Several years ago, IPMS(UK) sanctioned the formation of 'Special Interest Groups' (S.I.G.'s) within the membership. These SIG's are formed and run by IPMS members and, although they have the official backing of the Society and are allowed use of the IPMS name, SIG Leaders are not part of the IPMS Committee. The idea was for members who have common interests in particular areas to be able to contact and meet other like-minded members, and so encourages the exchange of information, and builds expertise. To this end, SIG's exist for not only many areas of aviation, but also cars, ships, armour, figures, science fiction, and so on. Many modellers will realise that they are interested in one or two particular subjects above most others, so this is what SIG's set out to cater for. However, many modellers will also realise that their interest in such a subject goes above and beyond the modelling aspect - it will quite probably include historical research, photography, etc., all of which is most welcome in a SIG. Formed in 1993, this S.I.G. is thriving group of people, primarily modellers, from all over the world, who share a common interest in aerial demonstration teams. As a group, we are interested in all aspects of the worlds aerobatic display teams, past and present, military and civilian. Obviously, modelling of team aircraft plays a large part, but so does research and photography, collecting team memorabilia and data, supporting teams and watching them perform at airshows, etc. All tastes are welcomed here, from pre-war biplane teams, civilian teams, "heavy metal" jet teams and well, everything in between ! We produce our own newsletter, "Smoke On ... GO !", about four times per year, featuring articles and reviews on modelling, airshows, books, videos, news and general chat, etc., relating to display teams. Each year, we also put on displays of our models at a number of UK and European model shows/events, and our annual display schedule always includes Scale Modelworld (the IPMS(UK) National Championships), arguably the biggest model event in the World. These are great social occasions when we can actually get together in person, and meet as many of our members as possible - including those from overseas. We feel that this is a very important aspect of our group, and we are proud to have so many friends and SIG members in around twenty different countries worldwide.
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