Steve Keck

Weighing in late as usual here's my 2 cents: I understand trophies cost more than plaques however, for the kids I want them to go away with a trophy if their model places. Certificates of participation for the rest are OK with me. I would rather receive a smaller plaque so a kid can carry away a real trophy. Be considerate of the participants and their entourage while the judging is being done. I just attended a contest where the judging started at 1pm and the awards were not over with until past 5pm. The wait was painfull. To this same contest's credit pictures were displayed on a screen for third, second and first in each category, master awards and BOS. Simply wait until each category is complete and take digitals in the order of the awards then scroll throught the file. I've judged for over ten years both at local, regional and national contests - both IPMS and not. I've had to explain to disappointed participants the whys and why nots. Most are appreciative of the input when given in a constructive manner. Judge's likes and dislikes have no place in the judging and if they can't separate their preferences from the contest the the contest should be separated from them. It's the best build not what we like.

A portion of his obiturary: Ivan Steppenik passed away March 31’st after a long illness. …..retired nuclear reactor designer most famous for his design of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. in San Clemente, California…inspired by his long time friend, D. R. Parton. Ivan was best known among his close friends for his scale modeling skills. To his associates he was a closet modeler best known for his love of Chevrolets. His most famous work was his inspiration to create a diorama of every convertible Chevrolet produced. He is also remembered for his famous “Barn Find†diorama ruse that fooled experts for years before Ivan finally confessed. To his closest friends, Ivan was a closet modeler who abhorred competition. He loved modeling for its artistry. Ivan had recently come out of retirement to assist an associate in refining his invention that would revolutionize scale modeling allowing anyone with rudimentary chemical knowledge the ability to create chrome plated parts in their kitchen sink. Ivan felt most honored for his modeling skills when Lego convinced him to create a scale model of the Grand Canyon at Lego Land in Carlsbad, California. Ivan was working on his largest diorama when he passed away. Lego Land has decided to leave his work unfinished in his honor. RIP, Ivan.

"CAN I CLEAR COAT OVER THE WINDSHIELD & BACK WINDOW? as these are glued in." Will, I wouldn't. Better to mask off the clear parts. Best to protect the clear parts with Parafilm, then mask over the Parafilm to form a paint barrier.

I just received the Tamiya 1/12th scale 1991 McLaren MP4/6. I’ve been told the wing configuration that comes in the kit was that of the Japanese GP, but the decals were for the British (Silverstone) GP. I was also told the wing configuration was different between Britain and Japan. The wings could be correct for both versions for all I know. I understand the Japanese GP car ran Marlboro logos, but licensing for the brand was not available for the model, so Tamiya included the "non-smoking" McLaren logos. Does the kit build an accurate version of how it ran at Silverstone with McLaren decals as provided in the kit? Alternatively, would changing to Marlboro decals be all it takes to make it an accurate version for some other race? Any help on understanding how accurate a model I can build out of the box is appreciated. Steve

The one and original Gregg. I can't remember the source of the how-to. Just it was very detailed and helpful. I am giving a seminar at the IPMS Regional here the 23rd and wanted to include it. Proper credit will be given the author.

my name is include in my post as well as in my email address Also, you have my name as I had to sign-in to be able to post the original message.

acrylic paint that they could scan and email me a copy? Thanx Steve stevenkeck@cox.net

Anyone going who can carry my entries? Please contact me 623-266-9889 stevenkeck@cox.net

HA! I was speaking of 1:1 models as in 36-24-36 DD!

Beautiful cars great models - 1/24 that is great fun good friends great prizes!