a different President’s Message from the one that was in my copy of the Journal, for I don’t find anything offensive about it at all. I’ve been a member since 1967, and I’ve seen too many of the “trophy hounds” of which David speaks, as well as too many critics of IPMS on various on-line forums who do nothing but complain and obviously don’t know what they are talking about. I have personally responded to many such critics to address their misconceptions, but usually to no avail; it seems in most cases their minds are made up and there is no point confusing them with facts. So I completely understand David’s point. Further, I certainly didn’t see anything in David’s message remotely hostile toward or denigrating modelers who favor “newer, non-traditional modeling genres such as Gundam/Gunpla, Mecha, MaK, Anime and other Science Fiction subjects” as the Board’s report implies.
I think the Board owes David an apology.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions.
Ron Thorne Jr.
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Italeri has the same truck for considerably less money take a look at Ebay
RONBO
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Just about a year ago we as a society gathered in Chattanooga TN. The world has turned upside down since then. With all the modeling shows being cancelled. I would like to suggest that we take a look back and share some stories and pictures. It would be a great feeling to remember the fun and models.
Looking forward till we meet again.
RONBO. Head Bottle Washer.
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I'm in for a poster. Great art I say.
RONBO.
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They are still there as I type. Don't understand it. After each new event contest whatever. The date is the last line. All of the upcoming contests have a date December 31 1969.
Go figure.
Ronbo
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On the main page it seems that December 31 1969 is a popular date for contests. How can I get on the time machine. I could change all the mistakes I made in my life.
Just kidding. But the dates are wrong.
RONBO Head bottle washer.
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Good Golly Ned, I don't envy being a judge at JAXCON. That is a lot of fine work on the tables.
Gil it looks like another great show.
RONBO.
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The only thing I can think of now is Bob Segar's Turn The Page. Damn Paine,Verlinden my heroes are dying and or retiring I will miss them all.
The clock it sure ticking fast these days.
Ronbo.
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Chattanooga 2019 I think is the correct dates. A month of National conventions that would be a kick butt fun. But at my age I am not sure I could handle all that excitement. Tho I am willing to give it a shot.
Just like France take the whole month of August off. Model stuff all day and night for 30 days.
Just kidding here.
Ronbo.
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I am 99.9% sure the the shop was liquidated.The last I was aware of he was selling Grex air brushes.
The last time I was vending in Tennessee he sold his whole inventory to one man that was at 2 yrs ago.
Ronbo.
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As a vendor and model builder I would never sign such a contract. As a contest participant when I am ready to leave after the judging is completed.I retrieve my models pack them up then take my leave. My models my decision.
As to the vending issue everyone thinks this is a new problem vendors buy out other vendors at shows for decades right at the venue. Nothing new here.The only thing now is the E-bay sellers are more blatant and and undercut the actual worth of the vendor table. The whole reason the are there in the first place. Most that I see at contests cherry pick the table and move on. But some vendors just want to get rid of kits at almost any price. The clubs has made some money by selling the tables in the first place and I have never seen these buyer ever buy out a vendor room. It's not like you have a lot of hobby shops vending anymore you have what I like to call privateers modelers emptying out their collections.
Let's face it most of us have more models than we can ever build. So rather than let someone else in my family or friends deal with it. If someone is willing to give me the proper number to buy my kits I will sell them. The last time I looked I was in America part of this is free and fair trade.
So if one wants to compete in the vendor room one has to be there early and compete . The early bird gets the worm?
Most of the privateers have enough models to keep buying vendor tables for years to come.
RONBO.
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Gil, Trumpeter has produced a 1/24 P-51 D.
The kit was released about 6-8 yrs ago. Also included two resin pilots. Missed you in Chattanooga it was a great show.
Ronbo.
More Resignations
in News and Announcements
Posted
Don, I totally agree when IPMS goes to a professional event holder the size of the show will shrink but the increase in fees will or should cover expenses of the Convention.
Over time the number of chapters will lessen more of doing more with less. Members, chapters will be reduced.
I agree the Journal needs to go if its kept it should be digital. I and some others brought that up 10 yrs ago I saw back then what the cost for the Journal then shocked me for a dated and not at all time sensitive. I also understand we are beholden to volunteers.
Modelers are notoriously frugal it will be interesting to see how that works out.
Ron Thorne Jr.
Head Bottle Washer