Got these at the Indy show

[sturmbird]

went to the Indy show, and came home with four new kits:

1. 1/48th Meng Me410

2. 1/35th Dragon M2a1 halftrack

3. 1/32 Hasegawa BF109G6

4. 1/32 Hasegawa FW190D9

Above set me back $125 altogether

Now for the down side:

One of the major attractors to model shows are the vendor rooms. Usually Indy is packed, but over half was nothing but cars and books. Two guys came in there as the tables were being setup, and literally bought the vendors out before the public got the chance. I got there at 11:30, and saw these guys loading their vans with crates of kits. Rest of us had little to pick from other than oddball east European kits. Many guys said if this was the future, they'd stay home. They need to implement a 2:00pm rule for these mass buyers to attract the public. I went there looking for a deal on a 1/35th scale S100 Boat, or some kits I needed for planned projects. Honestly there really wasn't a third of the armor we usually see, and even then not all that much resin aftermarket for armor. Bet there wasn't fifteen ship kits in the whole place.

The plus side of the show was a vendor selling resin Indy cars as well as Champ cars (uprights), and a bunch of midgets. They had engines and a complete running gear! I'll just have to have two or three (not cheap). Crowd seemed way down in the model room as well as the vendor room. Made getting around easy. There were some nice builds to see, and those that didn't go in there missed something nice.

The folks that run this show are always nice; if not too nice at times. Cincinnati is coming up. Anybody going?
gary

[Tojo72]

Nice stuff for a good price.

[sturmbird]

Mar 14, 2016 7:00:24 GMT -5 Tojo72 said:

Nice stuff for a good price.

The ME410 is simply outstanding, even though the canopy looks a little confusing. Would rather had the standard gun pack kit, as this one has the 75mm cannon (or is it 50mm?). So I guess it's going to be a tank buster on the east side of town.

The Dragon M2a2 is a kit I've been looking at for a few months, and there it was right in front of me. I bought it and the two Hasegawa kits for $85, and came away with a big smile. Around here you can't touch the FW190d9 for $70+. Yet there was not much 1/35th scale armor in the vendor area. Plus there was not much of a selection in 1/32 aircraft. Those two guys bought all the good stuff before average Joe even got in the door. I'll probably stay home next year if the weather looks like it did Saturday. The vendor room at the Raymond street show is usually packed tight with people and kits. Less than half the usual kits, and maybe I'll simply go fishing.

gary

[deafpanzer]

Did we miss each other again? I was there the whole time... mostly at builds registration table then I spent most of the afternoon judging the builds. It took much longer than we expected because not enough people volunteered to help with the judging. Would you be interested to do that next year?

[sturmbird]

Mar 14, 2016 18:22:25 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Did we miss each other again? I was there the whole time... mostly at builds registration table then I spent most of the afternoon judging the builds. It took much longer than we expected because not enough people volunteered to help with the judging. Would you be interested to do that next year?

Andy;

Honestly I'm the last guy you want. I wouldn't know where to start, and after judging I'd be hung by my thumbs.

I got there around 11:30 only to watch those guys packing up all the kits they'd bought in mass. Went strait to the modeling room. Was in there about forty minutes. Then went to the vendor area. Had my usual tan corduroy coat on. Anyway I had to get off my feet, as my feet were killing me.
gary

[afvfan]

I try to make it to shows as early as possible in the hopes of getting in during vendor set up. I've found that even if you wait until the doors actually open, most all of the really good deals have already been snagged by other vendors.

[deafpanzer]

Yeah, early bird gets the worm. 11:30 is kinda late. Several vendors tear down early as soon as they sell all or most kits. I usually get there around 8am to help with set up. If you are involved with the local club, you get to visit the vendors the night before which is a huge advantage. I bagged two great kits for very little the night before. Join our local club you won't be sorry... bunch of great crazy funny guys talking about models and stuff. We meet third Friday of the month at Boy Scouts office on the east side.

[dupes]

Got to agree with the guys above - I do the vast majority of my kit buys in the first 30 minutes of the show. All of the best deals are going to be gone after that!

[sturmbird]

one has to remember that the vendor room is really the big draw at most IPMS shows. You still pay the same entry fee as everybody else, so the local club gets five dollars from you into their purse. You loose the vendor room, and watch the guys stay home. When a guy walks thru the doors and heads strait into the vendor area; he expects to see a lot of kits for sale. I usually show up around noon, and have never saw a problem. No so this year. They were being loaded into a couple vans as I parked. Folks walking thru were complaining about the lack of anything desirable when I was there. I found four desirable kits, but was also looking for some others. I really doubted I'd see the 1/35th S100 boat, but you never know.

As I walked thru I saw what looked like 40% car kits. Some were fantastic kits, and others were what we did in grade school. Perhaps ten naval kits! (I was stunned) Tons of 1/72 east European kits, but no Zvezda. Virtually zero armor (maybe 25 kits in the whole place). Lots and lots of 1970's kits (some were collectable). I think I did OK, but expected a better variety to pick from. Was wanting to pick up a couple Tasca Shermans, but saw none. No AMK kits or Fujimi 1/72 aircraft. There were some Kittyhawk and Kinetic kits (maybe ten altogether). The P39 was on my hit list, and saw none. Sure was different than the last three years. One guy had a kit in his hand to buy it, and it was snatched out of his hands by one of the guys buying whole tables. THAT'S CRAP! Was wanting to order a spray booth from Bob Pace, but he was a no show this year. Not a big deal, but He had a lot of advice for the buyer. Also missed the air brush guys, and wanted to try one of the newer Grex brushes. Still no big deal, but I might have bought one had they been in the building.

