IPMS Ocala was formed in June of 1983. The idea came from club newsletters, found in a hobby shop in Tampa. Starting an Ocala club seemed like a great idea. In time we somehow managed to pick up more like minded modelers. Our first few meetings were held at individuals homes. Those were formative meetings, as much about what could be accomplished as a club as they were about modeling.

      After a couple of those, we moved on to the back room of a war gaming store that sold a few models, airbrushes, etc. When it became evident that the club was growing, we moved to a free meeting room at a local bowling alley. Imagine bringing all your "Show N Tell" stuff through a bunch of league bowlers. Next, we spent a year at the city government meeting facility, but unfortunately, city policy would not let us renew our time and place. Then we took a chance on the Ocala Public Library and the club slowly continued to grow.

      While the library was convenient, it was poorly lit, and the hours were too short for our sometimes expanded meetings. We managed to catch a break when we moved to "The Red Swan", a local art store that also carried models and supplies. It was a good relationship that continues to this day. However, due to a change in the store's hours, we had to once again find a new place to meet. Griffins, a craft and specialty store, allowed us the use of their small "cafe" area, even though they sold nothing model related. This kept our band of merry men going until we found room in the Freedom Library.

      By this time, word about the club began to get around that this was a "happening" club, one that you would want to be part of if you were into modeling. The club continued to expand, not only in numbers, but in activities as well. Our stay at the Freedom Library was a long and pleasant one, that regrettably came to an abrupt halt when county library policy changed, and once again left us without a place conducive to our meeting times.

This brings us to our current meeting location at the Southwest Christian Church,
where as luck would have it, the Pastor is a modeler.

      This period also saw record highs in membership, and our club was recently awarded Region 11, Chapter of the Year, as well as National IPMS Chapter of the Year. It had been decided from the start, that our club would be based on fun and versatility, and that we would always remain a chartered IPMS organization. This has been the glue that holds us together, and the basis for our constitution.

      During the clubs many transitions, there have been various officers, and almost a 100% change in personnel. Florida is a transient state, with people constantly moving and relocating. Several of our "alumni" have moved on to other clubs, or started another IPMS chapter as is the case of the Gatormodelers in Gainesville, Florida. We have remained a constant in Region 11, and always try to support the other chapters in the region. As part of IPMS Ocala's tradition, we like to take an active part in the community, usually providing various displays at community centers, shopping malls, businesses, air shows and other functions. This has been an on going affair, and while our name may not be a household word, other organizations always seem to know where and how to find us when display space needs filling. Our successful Adult Building Course has been accepted nationwide through IPMS, and we have supported the National Organization's Make N Take program for the younger generation at every opportunity.

      Our involvement extends past the community and into the modeling world with our national award winning newsletter that is distributed monthly, virtually, around the world via computer, with friends in far away places. We are enjoying and sharing our hobby with each other, and do our best to promote fun and fellowship. We will try to continue to be the standard of the hobby within our community, the region and the IPMS National Organization.