09 March 2025

2025 KCCON

Just after 5:00 a.m. yesterday (8 March), I set off for Kansas City, Missouri. This trip was to attend KCCON, a scale modeling contest and swap meet hosted by the Great Plains and KC AMPS chapters of the International Plastic Modelers' Society/USA (IPMS/USA). On the way, I listened to the latest episode of the podcast Plastic Model Mojo, via Spotify on my mobile phone and streamed via Bluetooth over the car's speakers. One of my favorite podcasts, it is hosted by Mike Baskette and my friend, David "Kentucky Dave" Knights. After a brief episode on the Twelve Minute Modelsphere this month, I listened to Episode 135, which featured an interview with Mark Copeland, Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia. It's always a great listen for news on scale modeling and for feature interviews such as the one with Copeland.

After just over four hours of travel, which included a stop for fuel and breakfast on the way, I arrived at the show site, the First Church of the Nazarene. I had filled out my registration and entry forms in advance, so it didn't take too long to check in at the front desk. I placed my sole entry in Armor, a 1:35 scale BMW R75 motorcycle with sidecar, just outside the armor judging room. Armor entries in this contest were judged using Armor Modeling and Preservation Society (AMPS) rules, in which a team of three judges evaluated each entry on construction, finish/weathering, and degree of difficulty. The entries were not compared to what else was in the category. After my R75 was judged, it was placed on the table for its category.

I then placed my two other contest entries--a 1:48 F9F-2 Panther and a 1:72 J-8II "Finback-B"--in their respective Aircraft categories. The rest of the contest was judged by IPMS rules, in which the judges evaluated each entry against the others in that category.

I then walked around the venue, admiring the models entered in the show and buying tickets to the raffles both clubs held. I also shopped among the vendors. During my walks, I chatted with people I know that were present. This is one of the best things I like about attending these out-of-town model shows.

This was the first show I attended since becoming the acting Director of Local Chapters of IPMS/USA in late January. A few of my friends and acquaintances there congratulated me on the new position. Additionally, I talked with Doug Kolkman, my successor as IPMS/USA Region 14 Coordinator, answering his questions with advice on regional coordinator duties.

At midday, I answered the call for contest judges. After a pizza lunch, the head judge briefed us on procedures and judging teams were formed. Two others joined me on a team, and we judged Juniors, Figures, Dioramas, Space and Science-Fiction, and Mecha. The quality of many entries challenged us in many categories to determine the three places in each category.

After judging finished late that afternoon, the awards were announced. The Armor entries were announced first, and they awarded gold, silver, and bronze awards depending on the quality of work. My R75 earned a Bronze in Half-Tracked and Wheeled Vehicles All Eras. The judging tally sheets were placed with each entry prior to the awards ceremony, and I could see that the judges thought of my entry. They noted that the cylinders weren't level and glue marks on the model, but one lauded the nice leather effect on the seats and equipment bags. Those are good to know in improving my work, especially in armor models.


The rest of the contest results were announced. Neither of my aircraft models placed, which didn't surprise me as I saw the quality of my competition. It's not that big of a deal for me. If I win a contest award, great, but it doesn't define me as a modeler.

After the ceremony, I congratulated a few of the winners and packed up my models to go home. I did win one kit in the Great Plains raffle, an Airfix 1:72 C-47 Skytrain. From the vendors, three kits caught my eye: Tamiya's 1;700 British battleship Prince of Wales, Revell's 1;48 Ju 87G-1 Stuka tank buster, and Frog's 1:72 Blackburn Shark. That's four more kits for my stash.



The drive home was smooth. I listened to episodes of the TCM and Max podcast "Talking Pictures," hosted by Ben Mankiewicz. The episodes were interviews with Bill Murray, Jane Lynch, Carol Burnett, and Jason Reitman. These were all very interesting to me.

I made a stop at an Arby's in Booneville for dinner and a Dairy Queen in Warrenton for a dessert. Both times, I used the drive through lane. 

