Hi gents; here is a report from the NOVA show. The club did well! Chad was indeed the man at the show, winning three Silvers and one Gold. Scott walked away with two Golds! I got two Golds and one Silver and Jeff nabbed a Bronze. What a great Raven hood showing.
The REALLY big news is that Martin was presented with the Region II IPMS member of the Year Award for 2024!!! Everyone in our club should be proud of Martin and our young club for this significant accomplishment! Congrats Martin!!
-Chris
Note from Chad: Below are photos of the club entries and some photos of the tables and some other models that seemed photo-worthy. However, if you want to see EVERY model that was entered, Wes Shull of the NOVA club has a video up that looks like it does a good job of showing everything: https://youtu.be/kL4W_jFrJlo?si=k4P_UHS50_bA4woX
A coworker who’s into old cars told me about this show and said the model contest was always pretty impressive. Decided i had to go check it out.
As far as model contests go, this one was on the smaller side, but the quality of work was still VERY high. The entire contest is automotive themed, so this aircraft guy didn’t have much to enter. I brought my micro machines, the Lotus Ford and custom Harley.
I didn’t expect either of them to win once I saw the competition but somehow my Lotus managed to steal a 3rd place! Even if I hadn’t won though, it was still fun to go and see everyone’s work and chat with other builders. There were a decent number of Semi entries, as well as a category for Rust and Dust that Scott would’ve done very well in. He’d have cleaned up in the diorama category too. They even have a “Novice” category which is for anyone who has never competed before, so nobody has an excuse to not attend. I know it’s a bit of a treck for you northerners, but we should put together a trip next year. I think we could have a good showing.
The vendor section was pretty small but there was a huge variety of car and truck models, as well as aftermarket add-ons and accessories – even i was able to find something that looked interesting enough to take home. The raffle was also done MUCH better than the other shows I’ve been to, with each item having a bag beside it that you could deposit your tickets into. There were over 40 raffle items, but I was able to focus just on the 3 things I wanted, which made it feel less like a gamble…even though I still lost.
While the judging was taking place i walked around the rest of the building and checked out all the full scale cars. There were several indoor areas packed with beautiful restorations and custom builds and a small amount of cars outside as well. They also have a swap meet for old car parts, but I didn’t bother with that; too windy and not much to interest me there.
All in all it was worth the 90 minute drive for me. I’ll almost certainly be back next year and I’m going to see if I can bring a few more entries next time.
Good day gents. Here is a report on the Old Dominion Show in Richmond on February 22 2025. Attending as contestants were Randy, Scott, Chad, and myself. Mark was there as a vendor and Martin, Rick, and Tom Lacy came to check out the show and share in the comradery.
This show was very crowded with entries on each table. The level of builds across all categories at the show was amazing. It was inspiring to see so many fantastic builds by members of all the clubs who showed up for the event.
I volunteered to judge the maritime categories and one modeler’s rendition of the USS Arizona was superb. The aircraft category took a long time to judge due to the sheer volume of kits on the table. I envied not the aircraft judges as they had a hard job!
I am pleased to report to you all that Randy won two Gold and one Silver; Chad won a Gold, Scott won one Gold and one Silver, and I won one Silver and one Bronze. The Raven-hood did well, with each member who entered winning something. We are a small club but consistently punch above our weight. Good job Randy, Chad, and Scott!!
As you are all aware, this coming Saturday the club will hold its own intra-club contest with the “build out of your comfort zone” show. This is meant for fun and to make some folks realize their skills in one area can transfer to another!
Mark mentioned to me that some members would like smaller sessions, like 3 or 4 to 1, outside of the regular meetings to practice some particular technique. The basic idea is Topic X would be offered and whomever would like to participate in a smaller session with a presenter of that technique would show and actually practice and/or observe the presenting doing the technique. Welcome your thoughts on this broad idea. The logistics of how to do it would need to be worked out and there will still be informative sessions at the regular club meetings. Welcome your thoughts on this idea and your thoughts on what topics for 2025 you all would like to see in the normal meetings and for the small sessions if that is a path you want to explore.
I’ve created a potluck signup sheet using Google Sheets and everyone should be able to add to it, even if you don’t have a Google account. Please give it a look and see what folks intend to bring and add your dish and name to the list. Please plan to bring one dish for each person attending.
Here are my trophies from Maraudercon. I got 1st place for my WW1 dio, and the tow truck. I also got best diorama (only because Scott was not there). I got 2, 2nd place trophies for my dino head, and my Kozak-2 armored car. I took 3rd place with my rocket panther. I also won these items at the raffle. It was a very successful show for me.
Here are some pics of the start of the build on the tow truck:
The chassis completed.The cab interior. The cab interior. Cab on chassis.Cab on chassis.Engine with wench cable. I used twine to simulate the rope.Finished kit.I added a tool box set that is also made by Miniart.A pic with all the awards I have won with it.
Good day gents; about 10 or so of us took part in PennCon24. The venue was the Messiah University in Pennsylvania. It was a real nice campus – they even had a covered bridge on the campus that led out to their ball fields. The event took place inside the basketball court and seemed to go very well. I was able to sit with Mark Tutton at his vendor table several times and he did a pretty good amount of business. You go Mark!
The club, as usual, did very well Everyone who submitted a model(s) won something. Winning gold was (of course) Randy and Scott. Check this out – so did Ben and Donovan! Stud muffins all, Jeff, Tom S. Ross, John, and I won silvers and bronzes. A sister club put one of their tokens next to a figure of mine – a real nice gesture from a fellow club. Accordingly, Chad has been tasked to develop Raven tokens we can put on tables to let that modeler know our club appreciated their work!
