Hi Guys,
Just wanted to do a follow-up on the IPMS-Syracuse NY SYRCON Regional contest, as there was some chatter about it here, most specifically about my doing a weathering demo at it. Well, the demo never happened, and I apologize to anyone who showed up to see it. To be honest, it was me myself who suggested that it be postponed until nex year, after a very limited turnout put the show in a crisis state of not having enough judges to allow for judging to get done in a timely fashion, which would have kept everyone there for a lot longer. I told Tony (lexesbenz) to wait and see ifthere wold be enough judges to fill out the 3-man teams, and when it was clear that we would have been woefully short, I decided that for the benefit of everone, it would be better if I helped judge, and not pull away even more people with the promise of the demo session, which was slated to run concurrently with the judging. ANother thing that might've hurt the pull of the demo was that it was a last-minute thing; the boys didn't even have time to put it on the flyer, so it was spread only by word of mouth and here, briefly. Next year, we'll put it on the flyer.
We were kinda bummed--gas has recently dropped here by over 50 cents, with it being available now for around $2.90, and I really thought that the turnout would be higher. That being said, I did really well, but I felt kinda cheesy taking a few trophies in which I was the only entry, such as "Turretless AFV's", and "Natural Creatures", in which I entered my Historex Horses collection which I'd built for Jenn.
I did get some nice "End Awards"--Best Diorama and Best of Show" (2nd year in a row) for "The Lair of the Rust Bunnies", and "Iron Man", where three models in different categories are judged cumulatively for an overall vote. I also was very proud to take 1st in "Factory Stock" for my Revell 69 Superbee in a category which was relatively well-populated.
Picked up some goodies, too--some 1/72 buildings, and some tools--a mini-chisel set that looks very versatile. Held off on new kit purchases though; my stash reallyneeds trimming, and I'm bracing for the heating bills this winter.
Well, here's some pics...
Some shots of the scarcity of entries taken around 11:30 AM; judging started at 1:00.
A decent selection of vendors..
This naval crane was 100% scratchbuilt.
This train was nicely done, but the guy completely missed painting the wheels inside! If you notice, this is an example of "splinter camo", the likes of which I recently used on my 7.5 cm Sturm Kanone auf Pz.Kpfw. 38(t).
A really nicely done partly-scratchbuilt farm truck.
Kind of a cool Iraq dio for you vets here...
My friend Bob's outstanding, winning motorcycle entry...
This is the model that took "Best Armor" as wel as the AMPS award--very well deserved! Although I couldn't judge this category, due to having my jagdpanzer Kanone in the "Tank Destroyers" category, I "voted" this one the winnner as well. An outstanding finish!
The day's haul.
Has anyone else noticed the turnout being down at local shows?