GR3A

Hi all I've put this in general discussion because I wasn't sure if it fitted anywhere else. I'm wondering if anyone has had any dealings with a Chinese internet-based retailer called ImportHobby... http://importhobby.com Their website looks reasonably 'legit' and their prices (including shipping) quite competitive. They have a couple of kits that I'm interested in which I can't find anywhere else and, having bought from China before, I was going to order them... However, neither of the two payment options seem to work. The Paypal link (my preferred option) seems to take me to a developer s

Not that I build large scale but I'm tempted by the Revell kit.... I really didn't like the Trumpeter kit at all and the glaring problem for me hasn't been mentioned here. The surface detail - where did Trumpeter find all those rivets that cover the surface? Have they ever looked at the real thing? I saw the built up Revell kit on their stand at Telford..... far superior and half the price. No contest.

The IPMS (UK) have a thread on their forums for those looking for, or offering, lifts. http://ipmsuk.proboards20.com/index.cgi?bo...read=1188224850 Have a look (and check out the IPMS generally, whilst you're there)!

Hmmmmm....... tricky! :D

Have you looked at the Mag recently? It's definitely better than it was... some interesting articles. The society business has to go somewhere I suppose and, if you look at recent issues, they're certainly not 'full of committee reports'. Just looking at Issue 4/2006 - 2 pages of business plus a 4 page insert re. SMW rules, classes and entry form. A reasonable spread of informative articles (mainly aircraft and armour in this case) and some good reference pictures! Not bad at all. No Bf 109s though (you could always write something....).

Over a pint is even better!!!

I think you're right to an extent... the online communities are very useful (although judging by some of the threads on a certain forum, they can also be quite damaging. Enough said). Useful advice can be had. Tell you what, though. There's nothing quite like sitting down with an experienced, seasoned modeller and getting him to show and explain exactly how he achieved that fantastic finish, or created the superb detail of the model that is 'parked' on the table in front of you.

By the way, meant to ask Nev..... when you say you're a member of several SIGs, do you mean IPMS SIGs? If so, then you should technically be a member of IPMS!

Definitely NOT for the elite.... in fact, in my experience, the vast majority of members are down-to-earth modellers who enjoy the social side of belonging to a community of like-minded people. That's just one of the other benefits of joining IPMS. There is also the fact that the membership is a huge resource of experience and mixing with those people brings advice and helps improve your own modelling skills. As well as free (and additional) access to SMW, members can also often get in free at other IPMS shows, can get discounts with certain kit retailers and can seek advice from the IPMS te

Dates also published in the IPMS mag previously. Out of interest, how many of you are IPMS members and how many read The Magazine?

Yes, the kit was on sale with a couple of traders and the S&M guy (ooooh errr) had is own stand too - hence the stack of 'zillions of Viscounts'. When I saw the boxes on another traders stand, I got quite excited even though the subject is outside my usual area of interest. However, Mr S&M had a made up model (unpainted) and it looked a little basic for my liking... I assumed it was limited run plastic but the shiny white gloss looked a bit odd. What do I know, though...

Thanks for giving some alternative views Ted. I never like to see one sided commentary - especially where products are involved. It's fine to have an opinion as long as that's how it's presented. If it's quoted 'as Gospel' then folks are easily misled.... Nuff said!

Who on Earth told you that??? That'd be like putting up signs for Buckingham Palace as you're leaving Oxford... Seriously, it was a brilliant show and very well organised. Don't forget that this is probably the biggest show of it's kind in Europe (if not the world) and it's organised by a small group of enthusiastic amateurs. It's not a trade show (with all the money that the professional exhibition producers have at their disposal). It's a hobby show, run for the pleasure and enjoyment of modellers. On that basis, I think it's quite remarkable! Well done IPMS(UK).