2017 saw two major “connections” made between and among our three clubs. The first dealt with CAPCON 2017 in September, which actually had two “mini-connections” of its own. The second dealt with a number of IPMS Ottawa members travelling to IPMS UK’s Scale ModelWorld in Telford during the early part of November.

First to CAPCON.
Dave Richardson (ACTSMS), Les Burningham (IPMS Farnborough) and Gary Barling (IPMS Ottawa) addressed the theme for the Commonwealth Award offered for competition at CAPCON 2017. After an exchange of thoughtful e-mail discussions, they came up with the most geographically extensive theme ever used for a Commonwealth Award theme: “Battle of the Rising Sun, 1941-1946.” This theme covered a geographical area from the west coast of Africa through India, China, Japan, the west coast of North America, New Zealand and Australia. In case anyone thinks that the date “1946” is wrong, it was purposely included to allow builds of any Allied equipment that may have been used during the first year of occupation of Japan.

With the theme set, I decided to try my hand at a C47 Dakota flown by 435 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force in Burma, 1944-45. There was a personal motivation for this build as my son is currently posted to 435 Squadron in Winnipeg. As I gathered information, I found that a member of IPMS Farnborough, Chris Bradley, had quite an interest in the Burma campaign. An email asking for assistance was answered with very interesting information and suggestions. In the event, Chris’ information led to a silver medal for the Dakota in her class. Yet another example of members of our three twinned clubs lending a hand. Thanks, Chris!

Now to Telford. It was thirty years ago that Les Burningham and I met at the IPMS UK competition in Stoneleigh, so we decided that we'd get together for a celebration. Little did I know that we’d be joined by IPMS Ottawa’s Steve Sauvé and Mike Belcher along with Randy Lutz and Sid Arnold. The Canadians were well-represented! Les and I were “asked” by Tony Horton (IPMS Farnborough and also the IPMS UK Competition Secretary) to judge the entries for the IPMS Canada Award. As it turns out, the winner of our National award also garnered, among others, the UK National Championship. Not too shabby for someone who had never entered the IPMS UK competition before!

So 2017 was a banner year for inter-twinned discussions, decisions, assistance and good times. As we move forward and continue our connection, I’m sure that more and more benefits will be identified. Well Done, The Twins!

Example of assistance provided by Chris Bradley

435 Sqn RCAF C-47 Dakota, Burma, 1945

The Farnborough table with the theme “Happy Anniversary!”

RCAF North Star, Forty Years’ Service, by Les Burningham

Spitfire Mk. XIV, postwar racing aircraft, 1/18 th scale resin kit, converted from a Seafire 47

Les Burningham, Steve Sauvé and Mike Belcher at Telford