Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2007 11:25:52 GMT
Are there any truck modellers within the ranks of the IPMS(UK)?
Just thought I'd ask the question because having read an editorial in TMW (Truck Model World) issue 123 (March 2007), and subsequent issues 124,125,126 in the 'Soapbox' section of the letters page in the same magazine, we seem to be a dying breed.
If you do read TMW on a regular basis, I'd be interested in your views about the current round of IPMS bashing from the non -IPMS member readers of this magazine, and especially the view of Howard Whitehead (Kit Form Services) in the curent issue. Are his views reasonable, is the IPMS that bad?
What do you think, are truck modellers the 'Cinderella' of the hobby? ... does your club actively encourage you to display at shows (including SMW)? ... or should we roll over and let the treadheads and wingy thingy modellers rule?
|
|
ptcruiser
Moderator
Car & Motorcycle SIG Leader
Posts: 1,223
|
Post by ptcruiser on Apr 26, 2007 13:21:58 GMT
Hi Nick I've seen a couple of recent editions of TMW (although not the most recent one as yet - makes it dificult to comment on Howards comments) and to be honest the quality of the builds shown on those pages can not be questioned as to the high level of skills etc employed. The fact that they are trucks as opposed to wingy things - or AFV's to me at least is irrelevant.
I recall a thread on the AFV section here claiming the same for their particular preference - and so we could for the Car & Motorcycles and I'm sure the sailor boys could too.
The fact of the matter is that most of us probabaly cut our teeth on aircraft, which to a degree self perpetuates the predominance of that genre in the hobby. It is the most highly served genre of the hobby and I don't know why aircraft have such a magnetism but I'm sure it's a 'boy thing'?
I think the only way to raise the profile of any other genre - obviously my preference is cars & motorcycles - is to see more on tables at shows and ideally in the remaining hobby shops.
In terms of a dying breed we enter the familiar argument of the hobby dying as whole, let alone a particualr interest group.
Rich
|
|
Lonewolf
Moderator
Gods Country
Posts: 2,551
|
Post by Lonewolf on Apr 26, 2007 16:14:07 GMT
I'm an IPMS member and a truck modeller.
I had a subscription to TMW till it 'disappeared' and have only seen one copy since so I can't comment on the present letters.
Certainly when I take a truck to the local club its as admired as any of the other models.
Wolfie.
|
|
|
Post by Ted Taylor on Apr 26, 2007 16:17:12 GMT
There has never been a lot of truck modellers even outside of IPMS. I entered the US Nats one year with a truck and I was only the second entry no one else turned up but unfortunately I never even came second in the comp, I mention that to show how few of us there are. Howard Whitehead is an excelent modeller but his views on My IPMS are way off line, yes he is an expert on trucks and trailers etc etc and nobody decries that so why should he rubbish our guys who are or maybe are experts on aircraft matters but know absolutely nothing about lorries except that they are big and always in the way going up hills. We have never said he has his head up his ar*se (his words not mine) so I think he realy should keep quiet on the matter especially as he is not a member. Ted
|
|
ptcruiser
Moderator
Car & Motorcycle SIG Leader
Posts: 1,223
|
Post by ptcruiser on May 10, 2007 18:51:24 GMT
OK, so I am now in possession of said publication.
In short there are number of familiar comments with regards the dominance of aircraft but I think Nick you were referring more specifically to comments made about IPMS (UK) in general?
Magazine content: as we should all know if you don't submit articles the can't be included.
Everything relates to cost/Money: well a formal society with over 1000 members (I think), for that is what we are, doesn't and can't run on goodwill and donation.
Telford costs: I can't comment of the ability to break even, but if there is an opportunity to supply copious quantities of Evergreen to the wider modelling fraternity, perhaps it should be pursued ?
Howard goes on to discuss the rivet counting nature of SIG's and then extend into the details of a twin steer truck judged best in class - pots & kettles?
Civilian classes at some shows being generic? Having been a judge recently, it is very difficult to compare a truck & trailer combo with a highly detailed rally car with an exquisitely painted 1:8 bike. I made my decision based on exhibited model skills and a little knowledge of the subjects, not the precise location of every last strap and tie down or routing of cables. A lot of effort goes into these details I appreciate, but I think I still got it about right. IIRC there were a total of about 10 classes at this particular show, the number of models eligible for the civilian class was possibly more than 10% thanks to the motorsport guys but the total was still dominated by aircraft and 'afv's'
IPMS beauocray: he doesn't explain what he means.
Forget Telford and the over-priced, head-up-backside, plane modellers convention: Firstly if this opinion is consistent across the modelling fraternity then the days of Telford are numbered. However if the numbers of paying public are strong then it is not an issue. Yes the Truckies do have their own very well run and supported shows and more power to their elbow. Modelsport is now established as offering similar specialist opportunities for the motorsport modeller.
IPMS is in my opinion generalist, even if dominated by aircraft and ultimately things military. Such is life. Doesn't stop you pursuing you own path.
However if there is anyone who thinks the points raised do have gravitas, then things won't change by themselves and individuals have to be prepared to do something.
Are we sitting with our heads stuck up our jet pipes?
|
|