IPMS Mt. DIABLO (Concord, California)

What's new ?

Last meeting (June 20, 2002)
We held our latest meeting on June 20th at the Library. There was some model talk as well as some discussion regarding the implementation of the Regional Chapter of the Year points system. See the second newsletter by Chris Bucholtz here (as a Word document). There was also a spirited discussion involving the IPMS Nationals and how late they were in asking for award contributions.

Here is also the latest newsletter from our RC for July (as a Word document).

Resin B25 parts by our prez(May 22nd, 2002)
We held our latest meeting on May 16th (a Thursday) at the Library. There was some model talk. John showed off his latest handiwork, some resin detail parts for the Accurate Miniatures B25. The engine cowlings and exhaust were crafted by John out of metal (the masters) and then sent over to Bruce Radebaugh who's company "Parts-R-Parts", cast them in resin. They look great and should add another level of detail and real accuracy to these beautiful models.

The discussion then turned to the new hobby shop (mentioned below) and how we may benefit from using them as one of our meeting places. The idea is for the club to hold 2 seperate meetings per month, the regular one at the library (to presumably discuss more of the club's business and events) and then to hold another meeting at the new store (where more specific modeling would be discussed and to work on our latest projects) on a different date. The idea was well received by all who attended and will be discussed fully by this time next month.

The next 6 meeting dates are as follows; June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 24 & November 21st. These are the Library meetings (see above for explanation) and if the new scheme gets adopted, then we should be seeing a few more dates added soon. Keep checking this site for info.

New Hobby Shop in Area & New RC (May 11th, 2002)
There is a new hobby store in our area that several of our members have been to. It's HobbyTown USA and it is on the corner of Treat Blvd. and Clayton, in Concord. It is a beautiful store that should do very well. It seems to specialize in R/C items, but has a pretty good selection of scale models and a very good selection of model supplies, like paints, glue, etc. Our chapter is also looking into changing our meeting location to this store. More information on that will be made available when it comes in.

Our region has a new RC (Regional Coordinator) and IPMS Mt. Diablo would first like to give a big pat on the back to the retiring RC, Ken Durling. Ken was a great RC and a good modeler, so we should be seeing him pop up at contests in our region. Thanks Ken!

The new RC is Chris Buckholtz. He was the chairman of the IPMS National Convention and Contest, when it was held at Santa Clara, a few years ago. He is currently the Secretary of IPMS Silicon Valley and a very prolific modeler. His first newsletter is linked here (as a Word document).

Terrorist attack on our country (September 11th, 2001)
As I write this, I am still kind-of stunned at the events of this day (September 11, 2001). I woke up to see images of billowing smoke coming from one of the towers of the World Trade Center in New York. There was no word on what exactly had happened and as the television news report went ahead, there was a sudden dark streak in the form of yet another airliner slicing into one of the towers. That image, and the ones that would come later of the buildings collapsing will forever stick with me. Creating for all of us, one of those "do you remember where you were" moments. All of the members of IPMS Mt. Diablo would like to express our condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the victims of this tragedy. Our hearts are with you.

Last meeting (September 10th, 2001)
Where was Bob Moore ? So, there was Monday Night Football... the Raiders didn't play. There are some priority problems here, I'm afraid. We had our usual motley gang of plastic builders with everything from dinosaurs that you can shower with (don't ask...) to reptile eyes, from model magazines to really hot resin "Lara Croft" kits. Our next meeting will be our 10th Anniversary. Who knows what our President John has in store ?

Meeting (August 16th, 2001)
Our August 16th meeting consisted of the usual round table discussions concerning new models, detail sets and latest projects. A comprehensive report was given by several members who attended the last IPMS National Convention & Contest, which was held in Chicago. Bob Moore brought in his First Place winning model as well as his award. We also had a guest attend our meeting in hopes of finding a modeler to build his Lunar Models resin "Jupiter Two" from "Lost in Space" fame. He will try to bring it to our next meeting. It's resin and it's huge.

Possible tour
Currently, our chapter is working on a possible tour of a private armor collection. We are hopeful that it can be arranged. News will be upcoming. The latest word is that the tour has been given a thumbs-up from the collector and that a date of late September or Early October seems likely. Yahoo !!!

Work on online newsletter to get started
We are seeing if this is going to be something we can get started in the future. Most of the membership of IPMS Mt. Diablo either has access or owns a computer so this may be a good way of keeping everyone up to date.

2001 IPMS National's winner in our midst !
Our chapter proudly congratulates Bob Moore, one of our very own in his First Place win at the latest IPMS National Convention & Contest held in Chicago. Bob's Revell / Monogram EA6-B Prowler took a First in the 1/48th scale jet aircraft category. This is not the first award that Bob has received at the Nationals and if you know Bob... it will not be his last. Robert, his son (who has also received his own share of accolades and awards) has a good example to look up to.