Model Fiesta XXXI

[Mark Aldrich]

Thanks to Dick Montgomery, Matt Neerman and Peter Ortensie for the pictures.

 

 

http://ipmsusa3.org/...odelFiestaXXXI/

Edited March 2, 2012 by Mark Aldrich

[Dick Montgomery]

Thanks to Mark Aldrich for getting the images posted so quickly!

IPMS Alamo Squadron hosted ModelFiesta XXXI on Saturday, Feb 18, 2012. By all measures this year’s event was a resounding success. Vendor tables were at 100% occupancy (150+). Models and modeling supplies were stacked high and deep and if you couldn’t find what you were looking for then you just didn’t look long enough! Notable among the vendors were Hill Country Hobby (San Antonio) and King’s Hobbies (Austin, Tx). Also, Grex was present and there was always a good crowd at the Grex table, with passers-by handling the airbrush rig and “practicing” on a demo board that Grex sets up. Rareplane Detective was present, having traveled across state lines. The facility is always well maintained, with clean and provisioned restrooms, excellent lighting, and wide isles in the vendor area and model display area. The burgers at the snack bar were less expensive and far better than those served by the closest “restaurant” just down the street. The employees at the Civic Center are to be commended for the excellent service they provide, both before and during the event.

First, here are the numbers as reported by the Event Director and the Head Judge.

156 contestants

549 models ( a collection is counted as a single entry, otherwise the total number of models on the table would be inflated beyond 600. The “549” is about average for ModelFiesta and has hovered in that area regardless of external factors that might affect attendance at the event.)

614 general admission tickets sold (does not include children)

745 raffle tickets sold

63 vendors in attendance – (100% occupancy consuming the 150+ tables)

“Best of Show” was a mounted historical figure from Category #755 – Vignettes, completely scratch built by Jim Rice of San Antonio and labeled, “Capturing the Eagle - Waterloo, 1815” of a Napoleonic era horseman. Jim was also presented the “Robert Beebe Award” from the Lone Star Armor Brigade, a “local” Armor club, for Exemplary All-around Modeling Excellence.

The weather was cool and damp most of Friday and Saturday, with temperatures between 53 and 58 degrees, and wiht an intermittent rain falling. While some would consider such weather an annoyance and a hindrance, here in central Texas it is considered a very much welcomed occurrence. The state has suffered through the worst drought on record and any rain is considered good fortune. Other than causing drivers to slow down a bit the rain was considered a positive factor by the “locals” who know it is desperately needed.

The Event Director, Dick Compton, deserves much praise for his leadership and supervision of the event, a responsibility that begins at the conclusion of the previous year’s show. Also, thanks to photographers Matt Neerman and Peter Ortensie, for providing the images you can view at the IPMS website in the “Gallery” section.

Upon arrival, whether it is Friday evening or Saturday morning, vendors are met at the loading dock by volunteers. These volunteers load the vendor’s gear onto large flatbed carts and transfer the goodies to the vendor’s assigned table. While the volunteers are unloading the vehicle the Vendor checks in with Dee Jacobs, the Vendor coordinator, who has the floor plan for the vendor area laid out on a map, showing the vendor their designated spot, and finalizing any last minute details. Vendors always express their appreciation for the highly organized manner in which the check-in process is accomplished, and always thank the volunteers who move the vendor’s goods from truck to table.

Participant entry and model registration begin at 9am. Under the guidance of Matt Oldham, the Head Registrar, the registration line moves rapidly, getting the modelers and their entries into the model display area as quickly and efficiently as possible. All of the forms are available on line and many entrants arrive with their forms ready for processing. The participant travelling the greatest distance was a gentleman from southern Holland who usually attends the IPMS Belgium event held about this same time of year, but he found this to be the perfect time to visit San Antonio and attend the show.

Throughout the day, Lee Forbes, the Presentation Coordinator had a number of people that visitors could meet, speak with, and enjoy. Several Aces and Aviation Notables are on hand to provide autographs, pose for pictures, and to shake hands with. The Tuskegee Airmen have a well-supplied booth set up. Fans can meet and greet The Airmen as well as pick up some souvenirs. Throughout the day, various guest speakers conduct presentations and seminars. This wide ranging list of topics provides the participant an opportunity to sit and relax, and also “learn from an expert”.

Alamo Squadron always provides a space for IPMS-USA to set up a table. John Dinsmore, (my Co-Coach at the Wounded Warrior facility) and I took turns manning the IPMS station. We use that table to establish an IPMS presence, recruiting new members, helping current members to renew or extend their memberships, and also to set up a Donation Station, in which goodies for the Wounded Warriors are collected. This year, the IPMS Table set two new Region 6 records. John and I processed 31 membership transactions and also received one of the largest donations of modeling items ever received for the Support the Troops program. Sienna Properties of Austin, Tx. donated a huge supply of models to the program. An accurate count will be conducted over the next few days and weeks. The donation was as stunning as it was unexpected. During the course of the day many vendors and participants also donated models to the Support the Troops program and each and every donation is gratefully accepted. Also donating items were Chuck Adams (CMToys), IPMS Alamo Squadron, IPMS North Central Texas, IPMS Ft. Worth, Gary Gerrachi, Bryan Studley and family, “Doc” Webber, and a large number of other individuals who chose to remain anonymous.

Judging, under Rob Booth, Head Judge, was well organized, smoothly executed, completed prior to the stated time, and allowed for a smooth and enjoyable award presentation. Judges come from Austin, Ft.Worth, Dallas, Houston, Louisiana, and many other cities, with some local San Antonio volunteers sprinkled among the judging teams to fill them out. Without the effort put forward by these volunteers the contest would, indeed, be difficult to complete, and it is to these individuals we say “thanks” for being neutral and honest in the judging process.

[MattLeBlanc]

Looks like a great show as usual!!!!

[Mark Aldrich]

Added an additional 265 picture to th gallery!!!!!!!

Edited March 3, 2012 by Mark Aldrich

[ghodges]

Looks like another great show, upholding their long tradition!

 

GIL

Edited March 3, 2012 by ghodges