International Model Exhibition, RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, UK
6th October 2002
Our third appearance at this huge annual event was by every standard, a great success. The show is held inside, in two vast aircraft hangars, and also outside with model flying displays on the airfield, radio controlled boats in a large tank, and many other attractions. The hangars are filled with what must be hundreds of tables, occupied by both traders and exhibitors. Every possible facet of model making is represented. The weather was fine, and visitors arrived in large numbers.
In a prominent (but draughty) position by the door, our hardy group of card modellers filled ten tables with a fine and varied display. We had nine exhibitors, supported by family and friends. Mike Stamper, David Hathaway, Ray Morris, Ian Sinclair, Tony Brandon, Graham Dixey, myself, and our overseas guests Alvar Hansen and Gunnar Sillen. And to add to that list, we were paid a visit by Bob Freidus.
This is now an established event in the calendar which I much look forward to. A very long day which passed all too quickly. ‘Hey look at these, they’re all paper’ was a cry I heard many times. We were all busy answering questions, handing out flyers and promoting the hobby to genuinely interested visitors.
With a borrowed camera I took plenty of pictures. Sadly only a few are usable, and these pictures include a couple kindly provided by Ray.
The ‘International Card Model Internet Group’ is a suitably grand title, we thought, for our group. Mike is obviously hoping that we should adopt a trout as our symbol.
David and Martin
Bob and Mike
Alvar’s Schreiber display, including the ‘Alte Liebe’ lighthouse and the Fischkutter ‘Selma’
Alvar and Gunnar
Some models from Graham, including the FG Morane Parasol. One of I think only two aircraft in our whole display............
unless you include airships
David’s J.S.Schreiber L13 Zeppelin, designed by Alvar, hanging serenely above the table
David’s magnificent and ever increasing Paper Shipwright fleet
My Traction Engine, a PMI reprint, with a Micromodel version behind.
One of my favourites.. a detail of Mike’s Stephansdom, Vienna, by Schreiber
Gunnar’s superb ‘Isolda’
Gunnar was able to bring a small selection of beautiful models
Ray’s locomotive collection
Tony’s ‘Old Town’ display of his own designed, OO guage houses
Mike’s Gdansk Embankment, JSC.........
and Pernstejn, from Betexa
Mike’s beautiful Chambord, (L’Instant Durable)
So now we have a year to prepare for Sunday 5th October, 2003. Already two further tables are booked for an even bigger and better show. Be sure to let me know in good time if you can join us next year.
Roger Pattenden
A perfect end to a perfect day. Ray and Barbara stayed in their camper van nearby to Halton after the Show, before taking a leisurely few days to return to North Wales. They enjoyed a relaxing al fresco meal under a fine sunset.