BLIZZCON 2024

[DRUMS01]

As we do every year, Jarrod and I along with my daughter and grand-daughter attended the annual IPMS, Region 4, Great Lakes, Model Show hosted by the Cast Eddie Rickenbacker Chapter in Columbus Ohio. The weather the day before the how was sunny and around 65. The morning of the show it was 24 and 4 inches of snow (C-R-A-P!). While we initially thought it would have an effect on attendance and contest participants.... it did not. That in itself goes to show you that current dedication to modeling is doing good.

Other than a jacked up 4x4 pick-up that was NOT HANDICAPPED parking partially between two handicapped spots (negating them both), the access to the venue was pretty good. After spending a few second thinking about how I could mess with the vehicle, we found another place to park and carted Jarrod and I's models into the venue (smile). Registration was very easy and inexpensive. Once we were setting our models in the appropriate location (by subject, skill level, scale, period, etc.) for judging we could immediate see that this competition was going to be well represented in most all subjects, especially aircraft and armor with well over 50 models in these categories. We brought our 1/16 Sherman, the recently completed 1/35 Churchill, our 1/350 IJN Yamato, and the 1/24 4-4-0 General Steam Locomotive.

Registration was from 09:00 till 12:30 (extended due to weather). The competition area closed for judging promptly at 12:30 which allowed us to get lunch (at the venue, which was very good) and look around the vendor area. This year was strongly represented if you are a armor, aircraft, Gundam, or auto modelers. There were not any of the direct PE or resin vendors for detail after-market parts that were normally attending, but some was still available through regular model sellers.

Judging and final awards were handed out well before 3:30. We can safely say that 3:30 would've been met if it were not for a multitude of judges working vigorously. Here's were I normally say that I do not build my kits for competition standards. Many have heard me say that Jarrod and I build them for our selves but we would not be honest if we didn't say that positive or constructive feedback from peers isn't something we hope for. For us it's not in winning but instead discussing techniques and ideas with like minded modelers and just sharing the moment with the modeling community. This year we finished with two second places; one for the Yamato and one for the 1/16 Sherman Easy Eight. With the level of competition we were really surprised on placing in anything as the skill level was very high this year.

Speaking of modeling skill, as with every year, here are just some of the modeling in the competition. We hope you enjoy the photos and thanks for looking.

DIORAMAS:











HARD and SOFT SKIN MILITARY:

















HELICOPTER (not many this year?)







AIRCRAFT (all variants)



















































FIGURES:

















CAR / TRUCK

























Fun was had by everyone seeing old friends, meeting new friends, and with fond experiences to remember.

PS: Sorry but for some reason I didn't take photos of any ships or subs. I also, for some unknown reason, did not photo any of the 100 or more WW2 German armor models (can't explain why, just didn't....SORRY).

Ben and Jarrod

[Twokidsnosleep]

Wow
Amazing models in there. Good photos too
Nice job covering the event

[Stokesy44]

Great photos. Thanks for posting

[RangerNeil]

Some cracking photos there - even without the Subs and German armour!!!
Thanks to you & Jarrod for sharing.

[aur0ra145]

Nice job you two! Lots of great pictures, thanks for sharing!

[cor]

Nice pics, lots of good stuff there.
The 4x4 guy in the handicap parking. What can you say. some idiots out there.
Well done with the 2nd places. Nice to get validation that you're doing something right.