NNL-EAST 2009

On Saturday April 18^th the 23^rd annual NNL-EAST was held at the Wayne N.J PAL building. Traditionally on the Thursday night before the show we met at Mike’ Whathisname’s(Napoleon) house. This year 1 G Greg (Greg Hogg) invited everyone to his new CASA de Greg. Rogelio Mendez and Carlos de Jesus, who came up from Puerto Rico for the show, joined us at Greg’s.

They were given a guided tour of Greg’s model kit vault and workshop. After a few minutes of amazement, I tried to make some extra NNL-EAST resin money by brokering some deals, but unfortunately Greg was not interested in parting with any of his stash.

On Friday a group of us went up to the Ramada Inn in Wayne N.J Ariel and 1 G Greg stopped by the Newark Airport to pick up 2 G Gregg (Gregg Hutchins of Model Cars Magazine) who was coming in from Hawaii . Mike Whtshisname and I got to the hotel around 3 pm.

After check in we started to meet up with modeling compatriots from around the country that we have become friends with thru the years. After having some preliminary drinks, (Ariel brought a new orange concoction called Spooky Juice.)we went to diner at Cheeseburger in Paradise which is attached to the hotel. We met Philly members Nick and Sharon, Bill and Jan and the MAMA Guyz. Later on that night our friends from Southern California Anthony Rios, Santiago and Chris showed up.

 Saturday morning came and the weather was great. As usual the line stretched around the building. The Tri-State crew did their usual fine job of getting everyone pre paid and registered before the doors opened. The announced model count was 2,087 Models on display: with overall attendance listed at 1018. I believe, if accurate, the model count was a record for the show. The workmanship of the models that were on display was amazing as usual. Our own Nick Sandone won the internet theme “Revell’s 69 Nova”. This is Nicks second win and the third year in a row that a PACM member has won a class at the NNL-EAST. PACM appears to be on it’s way to becoming a modeling powerhouse at this prestigious event. Way to go Nick! Congratulations also go out to Carlos de Jesus (from our Puerto Rican Contingent) for winning the sub-compact this theme with his Honda Civic. Felicitaciones amigo!!