From Pennsylvania to Oregon: A Coast-to-Coast Tour of September Model Shows
Scale modeling contests are evolving beyond just competition, as demonstrated by two fascinating September shows highlighted in our latest episode. From Pennsylvania to Oregon, we explore how clubs are reimagining the traditional model contest format to build stronger communities and create more engaging experiences.The Shenango Valley Area Scale Modelers in Pennsylvania will celebrate their 40th annual show on September 20th, continuing their successful implementation of the gold-silver-bronze judging format they adopted four years ago. This approach has streamlined their process, reduced category complexity, and better rewards modeler effort. Located in the northeast corner of IPMS Region 4, the show draws talent from throughout the Pittsburgh-Cleveland-Erie triangle, creating a high-quality display of modeling craftsmanship across all subjects.Meanwhile, the Oregon Mid-Valley Modelers have completely reimagined their event as the "Oregon Modelers Jamboree," focusing on club participation and community building alongside traditional competition. Their innovative approach includes dedicated club tables for modeling groups throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, with special outreach to automotive modelers and Gunpla builders who are sometimes underrepresented at traditional shows. With eight clubs confirmed to participate, this event truly celebrates the community aspect of the hobby.Both shows demonstrate different paths forward for scale modeling events – whether through more inclusive judging systems or by emphasizing club participation and community building. These innovations offer promising glimpses of how scale modeling contests might continue to evolve while maintaining the high standards and competitive elements that many modelers enjoy.If you're anywhere near Albany, Oregon or Hermitage, Pennsylvania on September 20th, or our own Military Modelers Club of Louisville show in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on September 27th, consider attending one of these shows to experience the evolving model contest scene firsthand. The community connections made at these events often become the most rewarding aspect of this otherwise solitary hobby.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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Hampton Havoc: Reflections on 2025 IPMS National Convention
Fresh from the whirlwind that was the IPMS National Convention in Hampton, Virginia, we're bursting with stories, impressions, and a renewed passion for scale modeling. What draws thousands of modelers to this annual pilgrimage? Beyond the spectacular contest entries and vendor treasures, it's the profound sense of community that keeps us counting down the days until next year.The vendor floor transformed into what can only be described as the world's largest traveling hobby shop. Squadron's presence was nothing short of spectacular – their massive booth complete with video games, sound system, and even their trailer parked inside the convention hall. We caught up with Brandon Lowe amid the constant stream of eager customers to discuss how they manage to outdo themselves each year.Our microphones captured fascinating conversations with niche vendors carving out unique spaces in the hobby. From 3D-printed Gundam accessories to exquisitely crafted diorama buildings, these entrepreneurs represent the evolving landscape of scale modeling. We also previewed the 2026 Fort Wayne convention with Mr. Figueroa, whose enthusiasm for themed awards highlighting underrepresented genres signals an exciting future for the hobby.The true heart of our experience, however, was the personal connections. We shared an Airbnb with modeling friends we met just three years ago, developing deep bonds through our shared passion. Dozens of listeners stopped by our table, transforming digital connections into meaningful face-to-face conversations that felt like reunions rather than introductions.Among the many discussions sparked during the convention was a thoughtful debate about competition in modeling. Does competing actually make modelers better without meaningful feedback? This question resonated particularly after connecting with Bob Bear, whose ornithopter model drew crowds, and observing on-site building sessions with modelers like Ben Pluth and Frank Blanton.Whether you're planning your first national convention visit or reminiscing about Hampton, join us for this celebration of what makes the modeling community extraordinary. And yes, we'll reveal exactly what broke our wallets at the show – because what's a national convention without expanding the stash?MiniMechArmory - for aftermarket Gundam ordinance and accessoriesRed Wild Diorama - check our SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsModel PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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Floods, Crashes, and Models Unscathed: Bruce McRae's Epic Journey