Around 8:50 p.m., I arrived home after a round trip of 513.6 miles (826.6 km). After unloading the car and bringing in mail from the mailbox, I set my clocks ahead one hour with Daylight Savings Time coming into effect overnight. I was tired from the long day, but happy for my experience.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in this Post:
IPMS/Great Plains: IPMS Great Plains
IPMS/KC AMPS: KCAMPS
Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene: KC First Church of the Nazarene | Welcome
Plastic Model Mojo: Plastic Model Mojo
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force: National Mighty Eighth Museum
Talking Pictures podcast: Talking Pictures | Podcast on Spotify

23 February 2025

A Slip on Ice and CITY SC's 2025 Season Begins

Last Monday (17 February), we got a big of ice and snow. I measured approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of snowfall at home. The next day, I was walking back to our main branch lot after looking for a vehicle when I slipped on a patch of ice. I fell down, cutting my lower lip and bruising a rib. I got to a urgent care facility later that day that confirmed the contusions and took x-rays of my chest. Two days later (20 February), I went for a follow up visit to the urgent care clinic, where I was told I had a hairline fracture of a rib. I was given pain relief patches to place on the area of the injured rib for 12-hour periods. The lip is getting better.  

Despite the injury, I was able to do some light physical work, such as shoveling snow off my driveway. I did get out of refereeing youth soccer matches today and may have to back out of upcoming matches until my rib heals.

On a happier note, St Louis CITY SC began its new Major League Soccer season yesterday. In the morning, I drove to CITY Pavillion to pick up the Yeti 35-ounce (1035 ml) Rambler straw cup and mug. I had ordered it a few weeks ago and made installment payments for it. I can use this mug for unlimited fountain drink refills at Energizer Park (formerly CITYPARK) this season.




Later that afternoon, I picked up Julie and we parked in a lot just south of Enterprise Center before walking about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to Energizer Park. We briefly checked out the CITY Street Party there before heading to Schlafly Tap Room for the St. Louligans party. Julie and I had pizza from the Doughboys' Wood Fired Pizza food truck, then mingled with the St. Louligans.




About one hour before kickoff, we joined in a rally with the St. Louis City Punks and STL Santos. After chanting for about 15 minutes, we marched around and into Energizer Park.



Entering the stadium, we each received a commemorative pennant for the season opening match and a wristband with a light that would factor in the pre-game ceremonies. Julie and I found a place in the Supporter Section and enjoyed a light show that included our wristband lights going on and off. It was amazing.

After the ceremonies, CITY SC and Colorado Rapids came onto the pitch for the match. About 20 minutes in, CITY had an apparent goal called off due to offside. Although CITY dominated in shots by a wide margin, the match ended in a scoreless draw. It was a disappointment not to get the result, but Julie and I found much to be hopeful about for CITY's season.



I took Julie home and enjoyed a hot chocolate with her as we and Joan watched "Saturday Night Live: The Homecoming Concert" on streaming TV. Then, I headed home.

Later.

Links to Websites of Entities Mentioned in this Post:

St. Louis CITY SC: St. Louis CITY SC
Schlafly Tap Room: Schlafly
Doughboys' Wood Fired Pizza: "It's doughlicious!"



16 February 2025

Catching Up (Part 2)

Continuing to get caught up on this blog, New Year's Day was rather low key. I just stayed home for the holiday. The following Saturday (4 January), I was at World Wide Technology Soccer Park to play for St. Louligans against American Outlaws--St. Louis in the annual Winter Classic. It was a cold day, but a fun outing for the two supporter groups as we played, consumed sports drinks (OK, beer), and raised donations for the St. Louis Area Food Bank. Julie was there to lend her support from the grandstand.


Two days later, we got a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. It came to a total of 5 inches (0.1 m) at my house. The road was so slick I could not drive to work that day. I stayed home to shovel the driveway and walkway to the porch. The snow persisted in the area for about two weeks, due to the cold weather.

On 19 January, Julie and I went to the Schlafly Tap Room for the St. Louligans' Annual General Meeting. Plans for the coming St. Louis CITY SC season were discussed, and this year's jersey and scarf were unveiled. I ordered a scarf, which should be ready for pickup later this month. It was an informative time with plenty of socializing.

I completed my first model of the year (having started it late last year), a 1:72 J-8II "Finback." At the January IPMS/Gateway meeting, I successfully bid on several kits in the annual Kit Auction. Proceeds from this auction benefit club activities.


Late last month, I took in my first IPMS/USA executive board Zoom meeting, where I was unanimously approved to serve as acting Director of Local Chapters (DLC). I am replacing John Figueroa, who stepped down to concentrate on being 2026 IPMS/USA National Convention Chairman. I am the only candidate for DLC at this year's IPMS/USA e-board election, which will be held later this year. It will be a lot of work for sure, but I am looking forward to serving the society and its members. 

