IPMS 2024 National Convention
I spent the weekend in Madison Wisconsin at the International Plastic Modelers Society 2024 National Convention. I brought my 1/48 Academy CH-46D Helicopter to display as well. To start off the Mad City Modelers hosted a great show. The Monona Terrace Convention Center was a very nice location, right on the shore of Lake Monona.
There were over 2600 models on display and a large area of vendors selling model kits, tools, paints, decals, etc. One of the models that I was very impressed with was a 1/35 scale CH-37C “MOJAVE” helicopter. This was not a kit but completely scratch built! I did not place in the top three of my class but I did receive a lot of positive feedback.
There were a few friends that I know from Facebook and we were able to finally meet face to face. Some fellow modelers from the local IPMS chapter I belong to also attended. If you are interested in building models in the northwest suburbs of Chicago I encourage you to check out one of our monthly meetings. More information can be found on the club website at https://ipms-mckinstry.org/
One of the traditions at these shows it to place a poker chip or pin on a model you are impressed with. I received two chips and a pin for my helicopter. Every convention there is a special edition decal set. This year following the Red, White, and Blue theme Sprue Brothers supplied special markings for an F-14, an F-4, an F-16, and an F-35 in 1/48 scale. There was also a pin if the show logo and a 60 year anniversary pin for the IPMS-USA which was started in 1964.
Finally, after visiting all the vendors I ended purchasing three reference books and the Eduard 2024 limited edition 1/48 B-17F from the “Bloody 100th Bomb Group”. This group was recently the subject of a mini-series called “Masters of the Skies” and how the precision bombing of Germany in World War II aided in ending the war in Europe.
For those interested in attending one of these spectacular shows the 2025 Nationals will be 6-9 August 2025 in Hampton, Virginia. They also announced the 2026 Nationals which will be in Fort Wayne, Indiana (dates to be determined).
This week I will be getting back to work on the 1/48 YF-23, stay tuned for an update on this build.
Thanks for the information and photos. Congratulations on the chips and pin!
What a spectacular show, David!
Congratulations on your awards!
So many models beautiful presented during this show is impressive, David @davids_models
Glad you were rewarded with two chips and a pin as well
That's some impressive work.
Looks like some great models, David @davids_models. I am sure you also got a chance to score some goodies from the vendors. Thanks for posting the photos.