WHAT'S NEW

We are always keeping our ears to the ground to learn about the latest developments in our spectrum of the hobby. We'll keep this page updated with whatever information we receive.

For the latest on IPMS contests and events, visit the IPMS/USA website: http://www.ipmsusa.org/ Then click on the "Upcoming Events" button on the left side of the page. You'll be taken to a list arranged by date for all IPMS-sanctioned events in the United States.

2009

Webmaster's note: I've only listed the releases of the major US model companies only because the information in their products is so readily available.  If anyone viewing this site has additions to make or feels that an omission has been made, they can email me with the update: blackswampmodelers@toast.net.  Thanks!

November 10 - Added a page that highlights Rich Cacioppo's award-winning diorama, Jason's Duel with the Skeletons.  You can view the page by navigating from Rich's Gallery Page or just click on this link: http://members.toast.net/blackswampmodelers/RC_Jason%20Page.htm

October 19 - (Three days late from the twelfth anniversary of the tragic launch of the Jupiter II mission to Alpha Centauri) - Just received word from Alpha Control Press about their new editions of Irwin Allen collectibles.  These are mainly upgrades of their softbound publications that cover the "real" and behind-the-scenes events surrounding the classic TV series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, The Time Tunnel, and Land of the Giants.  I have several of the first-edition books and have enjoyed them for many years, so I've got to figure that these latest books must be literally out of this world.  ACP also has several nice embroidered patches that correspond to the various shows for sale, plus a whole lot of on-line articles with production notes, episode guides, cast interviews, and more.  Check them out at: http://www.alphacontrolpress.biz/

September 7 - Posted an article by Greg Maiocco that covers his buildup of Moebius' Invisible Man kit, which you can read by clicking here.

August 19-22 - IPMS National Convention, hosted by IPMS/Eddie Rickenbacker in Columbus, Ohio.  The largest annual modeling event of the largest organization of plastic modelers in the United States!  Contact: www.ipmsusa2009.org for more information about the show, or go to http://www.ipmsusa.org/ to learn more about our parent organization.

July 31 - Rich Cacioppo announces that he is now a retailer of Geomteric Designs products.  You can get to his web site from our Links Page or check out his estore by clicking here.

July 11 - A friend of mine sent me to this web site, Gasoline Alley Antiques.  Among other things they have a lot of vintage model kits; they're not cheap, but they do have some rare kits.  See for yourself: http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/kits/index.htm.

June 1 - The Black Swamp Modelers first dues cycle begins.  There's a full explanation of it in the article titled "About The Dues".

May 27 - Added a page for our newest Black Swamp Modeler, Mike Edwards!  Take a look at his incredible Science Fiction models by clicking here.

May 16 & 17 - WonderFest 20th Annual Show.  This is the Olympics of Our Kind of Modeling, at least in the United States.  Visit the WF web site for more information: http://www.wonderfest.com/welcome.html

April 13 - Updated Rich Cacioppo's  Busts and Figures pages with new photos - check 'em out!

March 7 - At the annual SEMMEX model show put on by the IPMS/Warren and IPMS/Livonia (MI) chapters I met Bob Hickl, who has begun a campaign to try and convince Testors  to manufacture a line of paints formulated specifically for Science Fiction subjects.  These would be released initially as packaged paint sets: Star Trek, Star Wars, and so forth.  At present, Bob is working out his proposal, and here's where you can help.  Bob asks that you send an email to him, expressing your interest in seeing this Sci-Fi paint line be made.  This would show Testors that the market would support this type of paint.  Bob's email address is: bobhickl@aol.com.  Fire yours off right away and vote!  Testors formulates paints for the builders of Aircraft, Armor, and Automotive models - why can't Science Fiction modelers expect the same?