I’m really trying to organize a trip for myself to IMPS Nationals in 2008 (Virginia Beach)…between the show itself AND Dragon Expo going on right across the street, I can’t imagine it wouldn’t be worth the price of a plane ticket and admission. [:D]
The only thing that would top it off for me (other than free kits!) would be to get to meet a bunch of YOU GUYS! I understand it may be a bit early to expect people to have plans (see subject line), but is anyone else intending to make the pilgrimage to modeling’s holy grail this coming year?
I can only imagine some of the conversations about field-applied zim or the pros/cons of various types of DML tracks over a few beers…[(-D]
Hmmm…I do have relatives in Virginia. Virginia Beach anywhere close to D.C.? I went to the 2007 Nats in Anaheim and it was great! I’d love to go again and finally meet other members of these forums!
I’d go but I’m an AMPS guy myself… I consider THAT to be the Holy Grail, especially for us armour guys! But I do wish you all a nice trip, even though it is early, and I do expect loads of pics LOL With a baby on the way, it’s unkown WHAT will come up LOL
I’m not sure right now. The only definite on my radar screen right now is AMPSEAST next Sept. Maybe some others in the northeast, on a weekend at drive distance.
I agree though, it would be great to get a whole bunch of us togeather (what a scary thought).
I hear you about AMPSEAST, too…amazing that I may actually be booked for that day already. Ugh. Let’s see what I can do about clearing the schedule for that day…[:-^]
(ahem)… if I can add to CDNTanker25. May I humbly offer that every one of you at least consider the AMPS International Convention 2008 (April 10-12) being held at the WW2Victory Museum in Auburn IN?
Some highlights:
for the price of registration (contest, vendor rooms, etc.) you also get full access to the museum, one of the largest single collections of WW2 vehicles extant. There are over 150 vehicles alone (not including artillery) – some of which are the sole surviving examples. The bulk of it is stuff nabbed off the Ardennes battlefields – so there’s lots of arcane German stuff. Have a look here.
the AMPS model contest is just fantastic. Using the “AMPS” rules, models are awarded based on a set criteria, not on a 1-2-3 basis in competition with other models on the table. It’s hailed by many as a very rewarding judging system. The draw for the top AFV models around the world is amazing. The quality on the table is just stunning (if I say so myself!)
Vendors: over 100 tables with most of the major US aftermarket sellers, online houses, publishers, etc. We get several Cdn and European vendors too. Examples include Formations, Archer Transfers, Armoured Brigade, PSP, M&Models. Bring the check book!
Besides the excellent host venue, we are scheduling two field trips on Thursday, April 10 to the Ropkeymuseum in Crawfordsville, IN and the Historical Military Armor Museum in Anderson, IN.
Seminar Speakers: Thus far, we have ten confirmed speakers:
Nick Cortese, author and frequently published modeler. Topic: scratchbuilding and advanced modelling techniques.
Chris Mrosko, author and frequently published modeler. Topic: Model Photography
Robert Manasherob, IDF reserve officer, former Latrun Museum staffer, author of recent books on the Achzarit & Puma and Sherman M50 and M51. Topic: current IDF AFV research.
Ron Volstad, military subject artist, DML and Concord artwork. Topic: Uniform and vehicle research.
Tom Jentz, author and German WW2 researcher. Topic: current German AFV research.
Mark Steacy, author and German WW2 camouflage researcher. Topic: Wehrmacht and Waffen SS zeltbahn research
Bill Chilstrom, award winning figure and diorama specialist. Topic: powerpoint on his massive diorama which includes 23 scratchbuilt figures
More importantly, our ten also include three WW2 tank combat veterans of different nations. Not only did these three experience combat and can relate their wartime experiences, but each is thoroughly conversant with their particular vehicles and the tactics involved.
