IPMS/USA Nationals 2011 - Day 2
By Matt Bittner
Today is a shorter report than yesterday. Many more people have showed up which means more models in the contest room, and more people buying wares from the vendors. All-in-all a good thing.
The high quality of the builds also continues. Some of the models are just stunning. For example, if you take a look at yesterday's images, you'll see two 1/72 O3U-3 Corsairs atop a catapult which itself is on a 1/72 turret. The more I look at this model, the more I'm in awe. It's just stunning all 'round. So, that's the level of the most of the models on display.
There were also a couple more vendors that showed up today. For example, Revell had finished setting up their booth by the time the vendor room opened in the morning.
Not many deals yet, but most vendors do have their specials. For example, Sprue Brothers is running a deal on Classic Airframes kits - buy three, get one free. If CA is your kit of choice, then a trip to the Sprue Brothers stand in the larger vendor room is a must.
Personally, day two means meeting even more modelers seen usually only during a contest, and today was no exception. This is, for me, the best part of a convention - meeting up with like-minded individuals you haven't seen in quite awhile. It's also good to know I'm not the only one in a rut, when it comes to areas of modeling. For example, I haven't finished a WW1 kit in over two years. Two of the "more known" WW1 modelers (their names will be withheld to protect the not-so-innocent) are also in ruts and for them it's been three years or more since finishing a model in one of their chosen genres. Ah well, we do what we must to keep going in this hobby.
Sorry I have no photos to support this report. Definitely visit today's model gallery to see more that have been brought in.