The following question "Why Should I Join IPMS?", and the unedited responses, appeared on the rec.models.scale newsgroup in July 97. Compiled by Ralph R. Forehand
 

Modeler's Question:
 Hi, everyone.
I have been modelling for a long time (about 15 years now), although it was on and off. I finally have enough time, money, and room to work in to do it on a regular basis. I found this newsgroup recently and everyone is talking about IPMS and nationals and things of that nature.

Could anyone please explain to me what that is all about and why would I want to become part of it. I never really thought of anything like that but maybe there is a reason people are in it.

Thanks in advance for the info. Kirill Gomelski

 

IPMS/USA Member Answer #1
Welcome to R.M.S., Kirill-
IPMS (International Plastic Modelers' Society) is an organization dedicated to the fun scale modeling. It was started in Great Britain in 1963, as the British Plastic Modelers Society. Jim Sage, of Dallas, Texas, started the Society here in the US. There are now branches of IPMS all over the world. At this year's national convention in Columbus, Ohio, we had folks from Brazil, Canada, Britain, Finland and alot of others I don't remember.

IPMS gives you issues of a magazine called the Journal six times a year. In it you will find stories of interest on subjects such as aircraft, armor, automotive, ships, figures, you name it. Even though we are predominately aircraft oriented, those of us who build other things are infiltrating the ranks more and more every day. You will also find listings of IPMS contests and swap meets, hints and tips, and reviews.

We are also an opinionated bunch as you no doubt have seen from the postings here (rms). But it is an organization that is manned by volunteers who enjoy the same hobby you do. In fact, our motto is "By Modelers, For Modelers."

But the best reason to join IPMS is because of the people. When we model, most of us do it alone at our workbench. *I'm one of the lucky ones as my hubby and I both model* This organization give us a chance to make friends at the local level with chartered chapters, and all over the country as well. There is nothing like being with a bunch of folks who love the same things you do.

Check out the home page of IPMS/USA at http://www.ipmsusa.org

In it you can find a listing of local chapters to see if you have some friends waiting for you to find them!

Best Regards,
Penny Thomas, IPMS #20388
IPMS Region Six
Mesquite, Texas
 

IPMS/USA Member Answer #2
Hi Kirill,
IPMS (International Plastic Modelers Society) is a group of folks who share the same interests as you do. Perhaps the biggest benefit is the local clubs (chapters) and shows that these clubs do. There are also regional, and a national, show. Of course, you needn't be a member to just visit the shows, or attend the clubs.

IPMS/USA offers a bi-monthly (6 issue) magazine that has a wide range of articles in it, covering most of the basic modelling areas (airplanes, tanks, cars, figures, ships and space/sci-fi). All of this for $19.00 a year. You can also visit the IPMS/USA web site at http://ipmsusa.org.

I am a member, and don't regret it. Whether it will work for you, depends on you. Give it a try!

Bruce Burden bruceb@eden.com
 

IPMS/USA Member Answer #3
Kirill: The IPMS is really a great organization. Initially, I joined back in the early 70s but only belonged for a year (wish I'd kept it up). I joined again in 1987 and have belonged continuously since then. The most notable return you will get for your membership fee is a really good magazine about 6 times per year. This will keep you up to date on what's going on in our hobby, new kit, accessory, decal, etc releases, give reviews of same and provide a forum for writing to the editor. Being a member of the national IPMS will allow you to actually participate (enter models) in regional and national conventions. You can receive a list of other IPMS modelers in your area as well as local chapters (great fellowship and fun there!). Last, but not least, IPMS members receive discounts at some hobby shops!!

By the way, please don't let some of the stuff you read in this forum turn you off. Some of the guys get a little excited once in a while but the majority of IPMS members are a reasonable, fun-loving bunch of guys who are into the modeling hobby just to have fun. Give IPMS a try, I think you'll like it!

Bill Woodier
IPMS #24645
 

IPMS/USA Member Answer #4
Kirill:
Welcome to the group! Many of the answers to your questions can be found at the IPMS web site: go to http://www.ipmsusa.org/  I've been a member since 1971 and haven't regretted a minute (or a dollar) I've spent in the organization. Chapters have meetings and contests, regions and the National organization have conventions - lots of models, modelers, seminars, and vendors - something for everyone.

Let us know if you decide to join, and what you think of us! 

New Membership Application                          Membership Renewal Application

Semper Fi,
John #4601

RRF 06/21/02