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!
The IPMS Richmond Old Dominion Open
Scale Model Show & Contest
The old Dominion Open (ODO) has been a Richmond tradition for decades now and is one of the largest scale modeling shows on the east coast. It features 62 contest categories with First, Second and Third place awards, plus ten special awards, including Best In Show. There are over 120 vendor tables, display-only tables, a huge kit drawing, "make and take" and many more things for you to enjoy! See the Contest page for the latest on the Old Dominion Open.
IPMS Richmond Meets Monthly
A typical meeting includes:
- Open discussion to announce current events, business updates
- Show-n-Tell for member and guest models
- Demonstration
- Other items to be announced
- Raffle
We also hold bi-annual meeting contests that award First, Second, and Third place ribbons; as well as a Best of Show award to the most popular entry. See our Calendar page for each month's meeting date and agenda.
Our chapter is governed by bylaws that were ratified by our membership. It defines our purpose and structure and is available for download.
Like To Join Us?
Our meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Monday from 6:30-9:00 pm. Our location is the Smoketree Community Building of Chesterfield County, located at 11100 Smoketree Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23236.
Map with directions
4th Tuesday Retreats
In addition to our regular chapter meetings, IPMS Richmond holds "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. There will be no raffle and please do not sell/trade kits inside the store. We will meet from 6:30 PM to 8:30
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. 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.