Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers (ECPM) is a Chartered Chapter in Region 12 of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS/USA). The International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) started in the United Kingdom (now IPMS/UK), with the US (IPMS/USA) branch following shortly thereafter in 1963. There are now branches of IPMS all over the world.

IPMS/USA

IPMS/USA is a non-profit association of individual plastic modelers and modelers united by a common bond of mutual interest in all aspects of our hobby. The purposes of IPMS/USA are to a). cultivate interest in the hobby of modeling, particularly through use of commercially manufactured plastic model kits, and to provide information, data, and other assistance to such members to continually raise the standards and techniques of their work;   b). ensure timely exchange of modeling information; and   c). provide for the members' interests by keeping them informed through the Society's publications of new products and services.

Many of the IPMS/USA Chapters and Regions sponsor model shows and contests every year - these are open to the general public. You do not need to be a member to just visit the shows, or attend the clubs, but there are some great benefits to being a member. As part of your IPMS/USA Membership, you will receive The IPMS USA Journal, a very high quality modeleing magazine, six times a year. In it you will find stories of interest on subjects such as aircraft, armor, automotive, ships, figures, you name it. You will also find listings of IPMS/USA contests and swap meets, hints and tips, and reviews. Membership also qualifies you to participate in IPMS/USA sanctioned Regional Contests, as well as our World-famous National Convention, held each summer. As a member, you'll also be able to access our online Member's Forum where a wide variety of Society and Modeling topics are discussed, and enjoy real-time access to other Modelers for help with questions about Modeling or the Society in general. In addition, many Hobby Shops around the country offer discounts to IPMS/USA Members. Memberships are available in several packages: (IPMS/USA membership information)

IPMS/USA also has programs to introduce the hobby to new modelers and to provide morale support to our service men and women deployed overseas.
· The Make 'N Take Program is an active program designed to introduce new modelers to the hobby (or to recapture older modelers by rekindling a past interest). It is funded by contributions from IPMS/USA members and chapters, along with occasional donations or reduced-cost purchases from industry members. ECPM conducts a "Make 'N Take" session at our show/contest.
· The Hobbies for Heroes Program is an IPMS/USA initiative to provide model kits, supplies, and reference materials to our servicemen and women serving in combat zones and remote overseas locations. Because the contact persons change frequently, the most current information on this program is on the IPMS/USA website. In 2009, ECPM is preparing a package of modeling supplies for service personnel on Diego Garcia.

Region 12, IPMS/USA

Within IPMS/USA, ECPM is a member of IPMS/USA Region 12, which comprises Chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Lynchburg, Virginia. We also have close ties with many IPMS Chapters in southern Virginia which are part of IPMS/USA Region 2.

Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers

We invite you to join us, attend our monthly meetings, and take part in our many modeling activities. Our purpose is to bring together people of all ages, interests and skill levels who enjoy the art of plastic modeling.

At our meetings, we conduct demonstrations covering all aspects of plastic modeling, show off our latest projects, have kit raffles, and in general enjoy each other's company. We also participate in special events including trips to out-of-town contests at other clubs, make-and-take events for kids, and public model displays and demonstrations at malls, libraries, etc. Additionally, we host our own show and contest, which is a great way to get to know other modelers and improve our skills. Historically we have also had great vendor participation in our show.

Club interests cover ALL types of plastic models, from automobiles, aircraft, and armor to ships, spacecraft, and science fiction. If it's plastic  . . .  WE BUILD IT!! (If it's other stuff, we've been known to build it also !!)

ANYONE AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND!!! Visit us at our next meeting! If you like what you see, we would be glad to have you as a member. As we are concerned with the future of our hobby, we especially encourage junior modelers to participate. Membership fees are $12/year for adults and $6/year for juniors (17 & under). Membership in IPMS/USA is not mandatory, but is encouraged and considering the quality of our magazine, The Journal, is a really good deal.

We meet the third Saturday of every month, at noon, at the Garber United Methodist Church, 4201 Country Club Road, in New Bern, NC.  See our home page for the most current date, time, and location information just in case something has changed.

Directions:
From the North(Hwy 17), join Hwy 70 then
From Hwy 70, take the Pembroke Road/Trent Woods exit and turn towards Trent Woods. Go approximately 2-1/2 miles. Church will be on left.
From the south, go north on Hwy 17. Continue through intersection of Hwy 17 and Hwy 43 (Glenburnie Rd). At the next traffic light, turn right on the McCarthy Blvd. The church will be 2.1 miles on the right, just past the golf course. Note that this road has several name changes over its' course: first McCarthy, then Chelsea, and finally Country Club Road.