IPMS-USA Nationals 2007 Show Report

  • IMG_1127
  • IMG_11141
  • IMG_2128
  • IMG_1106
  • IMG_11031
  • IMG_1104
  • IMG_10811
  • IMG_10921
  • IMG_2095
  • IMG_10852
  • IMG_1102
  • IMG_1115
  • IMG_1084
  • IMG_11051
  • IMG_11281

Each year an IPMS US-based chapter (or chapters) holds the national show. This year the show was to be just a few hours south of me in Anaheim, California. I had certainly been looking forward to the show as modeling events can be very social and fun times. This show certainly would be a large one with thousands of attendees and model contest entrants. The event was held at the Marriot adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center. It was only a few blocks from the main entrance to Disneyland which I am sure gave some family's reason enough to treat their Dad (or Mom) to a model show and built-in Disney vacation.

Side Note: A brief editorial

This year's show was being organized by IPMS Orange County. A chapter which has won the coveted Chapter of the Year award in 2003. Ironically their site still has the text "Only -18 days until the show!". And as yet there have been no major updates post-show to the nationals site other than a bit which in part mentions "We had 713 registered attendees who entered 2172 models into the National Contest". But as we can all honestly confess, updates on club sites are not ussually their biggest priority. And perhaps that is as it should be, but as a Web developer I think that serious attention should be paid to the level of thoughfulness and professionalism that is put into any National show site. The Internet has changed dramatically these past few years. Already even sites like this one are becoming dinosaurs to the new cutting edge Web 2.0 Ajax-driven sites. I could not be more clear in saying that the days of building a site in simple HTML are over. Or at least 'should be over' if you want to build a site that will be responsible for the online marketing of any mega-expensive national event. I would be curious to know how much was spent on a show like the 2007 US Nationals. And as a percentage how much was spent on the development of the Web site. If nothing or very little I would say... it showed. And further it limited the potential level of success for the show by not building a better site.

About the Author

About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...


Comments

Come one come all - you've got to read this feature. Car nuts check out the 2nd to last page!!!
SEP 08, 2007 - 11:52 PM
Oh WOW i just carn't believe the quality of the models on display, it look so different to the UK IPMS nationals. I'll expect my invite next year Jim so i can see this first hand well done to all involved cheers keith
SEP 09, 2007 - 04:28 AM
Hai Jim, I agree with your editorial on page one of this report except for one aspect: These people are modellers, not necessarily professional web developers. Providing a professional web environment in which clubs can present themselves could be one of the ambitions (yet another one) of kitmaker? Of course, it would only be possible if the clubs themselves would be interested to manage their cubs website on kitmaker
SEP 09, 2007 - 10:00 PM
There's a tank on the 8th pg, photo 29 of 70, with some sort of hexagonal camo pattern. It looks sort of like a Walker Bulldog but the driver's hatch is on the wrong side and there's (I'm sure) many other differences... can anyone PM me with some info to shed some light this tank? Thanks!!!
SEP 10, 2007 - 06:24 AM
Thanks Jim for sharing your comments. I know that my eyes are getting worse but I thought that the lighting left a lot to be desired, and I will never walk around with a flashlight. Your friend's tumbleweed tank was awesome!
SEP 10, 2007 - 12:09 PM
what's that cool little WW! tank on page 2? Is this the WW1 armour version of Luft 46?
SEP 14, 2007 - 08:36 AM
I enjoyed seeing all the photos. Thanks Jim.
SEP 14, 2007 - 10:28 AM
It is a Japanesse Type 61 in an experimental and temporary camoflage.
SEP 29, 2007 - 06:07 AM