History

The Richmond Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) was established in 1972 by five area model builders. Combining great talent and a passion for scale modeling, they formed IPMS Richmond with the expressed hope of spreading their enthusiasm for scale models with others in Central Virginia and beyond. IPMS Richmond is part of a national organization, IPMS/USA, with chapters serving modelers across the United States. The International Plastic Modelers Society is also worldwide with members in many countries, all united by their enthusiasm for scale modeling.

IPMS Richmond meets at Deep Run Recreation Center in Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico, VA 23233. We meet on the third Monday night of each month except for January and February when the Deep Run Center’s schedule requires us to meet on the second Monday night. Except for our December special event, all of our meetings begin at 6:30 PM and end about 9:00 PM. From time to time at our meetings, we have guest speakers and other special programs. Whenever possible, we have demonstrations of model building and painting techniques presented by our members or local hobbyists. In December, we host a chapter model contest and enjoy a catered holiday dinner. Our members also organize trips to public events, museums or places focusing on history, aviation, military vehicles or other facets of our hobby. Each year, we travel to model shows and contests sponsored by other IPMS chapters in the area. IPMS Richmond publishes Spare Parts quarterly, an online newsletter featuring chapter news and a variety of hobby articles written by our members. In other months, a meeting announcement bulletin is prepared and sent. We are a non-profit organization, and we host special events to benefit charitable organizations which relate to our hobby.

Our annual model show and contest, the Old Dominion Open (ODO), is held the last Saturday in February at the Richmond Raceway. The ODO has grown over the years into the largest one-day scale modeling event in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our show usually draws as many as 1,000 people and has approximately 1,000 scale models of everything from World War II fighter planes to Formula One race cars, movie monsters, and Gundam figures in competition. All genres of our hobby, from model ships to science fiction spacecraft, are represented on the contest tables. Over 200 trophies are awarded, covering scores of categories. The ODO also features an excellent variety of vendors with the latest and vintage model kits, books, tools and hobby supplies.

Our annual dues are $10.00 per year. Regardless of your model building experience or your preferred subject, we welcome you and invite you to join us.