PennCon 2011

I brought some models to compete, but didn't win anything.  I wasn't surprised by that, my skill level isn't up to contest contention (yet?).

It will be... Takes time, effort, and lot of learnin' from the other Auld Pharts (grumpy as we may appear to be )... How much you learn, and how fast you learn is entirely up to you though, and few things in life allow you that much control, as this beloved hobby of ours does...

Building the kits to enter is the MOST important step...  For the first few contests, it's not so much about what you bring to the contest, but rather what you bring away frrom it...  I've won a few, lost a lot, but never missed an opportunity to learn a new trick, tip, or hint while i was there...

If you aren't already an IPMS member, consider it.. The Quarterly rag alone is worth it... Well, usually... Three outta four issues...

Have you posted any of those builds of yours (in their respective forums) with more shots (to include close-ups) of the models, and more about them yet? Really can't tell much from a shot of a model on a on a table...

Hi Hans,

Thanks for the reply.  I was worried that with all the other "stuff" going on this weekend, that my post would get knocked off the first few pages fairly quickly and not get noticed.

I do have an old thread for the spaceship that I half forgot about.  I'll get that updated and add new threads for the other ones.  Then I'll come back here and post links to those threads.

I have toyed joining IPMS, my Dad was a member back in the '70s and I have some of his old issues.  I even went through them last year and indexed them for future reference.  No IPMS chapter close enough for convenience, but if the periodicals are fairly good, I'll have to look into it again.

Mostly what I bring away from the contests (been to three so far) is "Wow!"  There was one at the show, an instrument panel from a Me109 (I think), about 1/6 scale.  Lots of details.  It was "Wow!".

I really like what they do at PennCon for awards - models that pass the basic standards are awarded a bronze, silver, or gold medal.  Then the best in each category gets an award.  Last year I took my Stryker and got a bronze (/forums/t/105561.aspx).  I felt that model was the best work I ever did, and getting a bronze at the show put me on top of the world.  And I don't know for sure, but I think every entry in the Junior category gets a medal.  This year a little 8-year old girl got three medals and she looked absolutely ecstatic.  People can say what they want about rewarding mediocrity, and her work was not great, but I think the positive reinforcement for a little kid just starting out could keep her in the hobby in later years.  Kudos again for the club that runs PennCon.

Anyway, I've got to get pictures uploaded and threads started.

Paul

Link to first thread - Porsche.

Link to second thread - Spaceship.

Link to third thread - Sherman.

Link to fourth (final) thread - Vultee.

Paul

on what Paul said about PennCon. Great show and a lot of great models. I've got about 50 pics from the show but I'm having trouble getting them to Photobucket and back to the Forum. Had this problem a couple of times before. Takes a while to sort it out. Will get them up S.A.P.

Jim

I am the 4th of the group. So sorry I had to miss the show. But as Paul said the shows are GREAT and I hope to be going to the next one.

Bud

I was worried that with all the other "stuff" going on this weekend, that my post would get knocked off the first few pages fairly quickly and not get noticed.

Nah.. I was watchin' out for ya...

 Haf I known that this:

kit was your choice for a Sherman model, I'd have paid better attention to your Armor build... But I've been outta the AFV business for a few months and tied up with aircraft... But missing someone that's building a great Monogram classic like that kit is, I offer no excuse.. Only apologies.. That was the second Armor kit I ever built, back when they still came with Shep Paine's Diorama tips.. (The M48 was the first)

Perhaps you'll be interested in the next round of the Monogram Mafia Group Build.. The first one (winding down now) was a really sucessful one..

You cetainly have the beginnings of a future Monogram Mafioso...

I'm very impressed that you enter shows, and with four really different subjects. Thanks for sharing, they look great.

Hans - I like the Monogram and Revell kits.  They can be fast and fun to put together. And inexpensive often as well.  I have done many of those and have several in my stash.  I do have several Tamiya as well (but I never bought any full price, only on discount or won at a show ).  No Dragon kits yet for me, not sure I like all the fiddly bits they come with.

I tried a Group Build when I first joined, but my modeling time comes in fits and starts so it's hard to make a commitment. Might try again sometime.

I have the M48 that my Dad built (if it is the same one - the Love Bug?)  He gave it to me, along with all his other old modeling stuff about 7 years ago.

I'm usually not very good about keeping up with WIPs (that previously mentioned 'fits and starts'), but the next Monogram or Revell I start, I'll try to remember to let you know.

bondoman - Thanks.  Four categories this time because: 1 & 2) I like armor and planes, 3) car was a lark build for my wife, and 4) SF for the memorial spaceship.  The categories we should have brought stuff for was ships (only one entry for military none for civilian) or civilian aircraft (again, only one entry).

Paul