I have my hotel room reserved in Hampton, Virginia for the IPMS/USA National Convention on 6-9 August. I am looking forward to this event.

My birthday on 7 February was nice. My Enterprise branch colleagues signed a greeting card for me and bought me lunch from Pepper's Deli & BBQ in Ellisville. Two days later, Julie picked me up from home and took me on a date to celebrate my birthday and Valentine's Day. We first shopped at Left Bank Books, where I selected two books Julie paid for, plus she also got me a pair of socks. After walking around the Central West End for a few minutes, we then went to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the City Foundry for dinner and a movie. We ordered dinner from our seats, which was brought to us as we enjoyed "Casablanca." It's one of my all-time favorite movies and a great choice for Julie and I to watch together. I had given her a small bouquet of flowers and a personal accessory set (necklace, earrings, hair pin). The latter item was something I bought a few years ago and (as I told Julie) was being saved to give to a worthy woman. She greatly appreciated those items. It was a great date.

Been at work lately on another model, a 1:35 BMW R75 motorcycle with sidecar. I hope to have it done by this Tuesday's IPMS/Gateway meeting, which will have the Out of the Box Contest. For sure, I will enter the J-8 in that contest.

Yesterday (15 February), I joined two other IPMS/Gateway members in staffing a booth at Fox Con, a student-run fair at Fox High School in Arnold, Mo. We had a variety of models on display with club literature. The show was mostly cosplay and gaming enthusiasts, but we had a few visitors stop by and pick up our flyer. It was good to get ourselves out in the community.

That's it for now. I should be more frequent with my posts in the near future.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in this Post:

St. Louligans: Saint Louligans – Supporting Soccer in the St. Louis Area – St. Louligans – Supporting St. Louis Soccer

St. Louis Area Food Bank: St. Louis Area Foodbank | Member of Feeding America

Schlafly Tap Room: Tap Room — Schlafly | St. Louis' Original Craft Brewery

St. Louis CITY SC: St. Louis CITY SC

IPMS Gateway Chapter: IPMS Gateway Chapter

IPMS/USA: IPMS/USA | IPMS/USA Home Page

Pepper's Deli & BBQ: Sweet Peppers Deli

Left Bank Books: Left Bank Books | Customer Service | Community Service

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema--City Foundry: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Fox High School: Fox High School / Homepage


12 February 2025

Catching Up (Part 1)

For some reason, since last October I did not feel like posting here. I don't know exactly why, except possibly I was too tired to do so.

To rectify that, I will give you a pair of posts to catch up on things. The first one will take you to the end of 2024, with the second on the start of 2025.

Here's goes: In early November, I attended scale modeling shows in Columbia, Missouri and Topeka, Kansas. I earned two contest awards in each of those events. I also sought to get on the ballot to run for Director of Local Chapters of IPMS/USA in the 2025 e-board election. In December, I was elected as a Director for IPMS/Gateway for 2025.



Also in November, I volunteered at the St. Louis International Film Festival. I pulled shifts at Washington University's Brown Hall, the Chase Park Plaza Cinema, B&B Theatre, and the Hi-Pointe Theatre. Refereeing youth soccer's Fall season ended in late November. 


Julie and I got out photos taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at Zenhorse. We also got together for Thanksgiving with her roommate Joan. Julie and I cheered on USA in its CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinal match against Jamaica at CITYPARK (now Energizer Park).


December marked my 12th anniversary at Enterprise. My manager gave me a great review. I served as a course marshal at the Hot Chocolate Run in Forest Park.

For the Holidays, Julie and I toured light shows at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Grant's Farm, the Saint Louis Zoo, World Wide Technology Raceway, and Candy Cane Lane. We spent Christmas together with Joan and her relatives. I received nice gifts from Julie and family at Christmas.

My next post will take you up to the present. Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in this Post:

IPMS/USA: IPMS/USA | IPMS/USA Home Page

IPMS/Gateway: IPMS Gateway Chapter

St. Louis International Film Festival: SLIFF 2024

Zenhorse: Zenhorse | equine assisted therapy | Marthasville, MO, USA

Enterprise: Car Rental with Great Rates & Service | Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Missouri Botanical Garden: Missouri Botanical Garden

Grant's Farm: Home - The Grant’s Farm Experience | St. Louis, MO

Saint Louis Zoo: Saint Louis Zoo | Saint Louis Zoo

World Wide Technology Raceway: Home Page Indycar Bommarito 500 - World Wide Technology Raceway