January Meeting and Other News

Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, January 8th from 7 to 9 PM.  Doors open around 6:45 PM, we recommend you arrive early to facilitate starting on time.  In the January meeting, fellow modeller Duncan Young will speak about the specifics of AMPS judging, which are quite different from IPMS’ approach to judging contests.  Duncan is based out of Guelph, Ontario and will appear virtually via Zoom or similar.  

SURVEY RESULTS

Thank you to everyone who has filled out our survey (32 responses in total), your input is very valuable and will shape the upcoming meeting agendas to the extent possible.  Here are the key findings:

1. Membership Duration:

  • Majority of respondents (38.7%) have been members for over 10 years, indicating a stable, long-term membership base.
  • Newer members (less than a year) make up 6.5%, suggesting room for growth in attracting new participants.

2. Meeting Attendance:

  • Most respondents (71%) attended 7–11 in-person meetings, demonstrating strong engagement.
  • A minimal number (3.2%) did not attend any meetings in 2024.

3. Enjoyment of Meetings:

  • A total of 93.5% of respondents rated meetings as “enjoyable” (45.2%) or “very enjoyable” (48.4%).

4. Satisfaction Ratings (“Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”):

  • Reminder Emails: 90.3% of respondents were satisfied, with 73.6% “very satisfied.”
  • Meeting Location: 67.7% expressed satisfaction, though some suggested improvements (e.g., better lighting and cooling during summer).
  • Presentations/Lectures: 90.3% satisfaction, including 43.9% “very satisfied.”
  • “On the Tables” Segment: 96.8% were satisfied, with 53.3% “very satisfied.”
  • Flea Markets: 83.9% expressed satisfaction, including 22.6% “very satisfied.”
  • Socializing Time: 90.3% were satisfied, with 38.7% “very satisfied.”

5. Highlighted Presentations:

  • Popular topics included “Scratch building the Vulcan,” “Interview with Fantastic Plastic,” and “Red Baron’s Last Flight.”
  • Members appreciated technical and historical topics but suggested shorter durations for presentations.

6. Future Meeting Preferences:

  • Interest in workshops (average rating: 4.42/5) and aircraft modeling (4.42/5) stood out.
  • Other high-rated areas include dioramas/vignettes (4.03/5) and free time for socializing (3.77/5).
  • Lower interest in Gunpla (2.48/5) and car/truck modeling (3.03/5).

7. Comments and Suggestions:

  • Positive feedback on the flexibility and organization of meetings.
  • Requests for more technical presentations, advanced technique seminars, and guest appearances.
  • Suggestions for a more central meeting location and better presentation facilities (larger screens and improved audio).
  • A desire for specialized sessions, such as decal exchange nights and workshops on modeling techniques.

This survey reflects high satisfaction among members, with over 90% expressing satisfaction in key areas, while offering valuable insights to further enhance member engagement and the quality of meetings in the future.  You can view the survey in its entirety here

MEETING AGENDA

  • 6:45 – 7:00 Arrive / setup
  • 7:00 – 7:10 Announcements / welcome to new club members
  • 7:10 – 8:00 Duncan Young, “AMPS Judging” (virtual session)
  • 8:00 – 8:45 On the Tables – show us your projects!
  • 8:45 – 9:00 Wrap up and meeting close  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • 2025 memberships are now due at https://ipmstoronto.com/membership/  please and thank you. Without your membership fees we could not host these meetings, so please go to the site at your earliest convenience. 

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to IPMSToronto@gmail.com or malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  

MEETING LOCATION

Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 

Meetings take place every first Wednesday of the month.  We look forward to seeing you all there!

December Meeting and Other News

Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, December 4th from 7 to 9 PM.  Doors open around 6:45 PM, we recommend you arrive early to facilitate starting on time.  

