Help in Chicago, anyone?

[Jimdero]

Greetings fellow modelers -- I am returning to the hobby after a 20-
year break (a common story, it seems), having been devoted not only
to military vehicle modeling in the past, but especially to painting
and building dioramas featuring metal and plastic 54mm figures. I
have a couple of questions if anyone can help --

1. What's the best hobby shop in the greater Chicago area for
quality white metal and plastic/resin figures (Andrea Miniatures,
Verlinden, Historex, that sort of thing)? I have been unable in my
searches to find anyplace nearby (north side of the city or suburbs)
with this particular speciality.

2. How about on the North Side proper -- what are the best shops, if
not for figures, than for paints, tools, diorama materials, etc.?

3. Finally, is a more specialized Web newsgroup for figure modeling
as opposed to the broader interests of plastic modelers?

I have been searching the Web and mostly coming up empty on these
questions. Any help you fellow enthusiasts can provide would be
GREATLY appreciated!

All the best -- JIM

 

[Jimdero]

Greetings fellow modelers -- I am returning to the hobby after a 20-
year break (a common story, it seems), having been devoted not only
to military vehicle modeling in the past, but especially to painting
and building dioramas featuring metal and plastic 54mm figures. I
have a couple of questions if anyone can help --

1. What's the best hobby shop in the greater Chicago area for
quality white metal and plastic/resin figures (Andrea Miniatures,
Verlinden, Historex, that sort of thing)? I have been unable in my
searches to find anyplace nearby (north side of the city or suburbs)
with this particular speciality.

2. How about on the North Side proper -- what are the best shops, if
not for figures, than for paints, tools, diorama materials, etc.?

3. Finally, is a more specialized Web newsgroup for figure modeling
as opposed to the broader interests of plastic modelers?

I have been searching the Web and mostly coming up empty on these
questions. Any help you fellow enthusiasts can provide would be
GREATLY appreciated!

All the best -- JIM

 

[Anders Heintz]

Hey Jim!

Welcome to the planet! I would say that you live in an area that is great for figure modeling. One of the best shows in the US is in Chicago. There is also a figure club there, although I dont know their website adress, you might search for "Military Miniature Society of Illinois"

As far as a specialized web community devoted to figures...you have found it! planet Figure is almost only figures and figure related things so I belive you hit the jackpot on this one

Again, welcome to pF

 

[Anders Heintz]

Hey Jim!

Welcome to the planet! I would say that you live in an area that is great for figure modeling. One of the best shows in the US is in Chicago. There is also a figure club there, although I dont know their website adress, you might search for "Military Miniature Society of Illinois"

As far as a specialized web community devoted to figures...you have found it! planet Figure is almost only figures and figure related things so I belive you hit the jackpot on this one

Again, welcome to pF

 

[mikec55]

Jim,

You've already found the best website on the net for figure painting so that's half the battle. I live in NW Indiana & about 1 year or so ago, I put the question regarding miniature suppliers in Chicago to various members of the Military Miniature Society of Illinois. Strange as it may sound in a big city like Chicago, there are no hobby stores catering to military miniature painters, unless of course one opened up since I asked. The MMSI holds meetings at Oakton Comm. College in Des Plaines on the first Friday of every month. Their website has all the details. Hope this helps & welcome aboard.

Mike

 

[mikec55]

Jim,

You've already found the best website on the net for figure painting so that's half the battle. I live in NW Indiana & about 1 year or so ago, I put the question regarding miniature suppliers in Chicago to various members of the Military Miniature Society of Illinois. Strange as it may sound in a big city like Chicago, there are no hobby stores catering to military miniature painters, unless of course one opened up since I asked. The MMSI holds meetings at Oakton Comm. College in Des Plaines on the first Friday of every month. Their website has all the details. Hope this helps & welcome aboard.

Mike