About Us

Who is OHMS anyway?

The Oklahoma Historical Modeler's Society is the oldest chapter of the International Plastic Modeler's
Society in Oklahoma. OHMS was founded in 1969 by a group of individuals who believed plastic modeling
was a hobby that is as much fun when shared as when done alone.

OHMS was also the first United States chapter of IPMS/Canada. How this came about is too long a story to
tell here. Suffice to say it suits the personality of the club.

Today, the chapter is as strong as ever. The club maintains strong organizational ties without losing sight of
the primary goal:

Modeling is meant to be fun!

The benefits of modeling are two-fold. The process of assembling a model requires concentration, hand-eye
coordination, coordination and an ability to utilize the powers of abstract and concrete thinking while
following the instructions. An interesting subject can inspire the builder to do additional research. Not only
does this improve general reading skills, but also it requires you to improve your powers of observation and
the ability to piece together sources of information to reach a conclusion.

CLUB ACTIVITIES:

The club has a high level of activity on both an individual and group level. OHMS annually holds displays at
the local malls, libraries, Aerospace America and the Tinker AFB Open House. We have also conducted
several modeling classes for children.

In 1985 and in 1994, OHMS hosted the Region Six Convention and Contest. This is an annual IPMS event
rotated among the chapters of the region. We were host to almost 100 modelers and 330 entries.

On a personal level, OHMS members regularly compete at local and regional contests and at IPMS
Regional and National Conventions. The club is always well represented and members usually win several
awards.

We are especially proud that several members have contributed models for display at the Oklahoma Air and
Space Museum, U.S. Navy Gallery, 45th Infantry Museum and the American Fighter Aces Association
Museum. These include on-going displays of the "History of Helicopters" and Naval Aircraft and tropical
displays on Operation Desert Storm, the 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and the Omniplex's display of
"The Searchers".

CLUB MEETINGS:

OHMS meets on the first and third Friday of each month at the Hobby Town in Norman from 7:00 to 9:00pm.

The first meeting usually covers club business and a monthly model contest. The contest may be around a
theme or open theme (run with what you brung). Each person gets the opportunity to talk about their entry,
what it represents, how they built it and so forth. The club members can ask questions about those same
things. Every member will tell you this is one of the best ways to improve your own skills as a modeler--the
sharing of ideas and techniques.

The second meeting of the month is usually a program relating to the subjects being modeled and historical
events or places. Members may bring along slides taken while on a trip and talk about what the real thing
looks like. We occasionally have a guest speaker who can tell us how it REALLY was. On some occasions
it is a 'how to' that covers some aspect of modeling.

MEMBERSHIP:

To become a member of OHMS is very simple. Contact one the following people or just show up at a club
meeting. Membership dues are $15 per year. With this, you receive a club card good for a price discount on
models and supplies at several local hobby shops. The dues defray the costs of trophy packages for club
and IPMS contests as well as the operating costs of the club.

Membership in IPMS is not a requirement, but is highly encouraged. With it you not only receive the society
publication, the IPMS Journal, but you can compete at the National Convention held each year. Some of the
best models and modelers in the country will be seen there. You will also be a part of an organization
established to promote this plastic modeling hobby.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information please contact these individuals who will be more that happy to answer any questions
that you may have about OHMS.