International Plastic Modelers’ Society National Convention: Rio All Suites Hotel Casino August 17-2

Those models are truly fabulous! The craftsmanship is wonderful.

 

About how many attendees did you have at this event?

 

Thank you for your kind words...I appreciate it!

 

I'm not sure...today was Day 1. Model registration/entry ends Friday at 1:00 pm.

On the FB group, one of the officers mentioned I think 652 block rooms booked, which equates to 3200+ room nights. There are numerous registered attendees who booked out of block, like me, and a few I know are off site.

Most rooms have 2 people (couples, buddies, etc.) however, spouses don't count towards the count. Given that most 2-rooms are buddies (based on experience), I'd guess at least 1000 entrants. Talking to the show Chairman today, they estimated 3.5 models per entrant (we never finish everything). We talked about a "backlog" of pieces entered, because last year's show was cancelled 2 weeks out (COVID), and frustrated modelers built another years' worth of entries. I brought 9. The 1/32 scale single engine fighters had at least 50 when I left at 4:00, and at lest 15 looked like the same builder. Probably a local, maybe a host club member. Granted, we are no World of Concrete, but for a bunch of middle-aged guys building model kits...not too bad.

Jesus, I just re-read all of this.

 

Great TR so far! The models look amazing - seems like a pretty great hobby. Beats my reading and putting together jigsaw puzzles for sure.

Looking forward to the rest of the report. Especially the food porn and most especially the Honey Salt brunch. Honey Salt has been on my to-do list for several trips, yet I somehow haven't made it there yet.

 

Thank you for the report! I love collector/hobby cons. And your models are exquisite. Have a great trip!

 

All I can think now is you need to hit up 4Q on freemont sometime for some of those new silver stikes.

 

Last night, we had dinner at Marche' Bacchus and, as usual, it did not disappoint. Seated waterside, we were brought a 4-piece, baked in house, sourdough bread basket. J ordered the Seafood Risotto, and I the Lobster Cavatelli. Both dishes were exceptional. The pasta in my dish had a perfect toothiness, and the lobster portion was generous. The sauce on J's risotto was basically a mouth orgasm. Creamy, rich, and unbelievably flavorful.

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As an example of the craftsmanship and artistry that will be on display, this caught my attention. It's not from a kit...it's completely scratch built. This is so far over my head lol...

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Now that’s award winning.

 

I have been saying this for years! We LOVE the Rio, but the only thing that is keeping us away this time is that most of the food options are closed during the week.

 

Yesterday we started out at HHAGG for breakfast. Large portions of grossly average fare. Filled the hole, though.

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I sat in an airbrushing seminar for 4 hours, hoping it had some advanced advice. Nope. For people who basically never picked one up before. Got a cool swag bag, though. We had dinner reservations for CUT, but I cancelled them for logistical reasons. No worries, though, because El Burracho Burro is open! Yay! Not so much. J had the fish tacos, and I the chicken tacos. Bland and flavorless, on both accounts. The only seasoning was the spice in the refried beans. I did not have high expectations for this place, and Guy failed to live up to any of them. We're no longer hungry though. We had just enough time after dinner to walk over to the Penn & Teller theater for the 9:00 show. We'd been looking forward to this show for awhile. What's that, Mr. Usher? They've cancelled tonight? Do we want to see them tomorrow? Ummmm....no. We have plans. No dinner, no show, might as well go back to the room and drink some wine. And so we did.

Burro Insípido




See, Ma..? I told ya they was in Vegas.

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I have always wondered about Guy Fieri....is he even a chef??? I mainly see him eating food on this shows, not cooking it.

 

I also was curious about this but a few years ago on a Bally’s comp that came with a $125 food comp at his location at the Linq we were able to sample most of the menu and the wife was pleasantly surprised.

Mark

 

Wow, that really is disappointing that P&T was canceled and you didn’t know until you showed up.

We had tickets to see them a couple of years ago and it was canceled too. At least we got notice about a month in advance.

 

This morning we ventured across the street for a Chik-Fil-A for a quick breakfast. After we walked back, we spent a few hours wandering around the show. A trip downtown to the Arts District for lunch at Good Pie, and now we are back in the room waking up from a much-needed rest.

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Good Pie, was as always, phenomenal.This evening is dinner at Ester's Kitchen. Very much looking forward to it!

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Oof, that pizza looks amazeballs.

 

I did a report on pizza around Vegas. Tried several that regular trip reporters like. Good Pie was the top. If I want pizza in Vegas, that’s where I go, also. Personally, I like their NY style. IIRC, the owner is from Brooklyn.

Having to leave property for ANYTHING interesting to eat is a testament to how poor the Rio experience is. Ester’s Kitchen and Good Pie are great choices.

 

Good stuff so far! Bummer P&T canceled.

 

Oh my word that is beyond amazing. The skill, the patience and time it must take to do something like that. Honestly, as a former, way back in time, modeler that is crazy good.