A journey that could only be described as a country song come to life. Professional modeler Bruce McRae returns to share his unbelievable cross-country expedition to four scale modeling competitions – a trip marked by disasters that would have sent most people packing for home.What began as an ambitious nine-week journey across America turned catastrophic when Bruce and his wife woke to find their campsite in Louisiana rapidly flooding in the early morning darkness. With water rising to waist level, they evacuated with their two golden retrievers, only to discover their vehicle disabled and their trailer ruined. Most would have called it quits, but Bruce's models had miraculously survived dry in their elevated containers, and the competitions beckoned.Renting a replacement vehicle at considerable expense, Bruce continued to Florida's Armorgeddon show, showcasing both armor and figure modeling. He highlights the benefits of open judging systems that provide detailed feedback to every entrant, allowing modelers to understand their strengths and weaknesses – a stark contrast to traditional competitions where non-winners leave with no insight on how to improve.The most remarkable aspect of Bruce's tale isn't just his perseverance after a second disaster – when a van ran a red light in Albuquerque and destroyed their rental vehicle – but his unwavering passion for the hobby community. His reflections on different show formats provide valuable insights for competition entrants.Bruce's extraordinary determination reunited him with friends at each show and allowed him to share his exceptional modeling work despite overwhelming obstacles. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest modeling adventures happen far from the workbench, and that the true spirit of this hobby lies in the connections we forge and the challenges we overcome together.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: August 2025
The excitement is building as we prepare for the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, Virginia! This much-anticipated event represents what we lovingly call "the best four days of the year" in the modeling world. After months without attending a contest (Mike hasn't been to one since Heritage Con in March), we're absolutely thrilled to reconnect with fellow modelers, showcase our work, and soak in the incredible talent on display.We'll be set up at a vendor table throughout the convention where we hope to meet many of our listeners face-to-face. There's something magical about connecting with the modeling community in person after so many digital interactions. Whether you've been following us for years or just discovered the podcast, please stop by to say hello and share what you've been working on. If you've posted your builds in the Dojo and they'll be at the Nationals, we'd love to see them in person!Speaking of the Dojo, our Facebook modeling community continues to thrive with over 5,300 members sharing incredible work and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Recent conversations about old-school web forums and storage solutions have taken on lives of their own, demonstrating the vibrant exchange of ideas that makes our community special. We're also excited to bring you Episode 145 featuring the talented Bruce MacRae sharing his recent modeling adventure, followed by Episode 146 where we'll recap our Nationals experience. Join us for what promises to be an unforgettable convention experience and connect with the passionate modeling community that makes this hobby so rewarding!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsModel PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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Just Build It: A Double Spotlight on Liang Models and Upcoming Huntsville Show
An unexpected journey from Hong Kong to Texas formed the backbone of Adam Coleman's story as he recounts how discovering airbrush stencils abroad eventually led him to become the North American distributor for Liang Models. What began with worn-out stencils and an email inquiry transformed into a passionate business venture connecting Chinese manufacturing innovation with the American modeling community.Coleman walks us through the fascinating evolution of Liang, founded in 2019 by architect and senior modeling judge Yusheng Liang. Their product line has expanded to approximately 90 items across three core categories: vinyl airbrush stencils, specialized modeling tools, and diorama accessories. The Zimmerit tools rank as their bestsellers, but newer innovations like the centered hole driller and handle bender showcase the thoughtful engineering behind each product.What distinguishes Liang from competitors is their commitment to education. Each product features a QR code linking to instructional videos, making complex techniques accessible to modelers of all skill levels. Coleman's distribution philosophy prioritizes geographic exclusivity for brick-and-mortar retailers while supporting online vendors in different regions, creating a collaborative rather than competitive marketplace.The episode then pivots to an exciting preview of the 48th annual Huntsville Plastic Model Society show scheduled for August 23rd. Tom Clark details how this well-established event has evolved to embrace emerging trends like Gundam modeling with expanded categories. With 62 vendor tables already sold out, food trucks (including milkshakes!), and proximity to the famous Space and Rocket Center, the show delivers a complete modeling experience for attendees.Whether you're interested in discovering innovative new modeling tools or planning to attend what promises to be an outstanding show in Alabama, this episode provides valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of scale modeling. Ready to expand your modeling toolkit or submit an entry to test your skills against fellow enthusiasts? The opportunities await!Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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