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SCAHMS California Show 2006

by Jim Starkweather
10
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This show report is a little late in coming. However since it now coincides with the launch of our new historical miniatures site, Historicus Forma, I am happy to write about it and share some of the photos I took at the show. As usual the SCAHMS (Southern California Area Historical Miniatures Society) California Show for 2006 was a well run show with plenty to see, lots of people to meet, and vendors a plenty. Perhaps not a "huge" show by comparison to some IPMS or regional shows, the SCAHMS show is better known for quality of work and not quantity. In the 3 years since I started attending the show I think the attendance has actually gone down slightly, but this has not in the least changed my opinion that this show is one not to be missed, especially if you live in the southwest. The show is widely attended by professional and amateur miniaturists from all over the world.

Of course the foundation of the show is the club that runs it, SCAHMS (www.scahms.org). SCAHMS was founded in 1985 by Don Freeman, Bill Horan, Steve Sexton, and Brian Stewart. The club is going strong some 21 years later under the leadership of Dave Kennedy, Barry King, Bill Horan, and others.

The show has a range of modeling genres including traditional historical miniatures, as well as 1/35 scale military and even a fantasy piece here and there. This year's show had many notable entries like a shadowbox diorama of Elvis' last moments as seen through the keyhole of his bathroom door. Also present was a new sea diorama by Joseph Neumeyer of Dynamic Dioramas (www.dynamicdioramas.org). A 1/192 scratch built USS Iowa refitted with next-generation weapons and on the prowl complete with Navy Seal teams.

Armorama had a table at the show for a second year running now and I was happy to meet with quite a few people. Thanks go out to Charles Reading, Chuck Shanley, Lou Castillo (and my apologies to anyone I am forgetting as it's been a few months) for helping out with the table and keeping me company.

Without further adieu, here are some of my photo picks from the show...

  • SCAHMS 2006 - Photos by Jim Starkweather
    The Armorama table, well manned by Lou (spades).
  • SCAHMS 2006 - Photos by Jim Starkweather
    Charles Reading takes a close look at Neumeyer’s latest project, a 1/192 scale USS New Jersey.

About the Author

About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...


Comments

Prato
Fantastic photos! Amazing figures and dios! Very good work shown! Thanks for sharing Jim! Cheers and happy modelling! Prato
JUL 06, 2006 - 10:05 PM
kglack43
nice...very nice indeed...but the Elvis shadowbox is in poor taste and i'm very surprised and dissapointed that you, Jim, saw fit to even post photos of it. Very poor taste. Should never have even been considered as an entrant in the show. If it had been an American Soldier blown apart by an IED in graphic detail I don't think you would have posted it. cheers, Kevin
JUL 07, 2006 - 05:30 AM
Spades
Kevin, I think it was a perfect dio when I saw it,, when not " guarding " the armorama table,,,hmmm,,,talk about that later. :-) But Kevin, remember, our hobby deals WITH history, not SELECTIVE HISTORY. We all make dio's of the SS, GESTAPO, should we protest building/making/supporting any company/model/builder that uses the geman army in a dio/product ?? Remember what certain select individuals did, do you have any ww2 german models in your attic ?? The dio of ELVIS was one really to marvel at if you had seen it up close. Many people loved it. Lets not let this post get out of control first ok ???? Talk to you soon buddy.
JUL 07, 2006 - 08:18 AM
HONEYCUT
Gday Jim There were some jolly good dios there! Some of the large ones must be year long + time consumers... The series of 'turret' vignettes were creative also. Both shadowboxes were great; you can almost sense the end is nigh for Nelson by the pensive figures... And the King on the Throne~ I love it! (Bless my soul, what's wrong with me...) Didn't think he had one of those toilet roll holders as well And as for the pics you got one helluva camera or what?! Exemplary shots Cheers Brad
JUL 07, 2006 - 03:24 PM
Plasticbattle
Excellent photography Jim. To get images like you did of shadow boxes is a feat in itself. But what a canvass to work with!!! Some amazing work on display. As Bradley mentioned the turret vignettes of Young Won, were very impressive and a cool concept actuyally. Im not naming any more as the list is too long of spectacular work.
JUL 07, 2006 - 04:36 PM
Tarok
Hey Jim Sorry we had to "bump" the SCAHMS article from the home page.... but you've gotta admit THIS is one seriously cool feature :-) :-) Cheers Rudi
JUL 08, 2006 - 02:09 AM
novembersong
Wow! Simply amazing stuff!
JUL 09, 2006 - 01:49 AM
yan_tung
wow. you do a great job.
JUL 11, 2006 - 11:43 AM
leebo
I grabbed a screen shot of the Japanese pilot figure as soon as I saw it. Then I tried to research the figure, kit, or source but no luck. Is there any info on this figure? Who made it, and how much is scratch-built, or modified? What scale is it? Etc., etc.? Anything would be helpful. This is the very best I've seen for a Japanese pilot. The other large size kits seem to make the pilot look somewhat goofy, or "off".
APR 21, 2007 - 04:44 PM
sweaver
Breathtaking!!! I am amazed by the dio "Calm Before The Storm". BTW those figs are availible here: LINK
MAY 29, 2007 - 11:56 PM
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Copyright ©2021 by Jim Starkweather. Images and/or videos also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely the views and opinions of the authors and/or contributors to this Web site and do not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of Armorama, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2006-05-29 00:00:00. Unique Reads: 60611