A couple of guys (they know who they are!) came to the contest out of uniform! This displeases the benevolent dictator for life. So, let’s get another round of shirts ordered; I have 1 commit to a shirt, so need 5 more to get the minimum order in. All who do not have a shirt get on board and give me your size (FYI, the shirts are a solid quality – no need to order larger to allow for laundry shrink as these don’t)
Here are some photos of the event. See you all at the October meeting!
Good day gents. Several members attended the Roanoke Chapter of IPMS’s August 10 show at the Salem Civic Center. Mark, Mike, Scott, Ben, Jeff, John, Chad and Mrs Chad, Randy, and myself were there. Thanks to Tom’s kit donations and Mike’s reference book donations, Chad’s 3D sales, and John’s photography sales, we made $252 for the day. Not a bad showing on that score and a great boost to our bank account!
Speaking of great boosts, we did pretty well. Here is the bling breakout: Chad: One 2nd place and two 3rd place awards Randy: One 1st place and one 3rd place awards Jeff: One 2nd place award Chris: One 1st place and two 3rd place awards Scott: One 1st place, one 3rd place and one Best of (Dioramas) award (WOW!!) Ben: One 1st place, one 2nd place, one 3rd place and one Best of (Miscellaneous) award (WOW!!)
The contest also had a shootout tally; the club with the most points (from place awards) won and this year it was the Tidewater Chapter. We did not make the leader board at all,,ugh. We had no models in the 1/72 and above aircraft and only one ship. The bulk of our entries were figure related or car/truck related. That said, we do have aircraft builders! We had no space ship entries, but we have space ship builders! Support your club’s team effort by coming into the arena and compete as well as enhancing club camaraderie.
All of the members who participated in the show were very happy to have Mrs Chad sit with us at our booth and to add grace to our crowd. We hope to see you and other wives and gal pals at future shows!!
Gents. I am so pleased and proud to report that Randy won at Nationals! He took a 2nd place for his striking Stryker and a 3rd for his zippy Schnellboot. Please pass a well earned hip hip hooray to Randy for this impressive win at Nationals. Shenandoah Valley Modelers rule!!
I can’t recall if Chris mentioned it in a previous meeting or not, but he and I had been talking about going to the Ocean City Air Show in late August. Either the 24th or 25th. It may be a ways off at the moment but I wanted to start planning and get a feel for how many others may be interested in going.
Current participants (more likely to be added):
FRECCE TRICOLORI – Italian demonstration team, similar to the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds
F-22 Raptor Demo Team
E/A-18 Growler Team
A-10 Thunderbolt II Team
C-17 Globemaster III Demo
West Point Parachute Team
I’ve seen several of these before and they were all great. The Tricolori team is the big draw for me this time, but I’m excited for all of them. The A-10 in particular is very cool too see in person. Online videos do NOT do those things justice.
The show takes place right on the beach over the water. The view is great from just about anywhere. The big downside (aside from being in MD) is that it’s probably going to be VERY hot. I can’t stand the summer heat but I can usually make an exception for airshows. It will also be pretty packed I’m sure. We went during height of the pandemic and it was still crowded.
There are tickets available if you want premium seats, but it’s free to the public, you’re just going to be left or right of center. I don’t plan on getting a ticket, but could be convinced if others wanted to. When I went last, parking was the bigger issue. We ended up paying someone $20 to park in their yard. I will be more than happy to cover our parking costs since I’m planning to go regardless.
If enough people are interested, it may be worth it for us to rent a van or something to carpool. It’s a 4 hour drive from Stephen’s City (5 for me) in normal traffic so figure a little longer given the heavy traffic. I’ve done the drive there and back in a single day, but it would be good if we had a couple people willing to share the driving.
If you want more info about the show you can go check out their website: https://ocairshow.com/
If you’re interested in going, comment here or let Chris or myself know. We’ll try to go over it again during the next meeting too.
The 36th annual NNL East was held on April 27th, 2024 in Wayne, New Jersey.
The Tri-State Scale Model Club welcomed Car and Truck modelers to the largest and most prestigious model event on the East coast.
NNL means? (Nameless Non Luminaires)
What is NNL East? An NNL event is a non-competitive gathering of model car and truck builders and enthusiasts. The day’s goals are to display our work, share tips and information, meet other car and truck modelers, and most importantly make new friends and have a good time! NNL East is NOT a contest as there is no formal judging.
This year there were 7 awards presented:
1.Best Web Theme. AMT 2021 Ford Bronco
2.Best Sub-Theme 1949 Mercury – 75th anniversary
3.Best Theme Rods & Customs
4.Best Junior Award
5.The John Slivoski Award
6.The Joe Cavorley award “The model Joe would have appreciated most”
7 The Longest Distance Traveled Award
Shenandoah Valley Modelers IPMS Chapter was represented by the following members-
KJ Humphreys, Scott Saylor, John Nanartowicz. Each had models on display at the show.
The show had hundreds of model cars,trucks and dioramas on display. There were many vendors of kits and specialty parts as well. Something for everyone looking for a good deal, and that illusive kit or parts.
It was great to meet other builders and friends made online that we had not yet met in person.
I was shocked and honored to receive the “Joe Cavorley Award” for my diorama “Woody’s Auto Salvage Yard”. I was told Joe was a master builder and strived for realism in his builds. Joe would teach any and all who interested in learning new techniques in building.Joe was loved by his fellow club members and is truly missed by all. It truly is an honor to receive the award.
All and all it was worth the 6 hour drive from the Shenandoah Valley to attend the event.The club put on a first rate show and all were professional, helpful, and friendly! Plus there was good food at the snack bar unlike other shows.
Shenandoah Valley Modelers 