About Us

WHO ARE WE?

IPMS is the International Plastic Modellers’ Society, founded in Great Britain in 1963, by modellers, for modellers. We organise Scale ModelWorld, the world’s largest fine scale modelling show. We have over 4,000 members in the UK, with a wide range of modelling interests, skills and knowledge.  New members of all ages and abilities are most welcome.

What do we do?

We build anything from basic kits to complicated scratch-built models, generally using plastic, although 3D printing, resin, and etched and cast metal are also well represented.

Organisation

Many IPMS (UK) members meet on a regular basis to share their knowledge and the fun of scale modelling.  There are over 110 local IPMS Branches scattered about Great Britain, as well as internet-based, virtual branches.

There are also over 110 Special Interest Groups (SIGs).  SIGs are organisations like branches, but focused on a modelling subject rather than a geographical location.  SIGs cover a huge range of interests including aviation, cars, ships, armour, science fiction, campaigns and Services.

We are also associated with some 70 IPMS organisations around the world, and actively promote international exchanges of knowledge and ideas, and visits to shows and events.

Activities

Every year IPMS (UK) hosts what we believe to be the biggest and best fine scale model show in the world, Scale ModelWorld .  This event attracts thousands of visitors from all around the globe.  Many overseas IPMS organisations display at Scale ModelWorld, bringing a truly international flavour to the show.  The competition usually has over one thousand models on display.

In addition, many of IPMS (UK) branches organise local model shows where branches and other clubs put on stunning displays of all types of models.  These shows are supported by specialist traders so provide a wonderful opportunity to stock up on kits, accessories and books.

Services

With thousands of members in the UK alone the breadth of knowledge that can be tapped into is huge,  and in addition to the many Special Interest Groups, the IPMS (UK) Technical Advisory Service helps members get the most from that knowledge.    To email them click here for the Contact Us form, and select either Technical Advisory Service or Armour Technical Advisory Service in the “Send to” box.

IPMS (UK) provides other services such as the Decal and Instruction Sheet Banks.  To contact them click here for the Contact Us form, and select either Decal Bank or Instruction Sheet Library in the “Send to” box.

We publish a full colour magazine six times a year , all of the content of which is written by members.

We have a Forum for the discussion of modelling issues, and an active Facebook presence.

Membership Benefits

For a listing of all the benefits of IPMS(UK) membership click here

Contact

For information and help about any aspect of the Society please contact the relevant Executive Committee member.