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BuffCon 29 Show Report

buffcon history

The BuffCon Model Show is an annual event organized by the IPMS Niagara Frontier Model Club. The club makes its home in the city of Buffalo located in western New York State. The club has the distinction of being the first and only four time IPMS/USA National Chapter of the Year and seven time IPMS/USA Region I Chapter of the Year. Their annual "BuffCon" event is held each year in April and continues to be one of the largest shows of its kind in this part of the United States. The show was held in Tonawanda, New York, a suburb of Buffalo on April 15 of this year, and marked the 29th year of its existence.

buffcon 29, the 2012 show

There were twelve major competition categories available including Aircraft, Military Vehicles, Automotive, Ships, Figures, Science Fiction & Real Space, Dioramas, Collections, Miscellaneous, Humour in Modelling, Master Modeller and Junior Entries. Each of these was in turn further subdivided into 67 individual subcategories. The number of subcategories varied from category to category but for each a first, second or third prize award was available.

Models were displayed on tables, by categories, in one large room while a similarly sized second room provided a venue for a total of 57 vendors selling almost anything and everything pertaining to the hobby. This second room also provided an area for show participants to partake in refreshments and light snacks. During the show and while the main display room was closed for judging, numerous raffles were held with the prizes provided by a number of show sponsors, including some internationally known brands.

demonstrations

During the show, three demonstrations were available for the participants to take part in: Military Miniature Presentation: Jim Johnston (MFCA and Atlanta Grand Master) presented a demonstration of military miniature presentation. The primary focus was miniature staging, groundwork effects and perspective. Painting and Weathering Part 1: Joe Szczygielski - Basic Aircraft Painting, this demo covered construction and detail tips for aircraft, including painting, decals and weathering using oils. Painting and detailing cockpits were also reviewed. Painting and Weathering Part 2: Joe Szczygielski - Basic Armor Weathering, this demo covered construction and detail tips for armor, including painting, decals and weathering using oils. It also included basic weathering for mud and grass, sand and dust.

buffcon 29 by the numbers

Initial statistics provided by IPMS Niagara Frontier were as follows:

• There were about 100 competition entrants.
• 407 models of all types were entered.
• 480 people, not including entrants or children under 12 years, visited.
• 27 IPMS Niagara Frontier members were present in addition to the above.
• My thanks to the IPMS Niagara Frontier Chapter and in particular Tom Faith for providing information in the preparation of this feature.