So we got another show coming up in Ohio. Crazy Don has said he will stop the big boys from buying everything this year. Still it's a solid three hour drive to get there, and I'd not be happy to see the rooms empty. On the other hand; do I need anymore kits? I have an honest 500 in my stash. Still there are holes to fill here and there. Probably will be dead before I get half done! Still shows are also a place where we can get together, and share ideas. Have lunch together, and whine and cry. I'm for sure planning on entering two and maybe three kits next year. Wanted to this year, but kinda lost my mojo last fall. If by chance you see a big U-Boat, I might be around. Very close to glue right now (man there's a lot of work in the beast!). I'm dreading the painting. After that it's a Gato class<g>!

gary

[vlpbruce]

I did All right in the vendor area.
I picked up The Accurate Miniatures Il-2, and Yak-1, Hobbycraft I-16, the ICM Mig-3, and Revell's Mi--24. I paid just over $50 for all of these, and the Mig has TONS of aftermarket with it.

[deafpanzer]

It is a great feedback and I will make sure to share with the local club. Appreciate you sharing with us!

[sturmbird]

Mar 15, 2016 22:08:29 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

It is a great feedback and I will make sure to share with the local club. Appreciate you sharing with us!

They'll make a lot more money with more buyers coming in. Some people enjoy the hobby, and some people enjoy profits. In the end you turn away the guys looking to add to their stash, and they look for something else to do. No new blood and you'll die on the vine.

I was glad to see all the junior entries. Good sight to see! Still you must keep them wanting more. I would love to see a category for kits built out of the box that a father and son could do together (or grandfather in my case). My grandson is still two or three years away, but it would be fun. Think fire engine red Tiger tank!
gary

[afvfan]

Mar 15, 2016 15:50:00 GMT -5 sturmbird said:

..... Crazy Don has said he will stop the big boys from buying everything this year. .....

He'll be hard pressed to do that without upsetting a lot of the vendors. They pay good money, and many drive a fair distance, to get in the show to sell as many kits as possible. Most won't take kindly to any interference in them pursuing that goal. Institute that 2pm rule one time, and I guarantee it'll be the last time you see a lot of those vendors at that show.

My suggestion to you (and I'm not trying to be mean or hateful here) is to drag yourself out of bed earlier if you want to see a better selection. Had you been at the show when the doors opened you probably would have had a chance for pretty much everything you saw being loaded at 11:30 (assuming it wasn't a vendor packing it in). On top of that, after getting there late, you first spend 40 minutes looking at the entries before you start shopping, even after you saw signs of brisk sales.

[sturmbird]

Mar 14, 2016 23:30:08 GMT -5 afvfan said:

I try to make it to shows as early as possible in the hopes of getting in during vendor set up. I've found that even if you wait until the doors actually open, most all of the really good deals have already been snagged by other vendors.

never been known as an oddball, but I want to see what the other guys are doing. Plus just maybe pick up some new ideas. Also a good time to see what others are building in catagories you've never worked in. I think it was last year (or maybe the prior) that I looked over a 1/9th scale motorcycle. I've had the kit for way too long, but always shied away from it. I think it's time to take a serious interest in it. Had it not been for the show, I'd probably got rid of it! I actually do the samething watching you guys build stuff that I'd never gave a second thought about doing (Stearman comes to mind). Was so impressed that I went out and bought two kits (how does Revell sell them so cheap?). You guys are good salesmen!

Folks on this board are what I call "out of the way friendly." At time almost too friendly (this is good). So folks thrive on the data to be gleaned off here. I'd have never bought a single Sherman kit if it wasn't for one builder here. Now he's about killed my checking account! Just like going to the Indy show and learning something!
(by the way that "first in Bastogne" Sherman was a killer build!!!) I and two three others discussed that build and literally picked it apart. When I go to a show, I want to see friends first, builds second, and then snoop thru the vender room for a deal.

Gary

[afvfan]

Mar 16, 2016 14:31:23 GMT -5 sturmbird said:

When I go to a show, I want to see friends first, builds second, and then snoop thru the vender room for a deal.
Gary

I only wrote what I did because in your 1st post you made a big deal out of the vendors selling a lot before you got a chance to look. Now, from what you just wrote, it sounds like it's not a real priority for you.

[sturmbird]

Mar 16, 2016 19:42:20 GMT -5 afvfan said:

Mar 16, 2016 14:31:23 GMT -5 sturmbird said:

When I go to a show, I want to see friends first, builds second, and then snoop thru the vender room for a deal.
Gary

I only wrote what I did because in your 1st post you made a big deal out of the vendors selling a lot before you got a chance to look. Now, from what you just wrote, it sounds like it's not a real priority for you.

It's not just me, but I hear about it almost daily.
gary

[sturmbird]

well I planed on getting up at six in the morning, and heading over to Ohio for the IPMS show. Then I read a thread last night on HS about the guys that bought out the tables in Indy. Stayed home instead. Appears that I wasn't the only one either.
gary