Mr. John “Jack” Irwin (USA). US 3rd Armored Division, ETO, 1945. Mr. Irwin wrote about his experiences as a 20-year old gunner aboard M4A3 Shermans and the T26E4 “Super Pershing” during the final months of the European landwar in his memoir “Another River Another Town”. He has spoken to current US Army tankers in training and has graciously agreed to speak to our show attendees.
Mr. Gerry Chester (UK). North Irish Horse tank regiment, Tunisia and Italy 1943-1945. Mr. Chester has compiled a stirring narrative of his combat experiences – serving as a wireless operator in several marks of the Churchill tank in the Mediterranean. His unit killed German Panthers and Tigers using the oft-misunderstood Churchill Infantry tank. Mr. Chester has frequented the various AFV modelling forums, adding his first-hand knowledge of the Churchill tank and British operations in general in the MTO. Previously residing in Arizona, Mr. Chester now travels between various friends and family – spanning several countries. He’ll make a “stopover” to Indiana next April.
Mr. Wolfgang Kloth (Ger). 2nd Panzer Division (Heer). Eastern Front 1943-1945. Mr. Kloth joined the German Wehrmacht in 1943 and was posted as an officer candidate, commanding Panzer IIIs and Panzer IVs in the East. Wounded several times, he eventually was returned to train crews in StuG IIIs. He finished the war as part of the armor contingent in the surrounded Kurland pocket having spent his entire career fighting the Russians. After Soviet captivity, he escaped E Germany to the West, eventually immigrating to the USA in 1951. Mr. Kloth is an active advisor and friend to re-enactment and modelling groups in the Midwest.
Pre-registration will begin on Jan 1. The clock is ticking. About 140 days left! Feel free to email me w/any questions as I’ve been tapped to be the poobah in charge. See you in IN with your models!
Wow, that’s really something Roy! April is not as far away as we might think! I really need to see if I can make a trip to the AMPS Conv. Thanks for the info!
I live just south of DC in Northern VA. The trip to VA Beach takes about 4 hours. It’s past Norfolk Naval Base in the tidewater region of VA. I will still be overseas during the AMPs but would like to make the IPMS.
I was very excited to hear it was in VA Beach next year and as I work there I will be in attendance. Think it would be a great idea for some of us to have a get together, cant wait. Lets get a list together and make plans for a meeting. And yes it’s scary.
Sidure - wow, IPMS Nats right where you live. Too cool! Are you entering any builds?
I’ll put something like this out a BIT closer to the event, probably June or July and put together a list of attendees, and hopefully figure out a place/time where we can all hook up. By then I’m sure a lot more people will know if they’re coming. Can’t wait!
Roy - sadly I don’t think I can book another trip for myself this year…which is disappointing because that’s a pretty amazing lineup of speakers you’ve set up. Is AMPS always in Indiana? I seem to remember reading somewhere that it’s occasionally on the east coast somewhere, but I could be thinking of something else. Ahhh! Too many good events…so little time. [V]
Dupes-do you have a link to the IPMS info? (yes, I know that I could Google it and get the link, but I’m lazy…[zzz]). Might have to put it on the ‘maybe’ list.
I just checked that website and found the following:
Time until the 2008 IPMS-USA National Convention:
235 Days, 16 Hours, 39 Minutes, 38 Seconds
Dupes - if you don’t mind having a half-baked newbie like me tagging along, I would love to participate. I’ve never been to a modeling “anything” and if I am to attend a show or convention, this looks like the one to go to.
I’ve got a zillion frequent flyer miles, so the plane fare won’t be an issue for me.
“Half-baked newbie”…I wouldn’t worry too much about that. I can’t be much more than a three-quarters baked newbie at best. [;)] To tell you the truth, I’ve also never been to a modeling “anything”! Figured I may as well do it right the first time. [^] I am trying to line up a few “local” contests to go to, but “local” means about a 6 hour drive around here…
Would be honored to hang with you! Gonna have to come up with some “FSM Forum” badges or something so we know who to look for…