Scale aviation modeller international

26 Ilyushin Il-

Fly Models 1/72 Ilyushin

Il-10 by Roman Schilhart

It’s Show Time

T

he evenings are getting

lighter, and all over the

northern hemisphere

modellers are emerging from

their winter hibernation.

However, winter hibernation is

probably the most productive

time in modelling terms.

By October many modellers

have built up a stash of kits and

accessories to see them through

the winter months, and many, like

me, are probably adding to stashes

built up over many years – that

would already need a decade of

permanent winters to put a dent in!

But from March to May the

show season kicks off in many

countries with a vengeance, and

in April I do not think I have any

weekend when I am not visiting

a show somewhere in the UK.

In my case, many of the

shows will be visited with the

Milton Keynes Scale Model

Club, and it’s nice to sit and

chat with club members, from

both ours and other clubs, for

a whole day rather than just

a few hours once a month.

Of course, it’s also a chance

to show off your latest project

to the world. I know our stand

always looks a lot fresher

with the additions from the

winter building program.

For many visitors to these

shows it is also a chance to restock

on supplies, as in most states,

provinces, cantons, counties,

etc, the day of the model shop

is long gone, and even the most

basic modelling supplies need to

be purchased in advance. As for

exotic items, like decal setting

solutions, this is the only chance

you get without having to pay

postal charges on top of the price

of that must-have project.

Then of course there are all

the kits that have come out since

the last big show. I’m sure that

large quantities of 1/48 Airfix Sea

Furys and Revell P-51 Mustangs

will be flying off the trader stands

over the next few months.

In addition, at many shows

you have the competition, which

gives many modellers a chance to

test their models against others’.

Though I have never been a pot

hunter, there are many whose

only motivation for modelling

is to enter competitions. But

be warned – shows are under

threat, and many are walking a

very fine line, even though this

season seems a lot busier than

in recent years. In recent years

the cost of hosting a show has

increased quite considerably.

Using my club’s ModelKraft

show as an example, over the last

few years our costs have risen to

over £3000 per event, and every

year we have to decide if the

club can afford another year.

These comments are true

for all nations with an active

modelling population, so I urge

all readers around the world

to support your local clubs,

which have taken the time and

effort and, in some cases, the

large financial risk to put on a

show, whether as a member of

a club putting on a display or as

a casual visitor to the show.

Have a look at the back page

for a list of all the shows around

the United Kingdom, and if your

show is not there, please drop me

a line. It costs nothing to advertise

your event, and of course, if you

see me at a show please say hello.

But until then sit down

and enjoy the latest edition

of your magazine.

David Francis, Editor

[email protected]

12 Messerschmitt Built For Two?

Eduard 1/48 Bf-109G-6 Erla Weekend

Edition by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.

4 • APRIL 2018 • SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME

Scale Aviation Modeller International

April 2018 • Volume 24 • Issue 4

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