Wonderfest NRA 2024 (As usual, NSFW!)

[sparkvark007]

I think I got everything.... ENJOY!

>>> https://photos.app.goo.gl/puYeXPXwFZfhPrJr7

[bucketfoot-al]

I've seen a lot of the photos from this Wonderfest, but none of these builds. Are you sure you went to the same show?

[tay666]

I've seen a lot of the photos from this Wonderfest, but none of these builds. Are you sure you went to the same show?

This is a separate contest that takes place Saturday night for kits that aren't allowed in the main contest.

[bucketfoot-al]

I've seen a lot of the photos from this Wonderfest, but none of these builds. Are you sure you went to the same show?

This is a separate contest that takes place Saturday night for kits that aren't allowed in the main contest.

X-rated contest, I presume?!?

[barad_dur]

I would not call it X-rated.

There is a lot of female nudity, but I have not seen any kits that I would call pornograhic.

What you will see there are examples of the best build ups and paint applications in the hobby, from some of the most talented people.

[bucketfoot-al]

I have to say this is the first picture thread in which I carefully zoomed in on every single photo.

Seriously, some absolutely marvelous paint ups in there! Love that Elvira with Bob's Big Boy!

My favorite though has to be the Indian princess with a long feather headdress!!

[bucketfoot-al]

I would not call it X-rated.

There is a lot of female nudity, but I have not seen any kits that I would call pornograhic.

What you will see there are examples of the best build ups and paint applications in the hobby, from some of the most talented people.

You got that right Joe! The skin tones as well as the detail paint up application on those kits was absolutely out of this world perfect.

[resin addict]

So a bit of explanation of the history of the "NRA".
It used to be (years ago), that R-Rated kits were allowed in the main contest, but because of local municipal rules/ordinances, and given the fact that (and I'm not complaining about this at all) WF wanted to be a family friendly event, where no one could complain that smaller children (or wives or girlfriends or boyfriends) might see something in a model contest that their parents (or partner) might wish they hadn't seen, there was a separate area or room with an individual by the entrance to insure that those entering were of an appropriate age to view what was "behind the curtains" and also were warned about what they might see.
But, TBH, there was kind of a stigma associated with going "behind the curtain", or into the separate viewing area...kind of like going into the back room at the video store to rent the "adult" VCR tapes, and it just kind of died off.
So those still interested in entering some more "adult" themed pieces came up with the idea of a separate, un-official contest, not officially endorsed by WF, that is self-policing (as far as entering and what's allowed and what isn't), self judging, and held later in the evening after the main show is over for the day, so there's no stray "visitors" who might walk in on something they don't know what it actually is.
After some questionable entries about 10 years ago, there are now a few standards and rules that must be followed, not going to get into those here, but suffice it to say, there won't be any triple X stuff allowed. Most is "R" rated at the most, and a lot is even more "strong PG".
IF I recall correctly for the last few years there have been 5 categories:
- Best Little Hottie (Best miniature)
- Best Girly Girl
- Best "Flintstone" style (Sponsered by "Jimmy Flintstone)
- Best Girl with a Weapon
- Best of Show
It's all by popular vote...anyone in the room who wants to vote can vote, and pieces can win multiple categories, for instance, the "Best Little Hottie" could also win "Best Girl with a Weapon".
This past year, the participation seemed to have grown dramatically over the previous year, and hopefully with continual growth in entries and support it will continue to expand.

[tay666]

Very nice summation.
I just have to remember to bring my own pen next year. It took forever to fill out my ballot because there were only like 2 pens floating around for people to use.

[resin addict]

My favorite though has to be the Indian princess with a long feather headdress!!

That's actually a new kit offered by Brandow Lowe...he's starting a line of kits based on specific nose art designs from USAF aircraft...this is based on a B-24J converted to a F-7B (44-40198) of the 20th Combat Mapping Group, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group which was named "Cherokee Strip".

[gordman43]

My favorite though has to be the Indian princess with a long feather headdress!!

That's actually a new kit offered by Brandow Lowe...he's starting a line of kits based on specific nose art designs from USAF aircraft...this is based on a B-24J converted to a F-7B (44-40198) of the 20th Combat Mapping Group, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group which was named "Cherokee Strip".

She's a beauty! The subject matter, sculpting mastery and great castings = PURCHASE. I'm glad I grabbed one. I'm happy to hear there's potential for more of these coming. Thanks for adding the details, Randy!

-G