IPMS/Northern Virginia Modelers is a chartered chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society/USA branch. The chapter, which founded over 15 years ago, was the Chapter of the Year for Region 2 in 1990 and 97, and for all of IPMS/USA for 1990. The chapter boasts a membership of more then 100 members and grows every month. A typical meeting is attended by 75 - 80 members (that's a lot of experience).  Membership in IPMS/USA is not required to attend meetings, but is encouraged ("help your society grow"). Our motto and goal is "have FUN modeling."

Monthly meetings feature a contest with categories for models by juniors (17 and under), cars, aircraft, military vehicles, figures, space and science fiction, miscellaneous subjects, and a special contest category which changes each month. Winners are determined by popular ballot. Meetings also feature a guest speaker, slide presentation or techniques demonstration of interest to our modelers. We've even had precision bombing contest and carrier landing contests!

As a rule we meet the first Wednesday of every month (unless it falls on a holiday). During the winter months, if the venue is closed due to inclement weather, our meetings are also canceled. Always check this website for the latest meeting information.

Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are concluded by 10:00p.m.

Contact any of our club officers for more information.

What is the International Plastic Modelers Society?

IPMS was formed in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, and began shortly thereafter here in the U.S. The society is dedicated to the advancement and continuation of plastic modeling. It's motto "By Modelers, for Modelers", expresses it's true essence. Membership is open to both modelers and trade members. Adult membership in IPMS/USA costs $25 for one year, $49 for two years or $73 for three years. Dues for juniors (17 and under) is $12 per year. Family memberships add $5 to the appropriate adult option. IPMS/USA membership for residents of Canada and Mexico are $30 per year. IPMS/USA membership for individuals living in other foreign countries is $32 per year. For more membership information, visit the IPMS/USA web site.

In order to encourage IPMS/USA membership, IPMS Northern Virginia has a special "subsidy" program for chapter members. For the subsidy, we do the following:

• New adult memberships: chapter pays all but $10, member pays only $10
• New Junior memberships: chapter pays entire amount
• Adult renewals: chapter pays $10 per year of renewal. Member must renew on their own and then bring me the new membership card
• Junior renewals: chapter pays entire amount. Member must renew on their own and then bring me the new membership card
   

What happens at a typical meeting?

Although the business meeting begins at 8:00pm, members often begin arriving as early as 6:30 to socialize, admire the built models brought in for the contest or for display, trade tips and socialize. Around 8:00 we start our meeting with a business discussion which lasts 45 minutes to one hour. The club then takes a 15-20 minute break to allow members to vote for the models entered in the monthly contest. When the meeting is reconvened, a program or demonstration of some type is provided. It might be a slide show on a topic of interest to modelers, a guest speaker, or a techniques demo, which are very educational. Following the presentation, a raffle is held for donated modeling supplies and kits, contest results are announced and ribbons awarded, then at around 10:00 p.m. the meeting concludes.

Where are the meetings held?

Due to various reasons the location may be changed. Directions and maps for the meeting location can be found on the Directions page.

Do you have to be a member of IPMS/USA to join Northern Virginia Modelers?

No, membership in IPMS/USA is encouraged but not required.

Are there dues to become a member of Northern Virginia Modelers?

No, there are no membership dues for our chapter.

How often do you have contests?  Is there an entry fee?

The club holds contests each month.  The January contest is held to determine which model was the best of all those built by club members during the previous year.  There is no entry fee for models placed in each month's contest.

Is there a limit to how many models can be entered in each month's contest?

No, there isn't a limit to number of models that can be placed in the contest by any one person.  However, club rules permit an individual to win only one award in each category, therefore, members should enter only one model per category.

How many contest categories are there in each month's contest?

That varies depending on whether there are at least two models which can compete in any one given category.   Typically, there are categories for juniors, Masters, 1/72 and smaller aircraft, 1/48 and larger aircraft, 1/48 and smaller armor, armored vehicles larger than 1/48, science fiction, ships, figures, cars and trucks, and miscellaneous models.

How is judging conducted?

Judging is done by popular ballot.   You needn't be afraid that your latest masterpiece will get picked apart by a group of overly-critical "know-it-all" judges.  The atmosphere of our contest is very friendly, and there is a free exchange of hints and techniques.

What kind of awards are presented?

Ribbons for 1st and 2nd place are awarded for each category, and a certificate is awarded to the modeler who constructed the model deemed "Best of Show."  During the January Contest, Plaques are awarded to the winners of each category as "Model of the Year."

Do novice modelers compete with experienced modelers?

After a modeler is awarded 5 1st places awards in any one category, 1/72 aircraft for example, they are recognized as "Master Modelers" and must compete separately.  They may compete in a normal category that they have not received 5 1st place awards, such as 1/48 or larger armor. In future competitions if that individual wanted to enter a 1/72 or smaller aircraft, they would be required to place the model in the Masters' Category.