The 10th Annual Air Zoo Model Contest, sponsored by IPMS Kalamazoo & IPMS Western Michigan, was held yesterday at the AIR ZOO Museum in Kalamazoo Michigan. Attendance & entries were down from last year, but I think that’s more related to the Michigan economy & the price of gasoline than to a diminishing interest in modeling. FSM was there taking pics, represented by FSM Associate Editor Aaron Skinner. I had the pleasure of meeting Aaron & chatting briefly about the magazine & modeling.
Competition was still as stiff as ever, with a large number of excellent models on display. I was fortunate to recieve two First Place Awards, one Second Place Award, a Best Out Of The Box Award & was especially honored to recieve the Best Senior Modeler Award.
Here’s a few pics of some of the great aircraft entries.
It was nice meeting you on Saturday. I wish I had had more time to talk but the modelers kept me hopping with all the great models to shoot. The museum is the perfect backdrop to the contest (Nothing like looking up and seeing an SR-71 looming over the tables. The numbers may have been down, but there were plenty of well-built models on display.
If I were ever to enter anything in a contest, this is the one I would try to do it in. Top future contenders would be my Zveno 7 and/or Spruce Goose. Right now my best bet would probably be my Bv 222 w/ scratchbuilt trolley.
The first contest or two wouldn’t really be to win anything, but to just show off some stuff I’ve done.
Next year, perhaps. Me going, that is. Entries may be a few years down the road.
Lucien, there are 3 major shows in Michigan each year. IPMS Bay City is the smallest show, usually held in early March. SEMMEX in Warren is about the same size as AIR ZOO & is usually held in late March or early April. AIR ZOO is a cool show, especially being held in an aircraft museum. Exact dates & locations can be found on the IPMS USA web site. If you decide to attend any of these, give me a heads up, I’d like to meet you.
