discussion Model clubs, what exactly do you do?

[pjgtech]

Hi, I am toying with the idea of maybe joining a model club, I have not looked to see if there are any near me yet?
What do you actually do at a model club?
I appreciate it will be a group of like minded peeps, gathering on a regular basis to chat, maybe a cuppa, a biscuit or slice of cake, etc.

But I have all my gear at home in my model space, with everything close at hand, so do you actually build models at the club? if so do they supply tools, etc or do you bring your own?
I assume they also do group builds and have competitions?
Maybe have guest speakers?
Just interested into what actually goes on in such a club....

 

[scottie3158]

Hi Peter,
I can't speak for other clubs but my club is more of a social meeting. We go through club information eg up coming shows and the such. We also have demo's from club members on techniques or special interest subjects. WE also bring in our finished models for general consumption and comment. One thing our club doesn't do is sit around building models. Oh and lot's of drinking.

 

[PaulTRose]

And organise going to and showing at model shows

Its a good place to learn off others.....it makes you up your game

I think the closest IPMS branch to you is sevenoaks so not exactly on your doorstep

 

[PaulTRose]

Edit

Theres one at raf manston.......that near you?

 

[pjgtech]

I'm on the very Eastern edge of Sittingbourne, near Tonge.
Manston is about 45mins away. Likewise Sevenoaks is about 45 mins away.
Think I did have a look a while back, but could not find anything local.

 

[wasdale32]

Check out if the "local" club has its own web presence (Facebook or web site) and have a look at what's posted and how active they are - as mentioned above a lot of clubs revolve around the social aspect and are a good opportunity to compare notes on techniques etc. Some clubs will inevitably seem a bit cliquey at first especially those that have a focus on subjects you don't normally build ( eg aircraft when you prefer armour ). A good way to establish a first contact is to attend a show in your region and chat to the folks on the tables manned by your closest club(s)

 

[PaulTRose]

You have a show at manston in july....no idea as to how good it is

 

[pjgtech]

Ooh, cheers, will deffo try to get to that then, thanx, I'll put it in the calendar now fore i forget....

 

[PaulTRose]

https://www.keymodelworld.com/events/medway-model-club-show-2025

Theres a bigger 2 day one in gillingham later in year

 

[pjgtech]

Just joined the FB group for the medway one, they are only 20mins from me...

 

[LeytonO]

Probably similar to Photography Clubs demographic and activity wise.
Some are serious with competitions and talks, others more of a social, never really worked for me.
I have considered looking into joining a model club, but think i'll just stick to show going.

i'm technically an old git now, but I quite fancy looking into the wargaming scene
The sort of thing seen in Games Workshop or as it is now I believe Warhammer.
All manner of cool miniatures to paint and being honest not really sure yet what happens after that.
Even seen some weird little sci fi tanks, what's that all about I wonder?

 

[Geoffers]

I’d like to join a club but as I’m at work on the evenings my local one meets it’s not really an option .

Geoff.

 

[LeytonO]

The nearest one to me is very active, it runs the popular St Ives show and I believe the Shuttleworth one as well now.
They meet in the large village where my daughter lives which is a 30 mile round trip for me.
To be honest i'm not that interested, model making like photography is something I enjoy doing on my own.
Tried a few camera clubs over the years and never understood their need for competitions.

 

[Tim Marlow]

I co-ran a model railway club for a few years, and the tea/cake/chat/demonstration vibe was what we aimed at. Worked very well, and I’m sure it would for a scale model club. For actual model building we built a joint layout and a set of test tracks for running stock. Railways lend themselves well to joint enterprises because by their nature they are larger and more complex than individual models, and shared endeavour is the best way to get meaningful progress.

I have never been a member of a plastic model club (besides Scale Modelling, which I do regard as a club) because to me that’s more of a solitary occupation. I did look around when I first moved down here, but didn’t find much around. A good club, to me, would exhibit the same vibes as here. Tolerant, broad church, and friendly with decent banter.

I have been a member of two wargames clubs, both historical rather than Games Workshop oriented. One was extremely friendly and very inclusive, but the other was very strange. In effect it was just a number of individuals that turned up, set up and played games with the guy they knew, cleared up, and went away. There was virtual no interaction between the “members” at all, and if you tried to talk to them they pretty much blanked you. It was less a club, and more somewhere you could just rent a table for a day. After half a dozen visits my mate and I decided it was better to just play our own games at home. Very similar amount of interaction with others, and no carrying…. This impression holds over to wargames shows as well. Some demonstrations are extremely engaging, and can’t wait to tell you about their demo, but others just want to play their game. There was a survey held by a big magazine a few years ago, and one of the top results for “most disliked” was other wargamers…..it can be a weird hobby, I’m sure some of them forget the “Game” part and just read “War”. …..caveat emptor.

As to competitions, I just don’t get them. I’m in competition with myself, no one else. However, I know some people get a lot from them, and I don’t mind looking at the results, so more power to their elbow.

Not sure any of this helps with the original post though, sorry

 

[Andy T]

I keep considering joining a (physical) club but tend to get all I need from this one to be honest.

Since I'm far from the sociable type it suits me that I can hide away easily when it gets a bit much.

I always thought they would be hard to find but following a recent chat on a Farcebook group it seems there are two IPMS groups based around Sheffield. One meets less than a mile from my house, one just around the corner from work. I'm running out of excuses lol

 

[pjgtech]

On my recent visit to the Gravesham model show, I met couple of guys from a local club to me (Faversham, bout 30 mins away), so might pop along for the craic, to see whats what....

 

[Neil]

Ah, no Facebook, ditched that years ago. I've thought the same as you guys. I model for my own enjoyment, although I think there is one about a 20-minute drive, so it is not that far away. Maybe I should check out a local show and see if they are there too. I know there is a game cafe opened up recently near our local chippy, and that always seems full - perhaps I'm missing out on whole genre - and I do like steam-punk sci-fi

 

[John Race]

Go to the local show along with Scottie , Richard, and Mike have a great get-together . This forum is my "club"
Joined a camera club years ago, it was so cliquey, went several times and gave up.

 

[Bugatti Fan]

Clubs are for some, but not others. It just depends on your particular personality I guess.
Most model clubs I have been to tend to be a social evening. Some run in house competitions that should not be taken too seriously at club level as they are judged by everyone voting on the night ! Good for like minded chat and for finding out what's going on ref shows etc. And perhaps a speaker of demo every now and again. Generally very friendly as a rule.

Camera clubs! A different kettle of fish altogether from my personal experience. Sometimes they get in guest speakers who are acknowledged experts in a particular field. Many of the camera clubs are a bit competition obsessed however, and many of their members seeking awards at regional and national level. It really depends on the club's attitude to newcomers as some can be a bit intimidating. Critique of pictures generally is quite serious within camera clubs and some can be a bit off putting as a result. In some you have to compete to get a picture into their own local annual show. The ones considered 'better' photographers always got their work shown by winning the competitions whilst other members who attended regularly, supported the club and paid their subs often never got their work shown. Hardly inclusive ! Having said that, not all camera clubs are as stringent, but I get the impression that the majority are however. The Photographic Alliance of Gt. Britain (PAGB) appears to be the overseeing organisation.
Many compete to attain Royal Photographic Society levels up to a Fellowship that remain in place as long as one keeps paying into the society. Personally I believe that a University Degree in Photography is a far more valuable asset than a Fellowship of the RPS that cannot be taken away once awarded.