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AMPS East Show

On the last weekend of September, I went up to Danbury Connecticut, to one of my favourite shows.

I have always found the bunch of guys that work all year to bring this show to us, to do outstanding work, and presenting a fun, and interesting show for everyone, be it a new beginner modeller, to the seasoned veteran modeller, and everything in-between. This year was no different; I personally love the new two day event, as it certainly makes judging much easier, and much more enjoyable.

I arrived a little later on Friday morning then I wanted to, paid my admission, did a quick tour of the vendors room, then headed over to see the Great Pumpkin for my first round of judging. For me this is the best part of the show, I get to spend two hours with like minded people get up close and personal with some beautifully constructed models.

After my judging gig, it was time for me to check in, so out to get the luggage, and move to the room, set up the laptop, have a soda and a snack, then head down to the vendors room to look around and pick up a few items I just had to have. By this time, it was time to do another round of judging, and helping out in any way Georg or Mike Petty needed, bring it to late afternoon, another trip through the vendors’ room, picked up a few other have to haves, then off to my room. (At this time I was amazed at what few items and little money I had actually spent!) Mike Petty did his ACJ meeting/class which was pretty well attended, and lengthy questions and answers session followed. After the class it was off to dinner with Georg, Neil, and Mike. After dinner we joined the bar crowd at the hotels bar for a few minutes. By now my old butt was dragging so off to the room I went.

Saturday started off with a tour once again of the vendors room, Bought a few more items, that I didn’t have to have, but would be useful in the future. Spent a few hours being a checker--- checking the math of the judging sheets, then it was off to the room for a break, and then down to take the photos. (This for me is the best part of the show, as I actually try to take at least one photo of each model on display. Since I have a bad back and bad legs, this sometimes gets painful, so I have to do this in short secessions.) By the time I’m finished taking photos, usually the judging is done, and I go around the room one more time checking to see if I missed any models. (I mark each sheet so I know which one I’ve already photographed.) Then it’s off to the vendor’s room for a final tour. And yep—you got it, a few more items into the stash.

After the award ceremony, and all the members working to break down the show, Georg, Neil, Mike, and I went out for dinner again. After dinner, Georg, Neil and Mike headed back down to Jersey, and I spent Saturday night uploading, and sorting the photos I took. Just like in fishing, not everyone was a keeper, but I do hope you enjoy the ones that turned out fairly well.

As I said in the beginning, this is one of my favourite shows that I go to, and I’m really like the two day format, for myself, it makes for a far more enjoyable, much more relaxing, and less rushed show. The guys that put on this show do an excellent job running the show in a well organized manner, and certainly rate a 10 in my book for friendliness, good spirits, and willingness to help each other and all visitors to the show.