No or few Model Car Contests between November and March?

[racer93]

Is there an "unwritten" break during this time, or do things just fall that way? It seems that from Halloween to the middle of March there aren't any shows within 150 miles me (Louisville, KY, USA).

Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

Daniel

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

That's pretty much how it is; you get into the holidays and after that nobody wants to risk a show that could be impacted severely by winter weather.

Here in the Southeast, the first show of the year is the MCCM/Birmingham show, generally held the 1st weekend of March, but this year the 3rd. Our Atlanta show is always held the 2nd weekend of November; after our first show in '96 we decided on a date that would "close out" the year, so that traditionally our two shows would bookend the building and show season.

There is a big NNL/model show in Detroit this coming weekend. Most model shows are held in the spring, summer, and fall. Winter is for building models that will debut in the spring

[racer93]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

Winter is for building models that will debut in the spring

That's exactly what I thought it was. Thanks for the help!

So, tell me--how crazy would it be to drive 6 or 7 hours to go to a "big" show? Do a lot of guys do it? I've had a lot of high praise for my kits and suggestions to go to bigger shows and was curious. I have been building for years but only going to shows for the past few months.

Thoughts?

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Well, it depends what you are looking for. The biggest/best shows are often worth it due to the camaraderie and vendors. Our ACME NNL is hugely popular w/not only traditional subjects, but also road racing/sports cars, imports, tuners, and we had a great bunch of vendors. Being in the South, it's not just NASCAR and hot rods, it's a really cool show since all subjects are well covered. I'm pretty sure you have a great show in Louisville, there are big shows in Indy, Toledo. The big show in Detroit this coming Sunday has 200 vendor tables and a huge turnout of models. Take a look at show coverage in the magazines, and ask about particular shows here, to find out what kinds of shows people like going to.

[Froride1]

In the Northern California area not much over the holidays but four shows in Feb thru April. Last show of the year is Dec 4th, IPMS in Elk Grove. Then nothing until Febuary, three shows in three weeks and a forth in April.

Feb 19th, Santa Rosa IPMS Hobby Expo
Feb 26th, NNL West
March 5th, Silicon Valley IPMS Kickoff Classic
April 10th, Fermont IPMS Tri-City Classis

It will be a busy three weeks, I'll be pretty burned out on shows for awhile. There are others though out the year. All shows within a 150 mi radius.

[racer93]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

Well, it depends what you are looking for. The biggest/best shows are often worth it due to the camaraderie and vendors. Our ACME NNL is hugely popular w/not only traditional subjects, but also road racing/sports cars, imports, tuners, and we had a great bunch of vendors. Being in the South, it's not just NASCAR and hot rods, it's a really cool show since all subjects are well covered. I'm pretty sure you have a great show in Louisville, there are big shows in Indy, Toledo. The big show in Detroit this coming Sunday has 200 vendor tables and a huge turnout of models. Take a look at show coverage in the magazines, and ask about particular shows here, to find out what kinds of shows people like going to.

200 vendor tables! Wow! That's big!

Our local show (Louisville Model Car Club) in '09 had over 500 cars (normal is upper 300s to 400)! However, we're not allowed to enter into this contest, just to keep things on the up and up.

I do F1, MotoGP and other various racing subjects. No street stuff for me. Thus, judging can be a bit difficult. I'm making some photo collections that I bring along in a little booklet to give the judges something to go off when judging.

I might just have to take a day or two and drive a little. From the little show coverage I've seen and pics of the entries of some of the larger shows in Atlanta and other places within a day's drive, it definitely seems worth it.

Thanks for the info.

Daniel