Welcome to IPMS Richmond!
We became an IPMS/USA chapter in 1974, and since then have grown steadily to become the home for the scale modeling community in the greater Richmond area. Our member interests cover all aspects of the hobby, and we meet in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages learning and sharing among each other. Our monthly meetings include technique discussions and an opportunity to show and describe our builds, along with any obstacles overcome. We also feature speaker-led demonstrations on a variety of topics that interest our members. Regardless of your location in the hobby timeline, be it just starting out or a seasoned veteran, you are welcome at IPMS Richmond!
2010 IPMS Region 2 Convention
IPMS Richmond hosted the 2010 IPMS Region 2 Convention in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on October 15-16 at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House Hotel and Conference Center. All the details are found on our dedicated website. You'll find photographs of the models entered and the winner's list there. Check it out!
4th Tuesday Retreats
Beginning May 28, IPMS Richmond will hold "4th Tuesday Retreats" at HobbyTown USA, located at 8032-B West Broad Street, Richmond. This event is intended to give chapter members and visitors an opportunity to informally "show & tell," demonstrate modeling techniques and just build models together. No chapter business will be the rule, just stress-free fun and fellowship. The IPMS Richmond E-Board generated this idea, and agreed to start this month.
HobbyTown USA's West End store Manager Chris Bryan is happy to host this activity and will feature them in his venue's Facebook page. There will be no raffle and members are requested to not sell/trade kits inside the store.
We will be gathering in the rear of HobbyTown USA in their club meeting area commencing at 6:30 PM. In May, the activity ends when the store closes at 8:30. Future plans to have store close at much later time (for us) are being discussed, so stay tuned.
The Smoketree Community Building remains our chapter "home" and this activity is in no way a replacement of our 2nd Monday chapter meetings, but an additional opportunity for you to enjoy scale modeling with fellow chapter members.
IPMS, A Worldwide Organization of Modelers:
The International Plastic Modeling Society (IPMS) was created over 45 years ago by modelers as a means to help one another learn model building and acquire not only basic, but advanced skills that increase the enjoyment of the hobby. The membership extends across many international as well as demographic lines. Our members have varied interests, and not only work in plastic, as our name implies, but metal, wood, resin, and other mediums.
Becoming an IPMS-USA member is easy, and it reaps many benefits. The one mentioned most by our members is the bi-monthly modeling publication called "The Journal." It provides useful model reviews, techniques, and reference photos, all in color. In addition, regular features provide updates on shows and events. Membership also carries with it discounts at many shows and qualifies you to participate in the annual National Convention each summer. This is the premier modeling event in the USA, drawing modelers from across the USA and beyond. Want to host a local show? Membership in IPMS-USA entitles access to an insurance rider that will save many dollars in show expenses. The Make 'n Take program sets out to introduce our youth to the hobby with free model kits to build. IPMS-USA also supports our military personnel serving overseas by coordinating collection points for donated kits, supplies, and paints that go directly to the troops.
If you are considering joining IPMS-USA or want to find out more, please visit the IPMS-USA website.
