IPMS?

you do have to be a member. I think it's about $30 for an adult year. go here

http://www.ipmsusa.org/

but you get a magazine for the year so it's not bad at all. Just sign up, go to the site I posted. at shows, I havn't been to one the size of nats, but at bigger shows just make sure your entry-forms are correct, as at smaller shows they have a lot more time to help out if you make a mistake.

You don't have to be a member to attend the Nats as a spectator, but you do have to be a member to enter models in the competition.

Membership is $25 per year & that includes a subscription to the IPMS Journal magazine,  published 6 issues per year.  The journal is well worth the annual fee.  You also get discounts on entry fees at most IPMS sponsored events.

Google IPMS USA for more info.

Regards,  Rick

Get there early & buy at least 20$ worth of raffle tickets... You will walk away with 2-3x that in draw prizes. (conservative guess)

If you have time look at the possible categories your model can enter, if more than one this time will help decide which division your model will best be entered in.

Most of all have fun, enjoy the day as its all about models, techniques and meeting like minded enthusiasts. Nationals in anything is serious, everyone there went at one time for the first time.

fermis had a funny story about his 1/24 scale plane w/ motorized propeller, he turned it on and it flew off skipping across several tables! Guess it wasn't too funny at the time...

Thanks for the info you guys!

I was not planning on entering..don't you have to have win a regional contest to be considered for nationals anyway?

There are some local IPMS chapters in Lincoln (where I go to college), but I have no way of getting to their meetings because I don't have a car...

about how many people attend the  nationals? Do you have to be present to win in the raffles?

OWL

You don't have to have won a Regional or an Invitational IPMS Contest to enter a model in the Nats.

You don't have to be a member of a local IPMS Chapter, but you do need to be a member of IPMS USA or International affiliate.

Regards,  Rick

is this the same for apms because i'd be happy to have my models judged

aquatic plants management society?!?!  lol!  

OWL

lol no  this i  think its a better modeling society

http://www.amps-armor.org/ampssite/shows.aspx

The two orginazations are different in their methods and goals, but are both great to be part of. I am active with local chapters of AMPS and IPMS but not in the national level. AMPS is an armor specicific group where as IPMS is open to all modleing subjects. Very much Apples and Oranges between teh two in styles as well. At the very least you get to meet lots of local fellow modelers, exchange ideas with them, and learn all sorts of great stuff. I have greatly improved my builds since participating with both groups. If you want to improve your skills, those are the places to do it. The national level is like being here, you can learn lots, but the face to face stuff is limited. The local stuff can really give the hands on and question and answer time that reduces the error part of trial and error.

I've only been to one Nationals, but I assume it was representitive of most. There were easily 2000 models on display and the dealer room was like the worlds greatest hobby shop, so I would definately recommend you try and attend if you are lucky enough to have one held somewhat locally to you, even if you don't enter any models of your own.

As mentioned the IPMS Journal is included with your subscription and it is a pretty good stand alone model magazine similar in style to FSM.