Adventures in Modeling - The 2006 IPMS/USA National Convention

By Randy Bumgardner

Day 1 - Wednesday, August 2nd: Today was my fly day. Up at 3:15am, I was worrying about whether I had packed everything. Do I have my camera, my laptop, my clothes? Did I put the right software on the laptop? What about security at the airport? Will I be fumbling around and look suspicious with the laptop? Is it safe to put the laptop and camera through the scanner? I worry a lot.

The flight to Salt Lake City was uneventful. The fun really started when I tried to find my connecting flight. Silly me, I always thought the gate printed on the boarding pass was the gate to show up at if you wanted to fly somewhere. Well, after unloading myself from the 737 that got me there, I realized I had to walk to the opposite end of the airport. So I started off.

By the time I got to the gate, I realized something was amiss. There wasn't a plane at the end of the jetway. Nor, were there any passengers hanging around the gate. So, fairly bewildered, I hurried to find a flight departure monitor. You'd think they would be somewhat plentiful, this being an airport where passenger are departing. I found one and noted that I had to head back to the opposite end of the airport – where I had began my airport adventure. Time was running short, so as I made my way to the departure (hopefully) gate, I expected boarding to be underway.

Well, two hours later, which included a new tire and a new First Officer, we were finally underway. The rest of the flight was uneventful and, with the help of a nice tailwind, we arrived only an hour and a half late. And it was hot... and humid. I grew up in Wisconsin, so I'm used to the heat and humidity. But, this was 100+ degree hot. I was sweating just standing there waiting for the shuttle.

I finally arrived at the Hyatt, and got my room. They put me on the 35th floor, which had great views of downtown Kansas City.

By the time I got settled, I realized I only had 30 minutes left in the vendor room! I raced downstairs, with the help of the express elevator, and made my way to the vendor area – specifically, the Roll Models booth.

I've been on the fence about the Waldron punch and die set. So, when Waldron called it quits and John Roll picked up the line, I knew I had to get both sets. I had the foresight to have Erik Mark, who was rooming with me, swing by the booth and ask John to put aside a couple of sets for me. John, being the great guy that he is, did just that.

Then, I made a beeline straight for the MPM booth. I had to get the new Special Hobby 1/32 F2A-2 Buffalo.

Somehow, I had it in my head that I would do an in-box review from the show. Well, this being my first National Convention, I had no idea where the time would go – and I still don't know where it went. By the time they kicked us out of the vendor area, I had somehow spent $400 dollars!

So, after grabbing a quick burger at a nearby restaurant, we headed back to the convention center to look at some of the early entries in the model room. Such as these two models: a 1/32 Trumpeter F-105D, backdated to a 'B', and painted up in Thunderbirds livery, and this 1/32 Israeli RF-4E.

Day 2 – Thursday, August 3rd: Vendor day! So, as I got up at the crack of dawn, I made a decision to spend the day in the vendor area. I somehow rationalized this as: “Most of the entries won't be here until Friday. So, why should I worry about pictures until late Friday or even Saturday. That only leaves the vendor area to be convered.” Sounded good at the time, and it actually still sounds good as I write this...

My first stop was to see a fellow member of my local IPMS club, Ken Lawrence. He owns Pacific Coast Models, which manufactures the beautiful 1/32 Macchi C.200 and C.202. Ken's a great guy, and always willing to swap a good story or two.

Next stop was the Black Box booth. Jef had an impressive display set up for all to see. He also had three of his newest cockpits on display (and for sale...).

Jef also brought his latest line of resin update sets, Avionix. Here's the first set due out in September for the TF-104G/J.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Wayne from Yellow Wings Decals. Wayne's a great guy, and we chatted about the upcoming sets for the new Buffalo from Special Hobby. Very exciting stuff in our corner of the hobby...

By the time I looked at my watch, it was already time for dinner! I had spent eight hours talking with people, vendors and customers, looking at the vendors wares, looking at upcoming items, and just plain looking at stuff. My feet hurt. I was the proverbial kid in the candy store...

For dinner, I met some friends from our local club and we went to the Savoy Grill. Wow, that was cool! Very elegant, very nice, and air conditioned! Since I was in Kansas City, I was determined to have the largest steak I could get my hands on. Now seemed as good a time as any... So, as the largest steak they serve is only 12 ounces, I asked the server what was the largest cut the chef could make for me. She returned and said the chef would make a special cut of 20 ounces for me – very cool! And it was great! After I had my steak, it was time to head back to the hotel for the TwoBobs hospitality suite.

