Mike and Mac at the militarymodelling.com table
 
We've already seen the news about the competitions, now just a few photos from some of the things to be found in the main trade hall.  This is by no means a compllete look at everything, just a few things that grabbed my attention.  Whether it was plasctic kis, resin models, metal models, figures ancient or modern, busts, accessories, tools, paints, air brushes, bases, name plates, books, diorama and scenic accessories and so much else, this was the preverbial Aladdin's Cave as ever.  For me this is always good.  At shows you really get to see all sorts of models and materials, some of which you may never have seen before, and get a real feel for what you might like to try.  If you are still in doubt, then of course go downstairs to the competition hall entries and get even more inspiration.
 
The main thing is a chance to meet people, and ask them how they achieve these results.  You'll find most are more than willing to help and pass on their tips.  In the trade halls there were one or two familiar names missing this year, which was a shame, but a common pattern for shows all over Europe this year.  So different in some ways, but godthat we do getto see some alternative traders appearing.  I think this year we saw the re-assendancy for figures over vehicles to some extent.
 
Delayed on the Sunday due to low cloud, we were treated to a flypast from a Spitfire, flying out of Biggin Hill on the day.  If you are in Kent, then the thought of a Spitfire taking off from Biggin Hill, 'The Bump', then it evokes all sorts of thoughts of 1940 and the Battle of Britain, something worth remembering.
 
As for our own members, then a table in the competition hall was there for members to bring along and display some of the models you've watched built and blogged here on the site.  I won't list them all, but you could see the Panther 'Cuckoo' that Chris Meddings built, Mac's Sdkfz 7/2 and Pz IV H, plus Mike McLaughlin's LandWasserSchlepper among others.  These were a great advert for the quality of the models we see built here, and my thanks to everyone who brought something along and put it on show.  I hope we will be able to enhance the table a bit further next year to really enable you to showcase some models from the site.
 
Nice to have met some more members in person and say hello, so a very pleasant day all round.  I hope you enjoy this additional batch of pictures from the show.