District XI
Bruce Nelson, District XI Vice President [email protected]
Area covered
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Montana
- Oregon
- Washington
Northwest Model Expo (Puyallup, Washington — February 3–5)
The Northwest Model Expo was held February 3–5 in Puyallup, Washington. This was the latest of many in recent years. I have attended each one and have seen the time when the normal five-hour drive took 11 hours because of winter storms.
Before the expo format there was an annual show of models in the hotels around the Sea-Tac Airport. There were not many vendors but many models were on display and there were some very good clinics. Over the years the format and location have changed, and the show has hosted many vendors and manufacturers.
When I spoke with many of the manufacturers, they generally said they were reducing the number of shows they attended, citing cost as the main reason. This year at Puyallup there were many hobby shops represented and the usual booths with electronic gadgets and batteries.
In the last two years modelers have complained about going to the show to see the hobby shops, which are something they can see every day without paying to get in. They further complained that they miss seeing the latest offerings from manufacturers.
Could this mean the end of all but the very big trade shows? Drop me an e-mail and let me know what you think.
I enjoy seeing friends whom I don’t get to see very often and would make the trip for that alone. There were not too many models on display, but here are some that were there.
These are just a few of the models that were on display:
- SR Batteries — 100-inch Eindecker (more than 50 flights; can fly for 30 minutes)
- Dave Wilcox, Auburn — 40% Extra 300
- Robert Parker, Orting, Washington — red-and-yellow CL Tarpon
- Nick Stratis, Auburn — scratch-built CL Stearman PT-13D
- Buz Hampton, Aloha, Oregon — highly detailed F4U-5N
- Ed Mathews, Federal Way, Washington — detailed Boeing Stratocruiser with ground-support equipment
- Gill Coglin — outstanding display of vintage aircraft, engines, and accessories
It was suggested that we not try to have the District XI meeting at this show (as we have done for many years) because of the low attendance, but instead to move the meeting or to have several meetings in different locations around the district.
I have no problem with doing that if it is your wish. Let me know your thoughts on this and on the show.
Dust off that gear and charge those batteries. Spring is almost here.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
