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At the beginning of WWI, the British decided to protect their airfields being overwhelmed with enemy troops thus the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) suggested armored cars doing dual roles not only defensive but support army units in combat and communication duties and Rolls-Royce produced the armored car pattern 1920, a rotating turret was fitted with a Vickers machine gun.

Various vehicles were sent to Africa, Turkey and various British colonies for aviation defense and local revolt repression. One eccentric figure, Lawrence of Arabia used this vehicle during his guerilla actions and other adventures in Europe. Up until 1944 when spare parts were not available were these cars cease their duty.

First look at the sprues, everything looks very promising indeed. All sprues came individually plastic wrapped including the instruction sheet. All plastic kit with rubber road wheels and a small sheet for the decals. Plastic parts look crisp and without any visible flash, a few sink holes can be puttied up easily.

The box art looks good to be in a picture frame too.  Instruction booklet in 12 pages of English, Russian and German text, a parts list and with exploded line drawings for building, last page for painting and markings guide.

The build will surely become a masterpiece in any collection.

Many thanks to IPMS Philippines Bert Anido member Peter Wynne for the kit.

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The 6th Nationals hosted by IPMS Philippines Bert Anido has been featured in the February 2009 issue of Scale Aircraft Modellers International (SAMI).

Also featured in this issue are the test shot reviews of Allan “Buck” Agati (F-14A Tomcat) and Mel “Webster” Silvestre (Swordfish).

The officers and members of IPMS Philippines Bert Anido would like to thank SAM Publications, through Mr. Gary Hatcher, SAMI Editor, for this privilege as well as for the support they have given during the Nationals.

More power to SAMI!

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Coming this April!

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Every year, IPMS Philippines Baguio Chapter holds its annual scale model competition in conjunction with the yearly Panangbenga Festival held at the last week of February. This year’s contest (the 5^th) was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Baguio Country Club (BCC) from February 26 to 28. But this year is very special for the city of Baguio because this year marks the centennial anniversary of the founding of the city and IPMS Baguio intends to hold this year’s contest by coming up with something spectacular befitting the occasion.

In a show of support and solidarity with their brethren from Baguio, several members of IPMS Philippines Bert Anido, along with several members of the club’s partner organization, Mechapinoy, took time off their daily routine to attend the 2-day event to participate in any way, whether as a judge or participant. What made the trip memorable was the presence Mr. Shakespeare “Shakes” Chan of Lil’s which further strengthened the morale of both IPMS BA and Baguio.

Upon arrival, Byron “Hunter” Lee, the club’s Baguio-based member helped facilitate the accommodations of the Metro Manila-based members. Despite the dwindling availability of accommodations due to the festival, appropriate lodging were arranged for all visitors. Judges were billeted at the BCC, courtesy of BCC General Manager and IPMS Baguio member Anthony De Leon. Frank “Chopper” Ching and Shakes & company stayed at a well-furnished 3-bedroom BCC cottage.

Upon arriving at the Multipurpose Hall for the exhibit and competition proper, visitors were amazed at the immensity of the area. Over 221 models were entered for display and competition and IPMS Baguio’s traditional event partner, the Baguio Airsoft Club, had set up a firing range together with their display. Capt. Bing “Stingray” Villena’s wooden ships never fail to “wow” visitors and modelers alike. Our friends from Mechapinoy laid out their wares in the area allotted for sci-fi.

The centerpiece of the event which drew the most attention was a large diorama depicting the Battle of Irisan Gorge which was said to be half the size of the Thunder Run diorama of the 6^th Nationals. This diorama was a labor of love from the members of IPMS Baguio who built it to celebrate the city’s centennial and give recognition to this erstwhile unknown encounter during World War II.

The diorama depicts the entry of Allied forces into Baguio, to liberate the city and adjacent areas from the occupying forces. It should be noted that the final surrender of the Philippine occupying force was signed in Baguio. It will be on display for the next two months at SM Baguio after which it will find a permanent home at the Baguio Museum. In addition to IPMS Baguio members, the diorama couldn’t have been finished without the invaluable help of Arch. Beny Reyes who donated a rare Willy’s Jeep model and Mel “Webster” Silvestre who willingly gave his equally rare & out-of-production Japanese “Chi-ha” medium tank.

Some IPMS BA members served as judges, Mel Silvestre and Tito Willie “Experten” de los Santos for aircraft, Jojo “Morpheus” Janolo for armor and ships, and Raymond “Cbrain” Soria for cars and sci-fi (ably assisted by Ronald Agulto of IPMS Baguio). Winners came from both IPMS Baguio and IPMS BA (click here for the complete list of winners). Jim “Bigman” Gonzales (aircraft) and Edgar “Sweetooth” Porciuncula (cars) showed why they are the masters in their respective categories while Poch “Fritz” Nualla showed everyone he is stamping his mark in the sci-fi category and proving his diversity in modeling subjects. Mike “Tikhboy” Avendaño continues to show why he is the man to beat in modified aircraft. The Battle of Irisan Gorge diorama was the unanimous choice for Best in Show (the equivalent of the Nationals’ People’s Choice). Anthony’s 1:32 F-4J Phantom was adjudged Tamiya’s Choice. After the winners were announced and trophies awarded, model kits kindly donated by Lil’s Hobby Center were raffled off to eager members of IPMS Baguio. Many thanks to Lil’s for their continuing support.

