IPMS Nationals/Mechapinoy Formula 144 Part 2

The stage and ginourmous event poster

So here's part 2 of my coverage of the IPMS Nationals/Mechapinoy Formula 144 event held last Oct.21,2011 Friday at the Megamall Activity Center, Ortigas Phils.

The event was jam-packed with model kits from every sort of genre conceivable: armor, aircraft, vehicles, sci-fi and wargaming miniatures. A whole floor was dedicated for the purpose, and I was surprised that it was where the ice-skating rink was (i think it was a couple of years has passed since I last visited). There was about 30 or so glass display cases which housed all of the kits in assorted scales. Some of the displays were coherent enough though some had armor mixed with some 28mm minis and such but this may due to the lack of space and/or overwhelming number of entries and exhibits.

People shown to scale

It was the first time attending such an event. I mean, I've been to several conventions and events but nothing like this. Usually a convention would have a small portion of it dedicated to a handful of plamo, mostly contest entries like that for the annual Toy Convention here. And shame on me for not (yet being able) to attend a single BAKUC (Bandai Action Kit Universal Cup) but heck I may be able to next time around.

The crowd was a good mix of  enthusiasts and passers-by. The event was open to everybody (and free!)which is good as it might encourage more people to get into the hobby. Kids would normally go towards a display and say "Wow that's a cool toy!" and I'm glad to hear some parents explain to them that they are not toys but scale models (hat tip to those parents). There were a lot of hobby photographers present also. I've talked to some if they are into the hobby with a majority of them saying that they're just there to look and take pictures of the kits. A handful were actually into plamo and photography which is always cool on my book. 
   
And without further ado, the kits themselves:

Aircraft in mixed scales

Phil Air Force F-5A Freedom Fighter

The PAF F-5A Freedom Fighter (above) deserves some honorable mention here as it is the only PAF aircraft kit present in the event. All others wore foreign colors, they're all great but seeing this one made me smile.

Some cheesecake perhaps?

Armor and Infantry galore

The Sea Witch

Next on this series: the best of the best!