|
Post by jargonking on Nov 16, 2012 21:28:59 GMT
The opening post in this thread pretty much sums up why I resisted becoming an IPMS member for so many years. The idea among some circles in the modelling community that sci-fi and fantasy modelling is somehow inferior to military or aircraft modelling appears, to me at least, to be a peculiarly British thing since, further afield, modellers seem more willing to accept all genres as worthy of equal praise. It probably also explains why there is no UK equivalent of Wonderfest, the American show that celebrates the best the genre has to offer. Instead the genre exists as a largely low key, slightly underground movement but one in which modellers can enjoy the freedom to be vastly more creative than their military brethren who are, to a greater or lesser extent, constrained by reality. Sci-fi and fantasy modelling has come on significantly in recent years with major manufacturers such as Fine Molds, Moebius, Pegasus and Round 2 offering kits every bit as good as the armour and aircraft companies. The aftermarket is also thriving with etched brass, resin and decal upgrades and full multi-media kits. Anyone doubting the talent of modellers tackling these subjects would do well to check out Sci-fi and Fantasy Modeller magazine which showcases some extraordinary modelling. To sum up I'd say that the choice of this years Best of Show can only be a good thing for the hobby and hopefully we might see more of the same next year.
|
|
peebeep
Sprue Cutter
Lots of trouble usually serious
Posts: 59
|
Post by peebeep on Nov 17, 2012 12:35:47 GMT
I think this thread has demonstrated the the OP's view is very much in the minority. Since I started exhibiting regularly with a club I've been to quite a few shows and my impression is that the genre is very popular and well represented, including at last weekend's SMW.
peebeep
|
|
deeps
Sprue Cutter
Posts: 54
|
Post by deeps on Nov 17, 2012 18:47:48 GMT
This is a great discussion with regards to the best in show being a worthy winner. it is my believe that any model judged to be a class winner will always make a worthy SMW Champion. just wish i could match the skills needed to produce such a brilliant model.
|
|
|
Post by fastcat on Nov 17, 2012 20:10:18 GMT
Can't help but agree with the last two posts. I think that some years back there was indeed a great resistance to anything other than things military. That's hardly surprising considering the make-up of IPMS. But the Society has moved on since then and so has the attitude of many of it's members. Just have a look at the magazine content over the last few years. It's interesting that a steam-punk model took best in show at the Birmingham Expo too and was also a deserving winner. Personally I love to see the work of others and if it's not in my preferred field it doesn't mean I can't learn or gain inspiration from it. I've read all the moans and criticism of judging after every major event. An awful lot comes from modellers who didn't do as well as they expected or whose personal favourite didn't make it. Well tough! No system's perfect or ever will be. Having seen both sides of the fence I know that by and large the judges do a pretty good job and that given two equal models, personal preference has to play some part in their judgement. And those who can't agree with the judges can always join them........................ Regards Dave
|
|
|
Post by trekmodeller on Nov 18, 2012 13:00:10 GMT
Just putting in my twopenny worth in as a sci-fi modeller.......
I think that the Best in Show winner has marked a turning point in the hobby. For too long, sci-fi & fantasy modellers, have had to endure discrimination from those who build real world subjects. Have experienced this firsthand, ever since I started going to model clubs in the mid 90's. In my very first club, the other members treated me like a pariah; in short, their unspoken message was that only builders of armour & aircraft are "proper" modellers. I occasionaly build warships as a sideline and when I brought one to a meeting of the same club, one member sarcastically commented "At last, something the rest of us can understand!"
Long may the interest in sci-fi continue to flourish!
|
|
|
Post by Derek773 on Nov 18, 2012 16:59:18 GMT
I must say I agree with the general sentiment expressed in this thread. A good model is a good model, no matter what the subject. I would like to ask Bluebell what he would think of a beautiful model rejected as a winner for being millimetres to short or too long! Or because the judge felt the decals were not quite in the right position. Personally I like the impression of the subject and would not wish to encourage pedantic rivet counting!
|
|
|
Post by trekmodeller on Nov 18, 2012 19:02:36 GMT
Well said Derek773, the hobby has enough of those as it is............they are even beginning to infiltrate the sci-fi genre!
|
|
|
Post by tony on Nov 23, 2012 18:24:38 GMT
It is surprising how old habits die hard. I kept hearing the winner of the Best of Show being referred to as 'National Champion'. In view of what was our old IPMS UK Nationals developing over the years into a truly remarkable international modelling event, maybe the title National Champion should quietly be dropped, and renamed Scale Modelworld Champion. It would be a bit more reflective of the new status of the event being the worlds largest model show and competition. . That is a valid point Noel. and personally i agree with what your saying about the best in show at SMW. watch this space for further developements!!!
|
|
|
Post by andyargent on Nov 23, 2012 20:53:29 GMT
I was lucky enough to be one of the top category winners to be put forward for best of show with Blissful ignorance and i had no problem with the best of show winner, it was more than deserved. The opening post is insulting in my eyes and very shallow.
|
|
|
Post by The Hooded Claw on Nov 24, 2012 9:49:37 GMT
It is surprising how old habits die hard. I kept hearing the winner of the Best of Show being referred to as 'National Champion'. In view of what was our old IPMS UK Nationals developing over the years into a truly remarkable international modelling event, maybe the title National Champion should quietly be dropped, and renamed Scale Modelworld Champion. It would be a bit more reflective of the new status of the event being the worlds largest model show and competition. . That is a valid point Noel. and personally i agree with what your saying about the best in show at SMW. watch this space for further developements!!! Ah but some of us still think of it as the Nats no matter the rebranding. Perhaps old habits and all that. THC
|
|
|
Post by NoelSmith on Nov 24, 2012 18:06:15 GMT
Hooded Claw I hear what you say being a member myself from 1974. Old habits do die hard and yes I still do out of habit, and also I expect that many other long standing members will still refer to SMW as 'The Nationals' although it isn't any more. Officially though,I feel that the overall winner's title should be changed in view of the international nature of the show. There were not many British sounding names at the prize giving ceremony, and that only goes to show the high status SMW is given by our international friends for them to visit us regularly.
|
|
|
Post by andyargent on Nov 24, 2012 19:38:12 GMT
Scale model world internationals, sound, s good.
|
|
|
Post by Rob Monfea on Nov 25, 2012 15:33:28 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2012 15:39:29 GMT
Superb piece of work, thanks for sharing that Rob!
|
|
|
Post by andyargent on Nov 25, 2012 20:13:29 GMT
As said before ,more than worthy of the winning title,Good on you
|
|