MEETING AGENDA

  • 6:45 – 7:00 Arrive / setup
  • 7:00 – 7:10 Announcements / welcome to new club members
  • 7:10 – 8:00 Flea market!  (only members can sell, anyone can buy)
  • 8:00 – 8:45 On the Tables – show us your projects!
  • 8:45 – 9:00 Wrap up and meeting close  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • 2024 is coming to a close and 2025 memberships are now due at https://ipmstoronto.com/membership/  please and thank you. Without your membership fees we could not host these meetings, so please go to the site at your earliest convenience. 
  • From Glenn Cauley, President IPMS Ottawa: The Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) is holding its next meeting on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 1900h. For non-members wanting to attend the Zoom virtual meeting, please email cahsottawa@gmail.com to RSVP and receive the login information. See details in the attached image.
  • From Brian CotterAn INVITATION on behalf of the Board of CAHS Toronto, I write to cordially invite IPMS Toronto members to a talk CAHS Toronto is hosting on Sat, Dec 7 starting at 13:00 hrs in the Simmonds Theatre at Canadian Forces College by acclaimed historian/aviation author:TED BARRIS on his latest and 22nd book: THE BATTLE of BRITAIN: Canadian Airmen In Their Finest Hour— please see the attached PDF complete with the CFC’s location — As you may know, Mr BARRIS is an engaging speaker so this promises to be a fabulous event especially as he’ll be offering his usual exceptionally well researched insight on the Canadian airmen who took part in this critical and iconic battle.   The CFC’s Simmonds Theatre is a fine venue seating 90: may I suggest arrival at 215 Yonge Blvd by-before 12:40/45 ish. (See more below.)Please share or re-post this invitation to IPMS – Toronto Members. Many thanks!Sincerely,Brian Cotteraffiliations: CAHS Toronto, IMPS Toronto, CWHM, RCAFA, Historica Canada speaker and a recently minted RCAF Associate Historian c 416-985-9153Arrival/event info:
    • if the Gate to the CFC’s very spacious parking lot is closed… simply buzz the Commissionaires via the box on the post nearby to say you’re there for the CAHS Ted Barris talk… and the Commissionaire will activate the sliding Gate;
    • once parked the entrance is at the East end of the lot just down a flight of stairs or a ramp to the left; this’ll take you inside to the Commissionaire’s Security Desk wherein you’ll find our sign-in sheet;  
    • the Theatre is a 90 deg right turn just down the hall (washrooms on the right) to find our Welcome Desk likely staffed by Geoff and his wife Moyra with membership forms, recent Chapter Newsletters and other info; a name tag stickers, etc.; 
    • we ask a ‘landing fee’ of $ 5 for non-members ($ 3 for members) mostly for coffee & treats in the MESS apres for which you’ll be given a Door Prize ticket;
    • behind their Desk on that upper level you’ll find our book sale e.g. a wide variety of high quality, gently used aviation related books at amazingly low prices;  
    • also: Mr BARRIS’ BATTLE OF BRITAIN will be on sale after the Q & A; likely on the Theatre floor-level; which he’ll be happy to autograph;
    • apres… attendees are welcome to join us a short walk across the grounds past a naval guns a Leopard MBT and a CF-104 to the OFFICERS’ MESS (a late 19th/early 20th C Tudor Revival style mansion) who’s interior is quite ornate inside e.g. a wide variety of unit/Forces crests, etc. for coffee, tea, treats and conversation;
    • Dress: may I suggest “Saturday PM nice casual” e.g. no jeans;  ideally slacks, open collar dress shirt maybe with sweater, cardigan or even sports jacket if desired.  

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to IPMSToronto@gmail.com or malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  

MEETING LOCATION

Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 

Meetings take place every first Wednesday of the month.  We look forward to seeing you all there!

*DATE CHANGE* Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 Meeting

Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 5th from 7 to 9 PM.  The November date had to be changed due to the Legion needing the hall on Wednesday. Doors open around 6:45 PM, we recommend you arrive early to facilitate starting on time.  

MEETING AGENDA

  • 6:45 – 7:00 Arrive / setup
  • 7:00 – 7:10 Announcements / welcome to new club members
  • 7:10 – 8:00 Jason Liang, “Titan Missile Museum in Tucson, AZ”
  • 8:00 – 8:45 On the Tables
  • 8:45 – 9:00 Wrap up and meeting close  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Membership renewals for 2025 are now due, please pay online at https://ipmstoronto.com/membership/  
  • Please remember that side conversations during the presentation are distracting to both audience and presenter, thank you for your patience.  
  • Models on display are extremely fragile, NOBODY SHOULD TOUCH OR LIFT THEM WHATSOEVER WITHOUT THE EXPRESS CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR (yes, apparently that happened….). 

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to IPMSToronto@gmail.com or malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  

MEETING LOCATION

Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 

We look forward to seeing you all there!

October Meeting

Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, October 2nd from 7 to 9 PM.  Doors open around 6:45 PM, we recommend you arrive early to facilitate starting on time.  

MEETING AGENDA

  • 6:45 – 7:00 Arrive / setup
  • 7:00 – 7:10 Announcements / welcome to new club members
  • 7:10 – 8:00 Alfred Wong, “Scratch-building the 1/48th scale Vulcan” (*)
  • 8:00 – 8:45 On the Tables – show us your projects!
  • 8:45 – 9:00 Wrap up and meeting close  

(*) Due to a scheduling conflict Jason Liang will be presenting his Titan Missile museum visit in November instead. 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • On the occasion of the RCAF 100th anniversary, our member Tom Ricci has shared a link to a fascinating on-line magazine, take a look: RCAF Today Magazine (skiesmag.com) 
  • Please plan to arrive on time and kindly be mindful that side conversations during the presentation are distracting to both audience and presenter, thank you for your patience.  
  • I was asked to remind everyone that models on display are extremely fragile, and NOBODY SHOULD TOUCH OR LIFT THEM WHATSOEVER WITHOUT THE EXPRESS CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR (yes, apparently that happened….).
  • We will soon be looking for membership renewals for January to December 2025, we will issue a reminder / announcement on how to renew and due dates in the next few weeks. 

