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The AMPS East 2003 show was a success!
From the new blood entering the hobby to the history of the building and the New York National Guard, many little things set this event apart from the National yet made everyone feel welcomed.
Many vendors brought their wares including Formations Models from Tennessee and Tiger Model Designs from Florida. Also present were Bill Miley with Chesapeake Model Designs and Tom Jentz of Panzer Tracts. Tom also gave a seminar on the Panther production myths and realities uncovered during his research.
Also from Maryland, Steve Zaloga gave a slideshow presentation of his recent models along with some building tips. Last of the paid seminars was by Adam Wilder and he covered his finishing techniques on two T-34s.
Not to be outdone, our hosts at the show gave a free PowerPoint presentation on modeling the New York National Guard during World War II. This was accentuated with kit listings, tips and several dioramas displayed by the presenter, Paul Fanning.
Talal Chouman brought two scratchbuilt 1/16th scale models, a LAV-25 and a Bradley. Both are stunning. Other gallery entries included such esoteric vehicles such as a Russian Stalinets, Bulgarian Pz IV Ausf. G, and a German Camel scout.
However, back to the vendors. Many brought out new products for the show. Formations models introduced a sponson set for the Tamiya M4A3 and a pair of US WWII Vehicle Antenna Mounts and Masts. Expect reviews here on TL very soon! As mentioned on this site, the first accurate aftermarket Sherman barrel is available from this company and I bought three for my kits. I put my money where my mouth is!
Tiger Model Designs brought out four new Tiger I mantlets, an early Panzer III J conversion, a Panzer IVF1 conversion, Tiger I S mine launchers, and Tiger I Spare Track mounts. Again, reviews are forthcoming.
CMD snuck a Marder III Upper Hull With Gun Mount which I never saw before so I snapped it up (along with a T-62 barrel). Remy of RZM had fabulous discounts on aftermarket goodies that made me run to S & J Hobbies for the base kits.
But a quiet man with an excellent product was also in attendance. Hansa Systems brought along their line of ready to build edifices. These are a Lego style construction and I was amazed that not much has been reviewed online. Armand Bayardi and Farina Productions also brought diorama items.
Our friends at WW2Modeler.com was there along with Alasdair Johnston of The Small Shop, UK, and introduced the beautiful 8" folding tool as well as the Hair-Coat. I also received from them all 11 colors of their line of weathering powders under the brand of Model Maker Products.
Track-Link is proud to have sponsored the Junior category and this, along with the generous raffle prizes contributed in conjunction with LionRoar, were crowd-pleasers.
A full vendors and winners list, as well as many more photos, will be posted soon. In the meantime, enjoy the work of Talal and meet two of the modeling generation to follow in our armor modeling footsteps.
Text and photos by Saul Garcia [View discussion] [Discuss my model]
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