Our History

In June 2007, Mike Staworski and Nate Jones started a scale plastic model club in Branson, Missouri with the goal of providing local scale plastic model builders an opportunity to meet, share ideas, show off their work and learn other skills, tips and techniques about the scale plastic model hobby.

The once-a-month meetings did just that, and over the next couple years the original two members grew to twelve! In 2008, the members voted and our name was established – Missouri Ozarks Scale Specialists, more commonly referred to as M.O.S.S. Later that same year, we outlined our club Mission Statement.

In 2011, we were finally able to apply for and become an International Plastic Modelers' Society (IPMS) Chapter—which had been a goal of ours since the inception of the club. We were also able to partner with another model club based out of Joplin, Missouri to have our first Scale Plastic Model Show and Competition—MOSS CON 2011—in October.

Our initial goal was to raise money to assist with the tornado relief efforts in the Joplin area following the May 22nd tornado. But after the months of show planning passed, we determined to find a more specific charitable organization to which we could donate our proceeds. We finally determined that we would donate towards the Cerebral Palsy of Tri-County Webb City Development Center—a non-profit organization that focuses on specialized therapy for children with developmental issues.

In 2012, we increased our membership and have continued to expand our visibility in the modeling community! We also were able to hold our 2nd Annual model show and competition MOSS CON at the White House Theatre. The 2012 show brought in modelers from all over the Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Midwest states.
33 modelers brought with them an excellent variety of models, entering 135 into the competition--triple the number from 2011! Our goal was to raise money for the IPMS/USA Support the Troops program, and through our donors and the show's proceeds, we were able to raise $1,140.00. In November, 2012 we donated that money to the Support the Troops program. We would like to thank all those who attended MOSS CON 2012!

In 2013, we held our 3rd Annual model show and competition once again in the West Wing of The White House Theatre. We had 38 modelers from Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas enter 154 models into the competition (another increase from last year's show)! There were 8 vendors present for the attendees to browse and shop.
Our goal once again was to raise funds for the IPMS/USA Support the Troops program. Our generous donors and the show proceeds allowed us to raise $1,000.00 that we will donate to the Support the Troops program, to be used for purchasing models and modeling supplies for our Country's deployed and recovering wounded Service Members!

In 2014, we held our 4th Annual model show and competition once again in the West Wing of The White House Theatre. 39 modelers from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa and Texas entered 164 models into the competition! It was an excellent turn-out and we are thankful for all who came to support MOSS CON!

In 2015, our membership grew to twenty members on the roster. We also hosted our 5th Annual model show and competition in the West Wing of The White House Theatre! We are continually thankful for The White House Theatre graciously donating the use of the theater's West Wing for our show, and to Branson Hobby Center for sponsoring our show! 46 modelers from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Nevada entered 207 models into the competition!

In 2016, our membership grew to twenty-four members on the roster. We hosted our 6th Annual model show and competition once again in the West Wing of The White House Theatre! Thanks goes to Branson Hobby Center for sponsoring our show, and thanks for The White House Theatre donating the use of the West Wing for our show!
​ 49 modelers from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio entered 222 models into the competition!