Shropshire Scale Model Show 2014

Yesterday I took a break from the modelling desk and decided to visit the Royal Air Force Museum at RAF Cosford as it was hosting the 2014 Shropshire Scale Model Show.

This was the first scale model that I've attended in many years and so expectation was high. How was it?

The surroundings were very apt, as the various stands and displays were set up around the numerous aircraft on display. The museum alone is worth a visit, especially impressive is the Cold War hall featuring several MiGs, a Vulcan, Victor and a Lightning to name but a few.

The show consisted of numerous groups, mostly IPMS affiliated groups and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) displaying a wide range of aircraft and other models, all to a very high standard. It was really interesting to see such a collection and to be able to meet and chat with a few of the people responsible, although some seemed more approachable than others.

So many good models, it's so hard to pick a favourite!

MiG-15 - Britmodeller.com

The Luftwaffe in many shapes and sizes - IPMS Cleveland

Ilyushin Il-28 - IPMS Swindon

Mil Mi-10 - IPMS Swindon

MiGs - IPMS Mercia

Eileen - IPMS Leicestershire

P-51B - IPMS Staffordshire Moorlands

Porsche 917K - North Somerset Modellers

If had to pick a favourite, and it's a very tough choice, it would be the Porsche 917K by the North Somerset Modellers. Why? Because it's a beautifully built model of one of the few cars that interests me! But really, all of the above and many more were just fantastic.

The only thing to mention was the trade aspect which I found to be a little disappointing. I expected better of the retail companies I'd previously used and many of the other sellers were selling off overpriced "vintage" kits. While I'm sure a few gems were to be found it wasn't really for me. The novelty of searching through cardboard boxes full of dusty old kits soon wore off and I decided to focus more on the model displays. One mans junk may be another treasure but I can do that via eBay from the comfort of my own home...

On the plus side I did find a few specialist companies selling detail parts and figures and a few local, (to the venue), model shops who seemed to have thought a bit more about what to offer so I didn't come home empty handed!

All in all it was a good day in a great museum setting. I look forward to doing it again some time.