Jack received an IPMS update from Tony that contained a lot of information about the upcoming IPMS 2011 Nationals in Omaha.

via Randy Fields at IPMS Fort Crook:
The registration links on our web site at www.ipmsusa2011.org will be up shortly (it is available via IPMS USA website~Andy)

The contest rules, categories and special awards plus the tentative convention schedule and the banquet menu are posted as
well.

Eleven Gator Modelers made the trip the Jacksonville to attend JAXCON. The Jacksonville folks put on a fantastic show and it is located in a great venue. Even though this is only a one day event there about 435 models entered and the Vendor area was over flowing.

Bill Winter, Michael Martinez and Frank Pupello all entered models this year.  Bill Winter won a Bronze Metal in “1/35 Armor-46 and Later NATO” with his M60-A3 and Michael won a Bronze Metal in “Humor in Modeling” with his AVC-10. Don’t forget to read about the article about the AVC-10 in the February 2011 newsletter.

Bill, Frank and Ed shared a vendor table where they managed to sell off some of their stash. All three added to their stash with new purchases at the contest. There were lots of nice kits in the raffle. Bill won six kits in the raffle and Ed won one. We ran into past member Ken Wilson at the contest where he was loading up on kits to take home with him. We extended an invitation to come to our next meeting.

Bill Winter writes:
Dear Modelers - I am probably more interested in modern armor than armor in any other time period. The variety of modern armor is staggering. 3 items that you should be aware of if you like modern armor include 2 new Merkava IV's and a new Hummer. Academy is coming out with a new version of the Merkava IV. Previously their original Merkava IV was criticized for not having enough texture over the non-slip surfaces. I don't know if this has been addressed in the new version. A totally new Merkava IV is being released by Bronco. Bronco is also releasing an unarmored version of the Hummer: the M1114 Up-Armored HA (Heavy) Tactical Vehicle. This looks to be a winner! Below is a description of the kit from an e-mail that I received from Dragon USA.  Click HERE for more!

Boy, have we had some cold weather or what though January? The good part of that is you don’t have to shovel it (a comment from a refuge from the snow belt), and the other good part is that cold weather makes for some quality model time in my book.
After last month’s announcement of the new newsletter format and the club website, I was wondering what news I would have to share with you this month.
More Meeting Space!
First off, we are going to have a lot more space for our meetings at the hobby shop, so that is another big plus for the club. Eric has done some rearranging in the store to achieve more meeting space as well as a larger space for demos etc.

Member in Great Scale Modeling 2011
You might want to pick up the new Fine Scale Modeler 2011 Special Edition of the Year’s Best Model where Andy’s Sherman M4A3E8 is pictured in the World of Sherman’s section. Congratulations to Andy for another winner. The magazine is on sale at the hobby shop, and features great looking models of aircraft, ships, armor, cars, figures and dioramas from around the country.

Website looking good!
I recently was looking through the IPMS Home Page, to see how our website looked compared to others around the country, and I’m proud to say we look pretty darn good.  While I was doing my research, I found it very interesting to see what other clubs are doing. Most of the websites have archived their newsletters on their site, and I found it interesting to browse though their articles, hints and tips and various club events. There is a lot of interesting information to be had.

Gill Hodges sent out the following Jaxcon 2011 reminder:

Hello fellow R-11 IPMSers! I want to be sure that all of our clubs in Florida are aware that Jaxcon 2011 will be held on Saturday, Feb5th, from 9am-5pm, at the UNF University Center here in Jacksonville. This is the same venue we've been using, so if you've been here before, you know how nice it is!

We'll have almost 100 categories (the most outside the IPMS Nats), our usual plethora of vendors from all over the southeast, and a large raffle too! Full details, including directions and forms you can print out are at: ipms-firstcoast.com. Feel free to email me at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have questions that cannot be answered there. We still have a few vendor tables left. They're $30@. Email me if you want to vend!

Last of all, just like any club who hosts a show, we can use your help! First of all, if you attend, PLEASE consider helping us judge. Lots of hands make for a light work load. We value help from people outside our club! We would also welcome a donation towards our awards costs or towards our raffle.

Please pass this email along to your fellow club members and modeling friends. I hope to see you at Jaxcon 2011 on Feb 5th! Cheers!