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South Carolina Scale Model Mega Show, 18-19 June 2021 in Columbia, SC


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IPMS/Mid-Carolina and AMPS Central South Carolina will be hosting the SC Scale Model Mega Show and IPMS/Region 12 Regional Show at the South Carolina National Guard Armory, 1225 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC 29201.  We're currently scheduled for 18 and 19 June 2021.  The show itself begins at 9AM on Saturday.  We will have food trucks on premises as in the past.  As of now, we believe the Military Museum will also be open, and we will provide driving direction for those who wish to visit the South Carolina State Museum/South Carolina Confederate Relic Room to view the 1/72nd scale diorama of Fire Support Base RIPCORD, built by members of AMPS Central South Carolina and IPMS/Mid-Carolina.

This year, we've decided to focus on the models, not the medals.  Also, we thought it would be nice to have a more relaxed atmosphere, where people can show off all those Pandemic models and spend some time talking with other modelers--in other words, we wanted to make it more of an exhibition with awards available than a head-to-head contest.  We believe that once you experience it, you will find you actually like the idea... 

This show will be unlike anything most IPMS and AMPS members have ever seen.  We're using the best parts of IPMS and AMPS judging and a modified Military Miniatures Society if Illinois (MMSI) exhibition format.  Entrants will be paying for an approximate 30 inch square display space, and can display as many models as will fit in that space.  When they meet the Registrar, they will choose one of their models to be evaluated, and they will also choose a skill level.   The models that have been entered for judging will be evaluated using the AMPS method (employing a 10-point scoring scale) by two teams of two judges each.  The scores will be tabulated (the low score is discarded), and the resulting aggregate score determines whether the model earns an award, and what award it will be (Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal). 

The medal-winning models will then be evaluated using IPMS-style judging to determine the Best in Class and Best in Show winners.  Theme and Special Awards will place preference on medal-winning models; however, in the event no medal-winning models fall within the eligibility rules, these awards will be opened up to all models present that do meet the criteria.   

At the end of the show, each entrant will receive their score sheets with judge's comments.  We have a complete rules package posted to the website (link below), feel free to download them and give them some study.  Anyone who is interested in receiving judges training should contact us at the e-mail address below; we will host a Zoom meeting to train potential judges approximately two weeks prior to show time.

Behind each display table, we will have chairs for the entrants to sit so they can chat with the other patrons who view their work.  We will also have a vendor area--this year, we've again expanded the number of vendor tables, since they sell out quickly.  Grab a chair, sit back, relax, and talk plastic with your friends.  Make new friends, learn new stuff, and basically enjoy a day filled with plastic modeling.  Clubs or groups wishing to have their individual displays together should contact us prior to the show so that we can make arrangements.  Clubs or groups will be allowed to have a club banner and recruiting materials at the display. 

In addition to the "20/20 Vision: Reconnaissance through Time" theme, we've added "When Bad Things Happen: First Responders and Disaster Relief" as a second theme. That's right, we will have TWO theme awards, one for our cancelled show in 2020 (after all, some of you built models to fit that theme--we wouldn't want them to go unheralded!), and another theme for this year.

The Special Awards are:
"Barbarossa!"
"Desert Storm"
"Sink the Bismarck!"
"Racing Around the Clock"
"The Wings of Man"

The eligibility criteria and awards list with sponsors (as of 1 March) is under the "Our Contest" tab on the show website:
https://scmegashow.com/

In light of the current pandemic situation, please be aware that neither IPMS/USA nor its Chapters are liable for any potential transmission of illnesses.  Those planning to attend this event should follow existing safe social distancing recommendations and abide by any local or state regulations regarding gatherings. 

At this time, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has rescinded the "large indoor gathering" restrictions enacted last April, so we believe the way is clear for the show to go on as planned.  Even though the vaccination effort is gaining more and more momentum in South Carolina, and we believe a good many people should be vaccinated by show time, we will still ask all patrons to wear a face covering and be mindful of social distancing and proper hygiene.  We will provide hand sanitizer throughout the building.

Any parties wishing to sponsor an award (Class or Special), please get in touch.  Each award plaque is $30. We also accept general sponsorship donations and raffle donations. Send us an e-mail at scmegashowinfo@gmail.com.

We have sold 37 of the 71 planned vendor tables to date. They sell fast from this point, so if you want one (or know somebody who might want one), contact Tim Darrah at scmegashowvendors@gmail.com for info.

We hope to see you there!

Ralph Nardone, IPMS 33984
President, IPMS/Mid-Carolina Swamp Fox Modelers
Co-Chair, South Carolina Scale Model Mega Show
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