Chapter Bio
The Richmond Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) was first 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.
Our annual model show and contest, the Old Dominion Open, is held the last Saturday in February at the Richmond Raceway. The Old Dominion Open (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 Ferrari Formula One racers and movie monster 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 Old Dominion Open also features an excellent variety of vendors with the latest and vintage model kits, books, tools and hobby supplies.