As the event ended and the members IPMS BA started heading back to Metro Manila, thanks and goodbyes were exchanged with host Anthony de Leon of Baguio Country Club and the members of IPMS Baguio. They brought back with them unforgettable memories of fellowship with their Baguio-based brethren as well as “adventures/misadventures” in and out of the competition venue . Those who brought their loved ones will agree that the Baguio event is a family affair, the wife & kids can enjoy the charms of this resort city and the Panagbenga festival, while the husbands are cooped-up in the MPH of BCC, a worthwhile vacation for everyone. We would like to thank the following for taking the time to support our show: Shakespeare Chan, Frank Ching, Jim Gonzales & Bryan, Tito Willie, Mel Silvestre, Capt. Bing Villena, Uncle Beny Reyes, EG Ruiz, Raymond Soria, Wrandell Selda, Jojo Janolo, Vino Nañagas, Nonoy Servañez, Emil Pineda, Joseph Carunungan, RJ Villarroel, Rancie Legaspi, Fritz Nualla, Mechapinoy Pres. Mike Tan, Jake de Guzman, and other Mechapinoy members.

Everyone headed back to Metro Manila in high spirits and inspired everyone to give it their all for the upcoming 7^th Nationals and Tamiya Fair as well as looking forward to the 6^th Baguio Invitationals next year.

Here are the list of winners of the 5th Baguio Scale Model February 26 - March 1, 2009

Acknowledgements:

IPMS Baguio

Byron “Hunter” Lee

Arch. Beny Reyes

Engr. Joseph “Bubbles” Carunungan

Raymond “Cbrain” Soria

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WHATTA YEAR (Looking back at 2008)!

IPMS Philippines Bert Anido has once again wrapped another banner year that reaped big dividends for the Club as it celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

At the start of the year, plans were put in motion on how to celebrate the anniversary of the club.  It was decided that the formal celebration of the anniversary shall coincide with the holding of the 6th National Scale Modeling Competition which promised to be the most spectacular event of the club by far. A working committee was formed and these handpicked members buckled down to work. Despite the difficulties that they faced, nobody gave in as all were determined to see that the 6th Nationals will push through and become the best ever.

All that hard work finally paid off when the 6th Nationals lived up to its billing as the biggest and the most extensive thus far with almost 700 entries on display, exceeding all expectations and gaining the respect and admiration of sponsors and friends.

As a footnote to the preparation of the Nationals, the Club has established ties with other notable scale modeling organizations and institutions. These include SAM Publications, which graciously donated several prizes for the raffle during the fellowship night, and Mr. Brett Green of Hyperscale.com, who has graciously granted the Club permission to air his instructional videos during the Nationals.

In addition, Trumpeter and Hobby Boss, two of the main sponsors of this year’s Nationals, accorded the Club very rare treats.  To commemorate the Club’s 40th anniversary, Hobby Boss  released a limited edition V-150 kit which features an extra turret to model a V-150 used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. Trumpeter produced decal sheets in 1/32 and 1/72 scale for the P-51D Mustang kits of these respective scales to model a Philippine Air Force P-51 Mustang of the 1950’s (The Shark of Zambales).

Besides the Nationals, Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya, Chairman of Tamiya, Inc., visited the country and IPMS Philippines Bert Anido twice.  He first came to the Philippines in April and came back once again in November. His presence was considered an honor and a privilege to the lucky members who were able to have pictures taken with him and have their Tamiya kits autographed by the man himself.  Mr. Tamiya was also conferred an honorary membership by the Club for the support he has given in previous Nationals.

2008 was also the year when the Club embarked on two of the biggest projects since the Gambier Bay build:  The 1/35 Dora and the Thunder Run diorama (also in 1/35 scale).  The builders spent a better portion of the year completing their assigned tasks whether singly or as a group.  These works were the centerpieces of the 6th Nationals which drew a lot of attention because of their immensity.  The Dora incidentally copped this year’s People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Epson.

This year also saw the club’s formation of an IT partnership with Open Axcss Solutions, who took up management of the Club’s website, as well as automation efforts for the 6th Nationals. Their impressive new rendition of the website complements the continued arrival of more new and interesting test shots, whether from IPMSPhilippines.com mainstay Trumpeter or other kit manufacturers.

The Christmas Party served as the culmination of what was a truly spectacular year.  In keeping with tradition of a pot luck feast, several members brought the finest food and drinks for everyone, while several model kits and other items were donated by members and subsequently raffled off.

During the party, US-based Eric Salazar (speedlimit) graced the affair, along with new member Michael Barquin, who lead everyone in a toast.  In addition, members in good standing were finally able to get their hands on the most coveted kit of the year:  the limited edition V-150 (in 1/35 scale) by Hobby Boss.  By the time the party was over, everybody went home happy and in high spirits.

Even as the euphoria of 40th Anniversary and 6th Nationals gradually ebb, the morale of the Club has not.  Everybody is looking forward to another promising year in 2009 where the challenge of  surpassing the 6th Nationals is the main goal when the 7th Nationals comes along.

The Club is likewise looking forward to helping facilitate the annual Tamiya Fair, which will be held in the Philippines in 2009, the first time it will be held outside Japan.

As is the norm, the Club assures everyone, yet again: “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

Happy New Year!

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