IMS Pasadena 1993
The 1993 International Modeler Show featured plenty of helpful ideas and how-to hints
By Dan Bott
The heavy rains of January 1993 in southern California didn't dampen the enthusiasm of modelers wanting to see what the numerous exhibitors had to offer. As in past years, the International Modeler Show (IMS), held January 8–10 in Pasadena, was the place to be for both modelers and exhibitors.
The IMS has become one of the major hobby shows in the West. Although attendance was strong last year and modelers seemed cautious about spending, this year there was noticeably more willingness to buy—provided products offered quality, value, and logical application. This show is a selling show: while it covers many hobby segments (RC cars, boats, trains), more than half of this year's exhibits were related to RC airplanes.
Notable products and exhibitors
- Byron Originals
- Introduced a new 100-inch-span T-6 to meet the new T‑6 air‑racing spec class.
- Also showed the CAP 231 and other recent releases.
- Ultra Precision Technical Service, Ltd. (Oakville, Ontario)
- Introduced a very heavy-duty Reno‑style P‑51 Mustang retract landing gear (U.S. $579) and a retract valve for strut and gear‑door sequencing (U.S. $74.50).
- Gary Conley
- Experimenting with small‑block V‑8 engines with a 3:1 gear‑reduction device to swing a 24-inch prop to power Byron P‑S‑1 ducted‑fan units.
- I.T.P. (Carlsbad, California)
- Expanded line of RC jet kits (many from Europe), including a twin‑engine Tornado with a swing wing (wing sweep expands to 85 inches) and a 93‑inch‑long fuselage, plus an F‑4 Phantom, F‑8 Crusader, and more.
- Combat Models Inc. (Miramar, California)
- Developed a modern‑day barnstormer based on an A‑10 Warthog. The foam kit can be a .40–.50 pusher or twin .15 ducted fan, with optional retracts and flaps.
- K&B
- Added a heat‑sink head to the K&B .82 DF engine for modelers using Byron fans.
- Replica Engines (Orland Park, Illinois)
- Produced a 1/4‑scale Gnome radial engine. Specs: approximately two horsepower, 9‑inch diameter, 2,400 rpm, swings a 24‑inch prop. Priced at $3,800. The crank remains stationary while the rest of the model revolves.
- Slimline Manufacturing
- Introduced a line of smoker mufflers; many designs by Bill Leonard.
- MACS Products
- Released a full line of pipes and mufflers for larger engines.
- Sullivan
- Launched a new quick‑fill fuel valve—simple and trouble‑free.
- Futaba
- Introduced the PCM 1024Z radio (10‑model memory and a large‑screen display).
- T&A Machine Products (Anaheim, California)
- Field repair kit for Lexan bodies that also works on fiberglass and ABS cowls and wheel pants; offers very strong repairs.
- Excel Products
- Pro Shot spray cleaner—an electrical cleaner that removes oil and grit without harming painted surfaces.
- Rogers Custom Products (Tucson, Arizona)
- Full line of custom cradles for planes and radios—various sizes; sturdy and fold for storage.
- Carrying Cases by Myricks (Culver, California)
- High‑quality carrying cases for helicopters and planes to transport models securely and in style.
- AMA Industry Associate Council
- New member: AMA EVP Dave Brown, founder of Dave Brown Products.
Trends in models and materials
There was a noticeable trend toward larger planes and greater scale replication. Composite construction continues to grow in prominence:
- Composite Structures Technology (Lancaster, California) demonstrated several new products, including tacky tape to seal vacuum bags against irregular surfaces.
- Aerospace Composite Products (Irvine, California) displayed additional composite materials and products.
California remains a hotbed for composite materials development, given the local aerospace technology and talent.
Accessories, tools, and eye-catching items
Each show highlights special, eye-catching products that often inspire future projects. The IMS featured numerous practical accessories and tools for modelers, from repair kits and cleaners to cradles and carrying cases—many of which will likely find a place in modelers' workshops.
Conclusion
The 1993 International Modeler Show in Pasadena provided many new ideas for projects and improved building techniques. Just when you think you've seen it all, the show is a reminder that more innovations and products are always on the way.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
