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M.A.F.V.A. Nationals 2004 - Show Report |
Aug 15, 2004 |
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To quote the tabloids, ‘Phew, what a scorcher!’ would be an understatement, and the marquee was like a sauna! This was our biggest Nationals to date, being housed in a marquee 200 x 40 foot with some 25 traders and 23 MAFVA branches and individuals providing plenty to see. As is the regular format of the show now, we hold the Nationals alongside the annual Military Vehicle Show at the Imperial War Museum. But this year there was the added bonus of the celebration of the Rolls Royce Centenary with (I believe) 150 Rolls Royce & Bentley cars on view plus a flying programme of Rolls Royce engined aircraft.
The competitions were well supported with some extremely well made models on the tables. It was pleasing to see some new faces amongst the winners, including one chap who had joined on the day. Best of Show was won by Andy Lang with his Carro Commando M40 in 1/76th scale. Small Shop EU was unable to attend but sent us two of his PEB bending tools that were awarded for the best use of etched brass. Robin Carpenter of Cammett Ltd. was kind enough to offer a prize for the best example of painting amongst the entries.
 The traders I have spoken with were happy with sales and many modellers went home thinking up the excuses to ‘the better half’ as to why they had spent so much. Gary Williams was happy with the day as well, having recruited eight new members, received umpteen resubs and issued a stack of Tankette 39/4.
Gary was also present at a ‘Presidential Summit’ on the Saturday evening where quite a few of the ‘usual suspects’ met up at a local hotel with our friend and President of IPMS UK, Paul Regan.
Feedback tells us that the show was a great success, and this would not have been possible without the active help and support of many people.
The traders: Accurate Armour, Milicast, totalmodels.co.uk, SB Models, Convoy, Defence in Depth, PDI Model Supplies, AB Figures, Cromwell Models, Moredun Models, Hersants Books, Pol Models, MMS, Great North Roads, Lou Stener, Armstrong Bases, LSA Models, Parabellum, Matador Models, Firing Line, Cammett Ltd, Blitzkrieg, Bull Models and B.W. Models.
We had a plentiful supply of prizes thanks to sponsorship from Toyway of Letchworth, Revell, JB Modells, Military Modelling, Malcolm Bellis and Fingerprint Designs. Your kindness is most appreciated.
Our thanks also go to the Vehicle Wing, Duxford Aviation Society and the Imperial War Museum for the help an support to present the show, with a special thanks for the loan of the large scale Marconi Marksman tank. Special thanks go to our own ‘Tombola Girls’ led by Shelagh Hanratty and the ‘always ready’ Tea Squad in the gazebo of Rita Cox and Aud Cawley assisted by Mick & Malcolm. Not only are these people providing a service for MAFVA, but also putting money in the pot to pay for all the extras needed to put on a good show.
Competitionsfuhrer Bob Lockie kept the paperwork running smoothly assisted by a team of entry takers and teams of judges led by Chief Judge John Ham, who wore a T-shirt to make sure that everyone knew who was in charge! Steve Schwab has kept an eye on the monies and Dave Blomley made the trophies. Continued thanks to Gordon Brown of Cromwell for supplying the crests free of charge.
Of course the majority of legwork on the weekend was done by Cambridge branch members supported by our many friends and they must be applauded for tackling the work without complaint in a stifling heat.
We already have a date for next year, Sunday 7th August, so make a date in your diaries now.
For more information, please visit the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association website.
To see a full list of the competition results, please click here.
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