I have just returned from Eagle Quest XXII in Dallas Texas and had a great time with the family. This gathering is little different than some of the events you may be used to. Eagle Quest formerly MasterCon was started by our own Bob Letterman twenty two years ago as an alternative to the politics and big ego's of some of the other shows. In fact when I started back at MasterCon 6 pinlights and dental mirrors might have got you escorted out. MasterCon was and Eagle Quest is still a place where modelers come to see old friends and make new friends. It is an event where we come to show off what we have been doing all year. Share ideas over some beer and good food. In other words it's about the people not the models. When Bob retired and VLS was no more MasterCon passed to Squadron in Dallas. The transition was difficult and there have been some attempts to change the event, but the old guard and the Grand Marshall's stood firm in the conviction that this event will continue as Bob invisioned it.
This show has no judges. The attendees are the judges. Every attendee is given a ballot and they vote for their three favorite entries in each category. Then the Grand Marshall's count the votes and the medals are distributed. There are many awards given, but the most coveted is the "Big Eagle". It goes to the "Best" model present as determined by the the people present.
Don't think this is some third rate hobby shop show. You will see some of the best models in the hobby. The competion is stiff. Everyone is welcome from kids(who have their own categories) to adults. All types of models are represented. So if you are looking for something a little more relaxed I would encourage you to make the trip to Dallas and take part in what many of us call the best gathering of modelers in the country.
Oh did I mention that if you come you get 40% off everything in the Squadron warehouse.
The event really begins on Friday night with free food and free bar provided by Squadron. The apex of the evening is the election of the new Grand Marshall who is responsible for maintaining good relations between the attendees and aid in the counting of votes. This year's elected and "crowned" Grand Marshall was none other than......
See the next thread.
