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INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC MODELERS’ SOCIETY |
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Since the inception of IPMS/Fame Cities Chapter several years ago, we were forced to meet at a local library, with many rules and regulations as to when we could meet, what time we needed to vacate, no auctions, etc., etc., etc.. A couple of our chapter members including myself were members of the Military Aircraft Preservation Society, or better known as MAPS Air Museum located at the Akron-Canton Airport. It was decided to approach the museum director, Mr. Joe Chevraux, and see if they might have time and space for our chapter to meet. Thanks to these good folks, they have graciously opened their doors to the local chapter of IPMS/USA. MAPS has numerous aircraft and memorabilia on display in a huge facility that is currently undergoing refurbishment, thanks to a $ 500,000 grant from the Federal Government, secured by Republican Congressman Ralph Regula.
Among the aircraft on display are a MIG 17 and an F-4 Phantom II. One of the most significant air battles of the Vietnam War that could be depicted would be exact 1/32 scale replicas of Randy Cunningham and Willie Driscoll’s F-4J, “Showtime 100” and the infamous Col Tomb, Vietnam’s top scorer, MIG 17 (whose actual existence has come in question since the war as a possible propaganda exercise). Tombs aircraft represents the 5th victory for now U.S. Senator Cunningham and Driscoll, making them the only Navy Aces to exit the Vietnam War.
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Dave Morrissette, President of IPMS/USA and a member of the IPMS/John Glenn chapter in Cleveland, Ohio and Ed Kinney, Treasurer of IPMS/USA and a member of the IPMS/Fame Cities, Canton, Ohio chapter were selected to build these super detailed models and present them to the Museum on March 17, 2004. Photographs show the models and builders as the are presented to Joe Chevraux, Director of the MAPS Air Museum and Gary Haught, Curator of MAPS, as they stand in front of the MIG 17. A special case is being prepared so that the display can be expanded to include other depictions from Vietnam, including a North Vietnamese SAM Missile and launcher, Steve Ritchie’s (USAF’s only Vietnam ace) F-4E, Brig General Robin Olds’ F-4C, A Republic F-105G “Wild Weasel” and more as time and space permit.
In this
writer’s opinion, both organizations have helped each other by simply
working together. As a consequence, both increased their memberships to
some degree. This summer, MAPS, already familiar with running successful
air shows, has a spectacular event planned at the former Goodyear Corsair
plant at the Akron Fulton Airport, referred to as “The Corsair
Homecoming”. If any of you are in the area, it should be well worth
attending. In addition, Senator Cunningham has been invited to the air
show, and it is hoped he will sign the F-4 model at that time. |
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Personally, I am very pleased with the relationship between IPMS/USA and the MAPS Air Museum. As a result, the Cleveland and Canton chapters have had discussion reference an invitational contest to be held at the MAPS facility sometime in the future. Should you have the opportunity, check out their web site www.mapsairmuseum.org - What a spectacular meeting place for an IPMS chapter. Many thanks, guys !
Ed
Kinney IPMS # 2989 |
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March 2004 |
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