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to IPMSToronto@gmail.com or malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  

MEETING LOCATION

Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 

Meetings take place every first Wednesday of the month.  We look forward to seeing you all there!

September Meeting

Good day all, 

Summer is at an end once again, where did it go?  Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, September 4th from 7 to 9 PM.

At our September meeting our member Ming Wong will be presenting his spectacular WW2 Canadian Welding truck project.  The project, which has been ongoing for over a year, was inspired by a visit to a local museum, and showcases some remarkable modelling and scratchbuilding skills.  I have seen this work in progress up close recently, and you will not want to miss Ming’s presentation.  

As always, we will also hold our “On the Tables” segment, so please bring your latest projects for all to view and enjoy.

Here’s a preview of content for the rest of the year:

  • October 2nd, Jason Liang, “Titan Missile Museum in Tucson, AZ”
  • November 6th, Alfred Wong, “Scratchbuilding the Avro Vulcan”
  • December 4, Flea Market

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to IPMSToronto@gmail.com or malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  Doors are open around 6:45pm, so members may arrive early to set up.

Meeting location is:

Royal Canadian Legion Hall
Wilson Branch #527
948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 


We look forward to seeing you all there!

IPMS Toronto – July 3rd, 2024 “A conversations with Allen Ury of Fantastic Plastic Models” YouTube live stream details

As communicated in our last blog post, on Wednesday, July 3rd from 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET, we will be hosting live from California Allen Ury, owner of Fantastic Plastic Models.  Headquartered in Orange County, California, Fantastic Plastic Models produces unique resin model kits with a focus on experimental and conceptual aircraft and spacecraft as well as classic and contemporary sci-fi subjects. Fantastic Plastic is also the North American reseller for Unicraft, the Ukraine-based company that also specializes in resin kits of unusual aircraft subjects.  Visit the company website at https://fantastic-plastic.com/index.html.

For anyone who may wish to attend remotely, we will live stream the conversation with Allen on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/@IPMSToronto/streams

We look forward to seeing you all there or on our YouTube channel.

July Meeting

Good day all, 

Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, July 3rd from 7 to 9 PM Eastern Time.

We are pleased to confirm that we will be hosting live via videoconference Allen Ury, owner of Fantastic Plastic Models, headquartered in Orange County, California, south of Los Angeles. Founded in 2005, the company produces unique resin model kits with a focus on experimental and conceptual aircraft and spacecraft as well as classic and contemporary sci-fi subjects. Fantastic Plastic is also the North American reseller for Unicraft, the Ukraine-based company that also specializes in resin kits of unusual aircraft subjects.  Visit the company website at https://fantastic-plastic.com/index.html.  

For anyone who won’t be able to join us in person, we are working on video streaming the event in real time.  Details and links will be provided in an email the day before the event.

Following the session with Allen, we will hold our “On the Tables” segment, so please bring your latest projects for all to view and enjoy.

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to us at IPMSToronto@gmail.com or to Maurizio at malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  Doors are open around 6:45pm, so members may arrive early to set up. 

Meeting location is:

Royal Canadian Legion Hall
Wilson Branch #527
948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 


We look forward to seeing you all there!

June Meeting

Here’s your friendly reminder about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, June 5th from 7 to 9 PM.

June is our Flea Market month, where members can share and trade some or their stash, and discover new or old treasures.  As always, we will also hold our “On the Tables” segment, so please bring your latest projects for all to view and enjoy.

Here’s a preview of content for the rest of the year:

  • July 3, Jason Liang, “Titan Missile Museum in Tucson, AZ”
  • August 7, Alex Blake-Davies, “RAF Museum Visit”
  • September 4, Ming Wong, “Canadian Welding Truck Build”
  • October 2 and November 6, TBD
  •  December 4, Flea Market

We are always looking for members to present any relevant material like museum visits, personal projects, tools, techniques, tips, etc. Please write to Maurizio at malaudisa@gmail.com if you would like to present at an upcoming meeting.  Our monthly meetings take place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  Doors are open around 6:45pm, so members may arrive early to set up.

Meeting location is:

Royal Canadian Legion Hall
Wilson Branch #527
948 Sheppard Ave W, North York, M3H 2T6 


We look forward to seeing you all there!