The turnout was fantastic! The free beer was gone within the hour. Luckily the hotel provided bottled beer for us the rest of the evening. The raffle was great, and a good time was had by all. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera – a story that was bound to repeat itself again and again. We all retired to our rooms by midnight, gearing up for day three.

Day 3 – Friday, August 4th: “Not so much vendor day”. After depleting many of my fiscal resources the previous day, I figured this was a good day to catch some seminars, catch up with some LSP'ers, and take in some models in the contest room.

First up, was Dana Bell's seminar on USN and USAAF camouflage and marking during WWII. Unknown to me, this was the second installment of the seminar, the first session was held the day before. I kicked myself, because I had wanted to go to the first part, but the excitement of the vendor room captivated me. Anyway, I got a chance to meet Dana and his seminar was great. Lots of slides and lots of interaction with the audience made for a great presentation. Here again, I forgot the camera so no photos of Dana and myself.

After the seminar I finally stopped by the raffle table and introduced myself to Larry Hawkins. Larry is a great guy and did a bang up job of keeping track of everyone and coordinating a joint ARC/LSP dinner Friday night. In addition to Larry, other LSP'ers present included Rob Colvin (who I didn't get a chance to meet...but his Trumpy Dauntless was excellent!), Jeff Brundt (whose MiG-19 and F-4J graced the 1/32 Jet category, and are fantastic to see in person), Erik Mark (who I was sharing a hotel room with...), Rodney Williams, and Dr Frank Mitchell. Below is a shot of, left to right, Jeff Brundt, Larry Hawkins, and LSP_Randy.

That night, a bunch of us went to Arthur Bryant's for dinner. Recommended by Gordon Kwan, who drove me there, I got the pork sandwich with fries. Oh my god! You could feed an entire family with what they serve on one plate! It was a great time meeting everyone and enjoying great BBQ! I'm a little shaky with the names – especially the last names. So, starting on the left side, closet to the camera: Steve Filak, Sr., Larry Hawkins, Larry's daughter, Anthony Wan, Jeff, Scott Brown, and some blurry folks. On the right side, starting with the closest: Ricardo, Steve Bamford, Mike C. (this guy flies F-22s), Jeff, Gordon Kwan, Darren Roberts, and some additional blurry people, Jeff Brundt is on the right side at the very end. My sincere apologies if I missed anyone or got your name wrong!

I also got to meet LSP_Steve, Steve Filak, Sr., and Steve Bamford from ARC. Two very nice guys who were a pleasure to talk with.

Day 4 – Saturday, August 5th: The last day. This was the day for photos in the contest room, and any last minute trips through the vendor area to find stuff I couldn't live without. Apparently, there were some things I couldn't live without because more bags ended up in my room. I also got some more vendor pictures: Scott and Jeff from Afterburner Decals, and Gordon Kwan and Mike of Sprue Brothers.

Here's Darren Roberts, who is a kick to be around, playing shy for the camera...

I also had the pleasure of meeting Lynn Ritger, and getting my book on early 109s autographed. Lynn is one of the leading authorities on the Bf 109 and webmaster of the 109lair. It was great talking with Lynn, even though I would have loved to talk longer.

The big deal on the last day is the awards banquet. And I was in for a treat. But first I had to pose for a picture with the two Steves.

Apparently, this being my first Nats, there is a strange kind of race held prior to each banquet. Everybody jockeys for position by the doors entering the banquet hall. However, this is done nonchalantly, with cocktail in hand as to not arouse suspicion in the other competitors. Here you can see myself and some guys from my local club strategically positioned by the entrance.

Then, at exactly 5:45pm, fifteen minutes prior to the food service, the doors open and the ticket collection begins. Everybody rushes forward and surges into the room. Not quite running, and not quite walking either, people are scouting for the best table. Many are surveying where the podium is in relation to where the slide show will be. Luckily, no one spills their cocktail – at least not mine.

The awards ceremony lasted for a long time... After it draws to a close, the model room reopens so everyone can reclaim their models and go home. Another IPMS/USA Nats draws to a close.

Post-Nats – Sunday, August 6th: Today is my anniversary, so I'm heading home, at some godawful early hour, to spend the rest of my day with my wife. As I settle in for the shuttle ride to the airport, I look up and Steve Bamford is standing right next to me. As it turns out, he's on the same flight out that I am. We had a blast talking about everything from modeling to our websites. He's a great guy and we hit it off right away. We said our goodbyes in Salt Lake City, and each headed our own way towards home. Well, there's always next year in Anaheim...can I book my hotel yet?

© Randy Bumgardner 2006

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This article was published on Wednesday, July 20 2011; Last modified on Saturday, May 14 2016