The International Plastic Modellers' Society

The International Plastic Modellers' Society was founded in Great Britain in 1963, by modellers, for modellers. It was originally called the British Plastic Modellers' Society, but soon expanded into a truly International body. Members of all ages and abilities are welcome and build anything from basic kits to complicated scratch built models often using plastic as the primary medium but resin, white metal and card are also well represented. The Society celebrated its 50th year in 2013. Over the years a network of branches has been built around the country where many of our members meet on a regular basis to share their knowledge and the fun of kit building. Many of our branches organise local model shows where branches and other clubs put on stunning displays of all types of models. The shows are supported by specialist traders so provide a wonderful opportunity to stock up on kits, accessories and books. There are presently nearly 100 local IPMS Branches scattered about Great Britain. Within the membership are now over 80 Special Interest Groups (SIGs). SIGs are organisations like Branches but focused on a modelling subject rather than a geographical location. They cover a huge range of interests including aviation, cars, ships, armour, figures, science fiction, campaigns, and Services and so on. With over three thousand members in the UK alone the breadth of knowledge that can be tapped into is huge and The Technical Advisory Service helps members get the most from that knowledge. The Society provides other services such as the Decal and Instruction Sheet Banks and we publish a full colour magazine six times a year where all of the content is written by members. Each year in November the Society hosts the biggest and best model show in the World at Telford in Shropshire, Scale ModelWorld which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The competition alone had over one thousand models on display last year. Many other countries now have their own IPMS organisations, many of whom display at Telford which brings a truly international flavour to the event. IPMS (UK) is managed by an Executive Committee made up of ordinary members and is a company limited by guarantee, owned by its members. IPMS (UK) is operated in line with our Club Rules. Click on the links to the left to find out more about the Society. If you have any questions at all please let a member of the EC know.