BuffCon 30

introduction

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 larger shows of its kind in this part of the United States. The show was held in Cheektowaga, New York, a suburb of Buffalo on April 14 of this year, and marked the 30th year of its existence.

buffcon 30, the 2013 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 33 vendors at 55 tables 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.

sponsors

Numerous businesses, local clubs and even individuals from both the United States and Canada contributed to providing funding for both category and subcategory trophies and awards. IPMS Niagara Frontier was most grateful for their continuing support of this event.

buffcon 30 by the numbers

Initial statistics provided by IPMS Niagara Frontier were as follows:
▪ There were about 111 competition entrants.
▪ 355 models of all types were entered.
▪ 385 people, not including entrants or children under 12 years, visited.
▪ Numerous IPMS Niagara Frontier members were present in addition to the above.
▪ My thanks to the IPMS Niagara Frontier Chapter and in particular Richard Schulenberg and Tom Faith for providing information in the preparation of this feature.