Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know of my experience with some of the vendors at Nationals.
The first gentleman I had the pleasure of talking to was Alain Gadbois of Fusion Models. These guys do resin converion kits and scenery for dioramas. They’ll be releasing a Soviet LaGG-3 in 1/48 scale in the near future. What really caught my eye was the DB 605 conversion kit for the Spitfire V. Alain had many examples of his work and it all seemed to be high quality. Give these guys a look! http://dp9.com/fusion/index.htm
Next, I had a chance to chat with the owner of Nostalgic Plastic. These guys have more kits than you could shake a stick at! If you’re into odd aircraft, give these guys a look. They’ve got a ton of manufacturers who put out real off the wall stuff!
I also saw that Bill Koster was there. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him, but it was very cool being around a legend in conversion kits. He had a bunch of kits there, as well as numerous examples of his work. Very cool!
Finally, I had the distinct pleasure of talking with our own Gerald Voight. This is the guy behind Hawkeyes Hobbies, and the Talon Acrylic NMF line. I spent a good 20 minutes chatting with this guy and I can say, he flat out gets it. From the business end to the building end, he knows what he’s doing. Gerald, it was a pleasure meeting you!
Well guys, thanks for letting me talk to you about some of the cool people I got to meet. Anyone else have a good experience?
I was there and talked to some of the vendors. I’m not good with names so I don’t know who I talked with. Can’t remember anymore! As for a good experiance I don’t know. I saw some really nice models but I think it might have been better if they would have had the lights turned up! I thought it was too dark in the hall where they had the models, but thats just my opinion.
Agreed on the lighting! I forgot to mention that because I’d been blabbing too much, but it was dark. It seems like that is a Columbus phenomenon. Our local show is held in the Aladin Shriner center and it is D-A-R-K!!! The Convention Center was a serious upgrade from what I’m used to, but still too dark!
Speaking of Gerald, just to let you know, I’ve been using your scriber and the Talon metallic paint, so far its great. I’ve been looking for an Acrylic based metallic paint alternative for Alclad for quite a while. Thumbs up!
Two years ago, when Columbus was awarded the convention, the room in which the models were had numerous chandeliers which provided better lighting. Along came 5 dollar gas, and other increased energy prices and the Convention Center removed the bright lights and installed smaller, high efficiency lighting. Great for dinners and dances but not so hot for judging models. I don’t think I’ve heard a single complaint about the judges and their little flashlights looking for mistakes this year.
There is a good recomendation for you if you are putting on a show like the IPMS Nats, or even a regional – keep in touch with the convention coordinator about facilities changes - like lighting.
That was my biggest complaint other than spending WAAAY to much money in the vendor areas! Best of all my wife was with me and actually encouraged me to buy stuff! I’m a lucky guy.