Thanks to all who helped me along the way with my M123A1C Tractor w/M15A1 Trailer build. I took it to TamiyaCon here in Southern California today and walked away with a Director's Choice Award and a trip to Tamiya HQ, Japan. I was dumbfounded and still haven't gotten over it yet. Here is the completed model at the show.
Me and my girls accepting Director's Choice Award from M. Tamiya.
And finally, the whole family beaming with pride.


Again, much thanks to all that helped along the way. I am looking forward to the trip to Japan and will report back on return.

P.S.-- I also took a first place with my PBR Mk II done up as PBR Steetgang from Apocalypse Now.

Great Job! Great Model!

congratulations, the model you built really looks like it deserves to win.

nice one m8 dont forget your passport! see if you can get some sneak shots of the new chally2

Congratulations Gino on you master pieces, you've earned it, just hope you can take your whole family with you to enjoy the trip. I'm real glad to hear somebody from the rank and files getting a big award like that, makes us feel like a brother, or family member has won.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck, and hope your trip turns out to be one of the greatest vacations of your life. Keep up the good work, and most of all follow your heart.

Kerry

Congratulations! And oh, nice model!

Well, that's fantastic....
I certainly hope you enjoyed the show, and I know you
will enjoy Japan.....

Congradulations. I never wentto/entered a modeling show, but being a winner at one of these must feel great.
Marc

Isn't the 123 from the Tank workshop? I thought it had to be Tamiya kits. I guess your M-15a1 was a conversion from their Dragon wagon. In any case congrats I built that setup only used the Peerless Max trailer as my basis for modification

Aharty Congrats to you Gino. This is indeed a fantastic honor bestowed on a great modeler. We are all very happy for you.

Wonderful news Gino! Congratulations and have a fun trip!

Gunnie

Thanks all. I am really looking forward to the trip.

mikeli125, the new Challenger II was on display, sorry, I didn't get any photos of it. It looks really great, should be a nice kit.

Blaster 76, the M123A1C is scratchbuilt using mostly Tamiya parts from the Dragon Wagon, old Revell/Renwall 5-ton wrecker, Italeri M925 and other kits. The M15A1 trailer is converted from the Dragon Wagon trailer. You are right, all kits have to be Tamiya in origin. They do allow conversions and scratchbuilding.

I hope to be able to take some photos in the Tamiya factory and the show in Japan. I'll post some photos and an update here when I get back.

Holy Canoli Gino!!

I followed your build-up of your M123 since the beginning (as I did animal's trailer), and I knew it was a winner then! So winning this award at a show like the TamiyaCon, and getting the nod for the trip to Japan is absolutely fantastic and well deserved!
(this is where we should have a happy face that applauds!!)

Bloody good on ya Gino......seriously!

Now when they publish all the coverage of the trip to Japan in FSM, I can say "Hey, I know that guy!"

Congratulations amigo!

Tread.

Great news indeed Gino! Congratulations!!!

Congratulations on that fantastic build Gino. Enjoy your trip to the land of the rising sun.

hi HeavyArty congrats on your win and your trip to japan.
you make us very happy here.
you put armor ramma on the map

Fantastic models, Gino (but you and the judges know that already), Congratulations!

Wow, congragulations. Well done and enjoy the trip.

That is really incredible Gino. A hearty congratulations and well done. As has already been said, when they announce the winners I can say, "hey, I know that guy." Well, "virtually" know you anyway.

Congrats!!Its really great!!

Congrats!!

Outstanding! We're proud of you. Thanks for sharing the pics.
Don't forget to take an extra suitcase for all the models you'll be buying.

Chuck

good on you mate

wow that really is an awsome prize! i really like the apocalypse now boat, (that is my favorite vietnam movie after all!) good job, hope you have a good time in japan! did you know in japan you can buy pizza out of vending machines?! haha well have a good time

congrats Gino..this is a very well deserved prize..your model looks awesome