Jarrod and I attended the recent BLIZZCON 23 model show and contest this weekend. As indicated in the title, it is part of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) shows. This one was hosted by the Eddie Rickenbacker modeling club in Columbus Ohio. Placement in the top three best of each category qualifies the model for the IPMS Regional shows and if you place there it would be on to the Nationals. To be fair, even though it is called the "International" society, the shows or contests attract really only people from up to 400 miles away. The Regional shows normally take up 6-7 states in North America or up to perhaps 600-800 miles. Of course the National contest is the final show for North America. It would be something special to have a show that truly shows the best from all the continents.
Originally, I was not planning on competing in the contest, only to go look and perhaps buy some items from the large vendor area. Likewise I was only planning on going myself because the care for Jarrod would've been complicated and I thought nobody else in the family being a model geek most likely did not want to go anyway. Around three days prior to the show Jarrod became insistent that he want to be part of the trip and help me (smile). As that evolved, my 40 year old daughter told me she also wanted to go (along with her 1 year old daughter). As I explained the show they were simultanously telling me about the models I should bring to compete or just show. After a day of that I resigned myself to bring the three of them and six models to the show. Once I figured a way to pack them I carefully loaded them in the back of the handicapped van, hoping things would not slide around. Then came the baby's back pack, Jarrod's service bag, Jarrod in his wheelchair, the baby's car seat, my daughter Misty, and finally me,.... off we went leaving promptly at 09:00 with on-line directions in hand
Our drive was a little over an hour. The drive and access into the venue was easy and simple. Best of all, every model arrived with no issues. The BLIZZCON event started at 09:00 for general admission and registration. Normal admission was $5.00 per person unless you were participating in the contest, then it was $5.00 for your first three models or $10.00 for anything more than three contest entries. The contest display area was very nice, clean, large, clearly marked by category, and well lighted. Early on it was clear to see that the participation in the contest was going to be large (well over 300 models covering all subjects ands skill levels). Some of the modeling categories had so many entries that they had to expand certain areas to accommodate them. Judging started promptly at 12:00 and lasted 3 and 1/2 hours with a large panel of judges present.
Along with the contest area they also had a vendor area with over 60 large sized vendors, but no direct manufacturer displays. While in the vendor area you could smell the wonderful food court area serving brats, hotdogs, foot long chili dogs, burgers, chili, fries, and much more. Food pricing was reasonable and the food was delicious. An area just off the vendor section had a raffle giving away around 100 kits based on the raffle tickets each person bought. A silent auction was being conducted for around 10 built-up kits which people could bid on to purchase and some were very, very, nice builds.
We wish we could've taken photos of all the models that placed in each category, but the conclusion of the show and last minute timing of participants models most likely prevented that. What we did was pass through the contest room three times between 09:30 and 11:45 and take photos of what we thought was special. There were definitely more than what our photos show but due to time and a crowded contest floor it was impossible to take any more then we did. What we have in our photos is only a sliver of what was being displayed.
Here they are, but not placed in any order or ranking other than main subject like aircraft, figures, military armor and soft skin, ships, etc. Please take a moment to enjoy the photos; and here they are:
NOTE: For a complete list of winners and their contest photos by category please visit the BLIZZCON or IPMS Eddie Rickenbacker web sites.
SHIPS:
AUTOMOTIVE COMMERCIAL AND LAND VEHICLES:
FIGURES OF ALL SCALES:
SCI-FI AND SPACE OF ALL SCALES:
ARMOR AND ALL LAND MILITARY VEHICLES:
AIRCRAFT ALL TYPES AND SCALES:
Looking at the very skilled and stiff competition, and not knowing anyone hosting the show or the judges, I really did not expect any kind of placement for the items I brought (no special treatment or politics, which is a good thing). My daughter, after seeing what was there said, " Well Dad, at least you got to show some stuff, it's not all about winning". Near the conclusion of the show I realized she was totally right. I had absolutely one of the funnest days in recent memory sharing it with Jarrod, my daughter, and one of my grandchildren. I've always said that the joy is in the peace and enjoyment derived from the build and the completion of something to a certain level of satisfaction. I believe that may not be the whole story. That day I found that a major part of the hobby is sharing it with loved ones and the camaraderie found sharing ideas with like minded individuals who enjoy the hobby as much as you.
When the awards were being announced Jarrod and I ended up getting:
- a second place in the stock automobile class with our 1/16 Thomas Flyer
- a second place in sofy skinned military all scales with the 1/18 SAS Jeep:
- a first place and Best of Show for ships with our 1/350 1941 USS Arizona
I was gobsmacked and after picking myself off the floor we packed up and went home. While I honestly did not think for a moment I could achieve those results, it is somewhat pleasing to know that fellow modelers and judges appreciate the work you put into modeling. I can tell you that if I was doing the judging, I am not so sure I would have placed or won almost anything. The thing I won and love the most is the sharing of the day with family and the never ending love of my son, Jarrod, who totally enjoyed attending. Our evening concluded by going home and later taking the family out to a nearby steak house for dinner.
Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of our modeling experience. Members and viewers like you make all this happen. In this small instance, I (we) were just the eyes and ears for this event, or for that moment. We look forward in following your build blogs and viewing your results in the future, until then take care.
Ben, Jarrod, Misty, and Charlie