North East Model Boat Show 2009

DAVE ALLEN reports from Temple Park Centre, South Shields


The club stands were in the centre of the hall and the traders around the outer wall. This enabled easy viewing for everyone

This show, held for the first time on 28/29th March at this venue, was instigated by Mark Williams of A Model World and he can justifiably claim a victory on this inaugural show at this new venue, so ‘well done’ to Mark and all the other organisers, including George Barnes, who were heavily involved in the setting up and running of the event. George had lots of decisions to make about the space available and general layout which he got just right with nicely appointed and easy viewing of the club and trader stands together with areas for relaxation and socialising after the long winter, so well done to him and his team. There was a competition element to the show and I have included the results. Judging was I believe done by a team of five.
 

The admission price was just £2.50, a bonus for visitors in these tough times. An event such as this needs both traders and clubs to be a success, together with easy access and this venue was ideal. The pictures were taken before the show opened to the public – believe me it was a lot busier than these pictures might imply!

Traders

There was a good range of traders attending.
 

ACTion run by Dave Milbourn always seems to have something new and he is gaining a reputation for value and reliability with his range of speed controllers and electronics.

Model Slipway had a new prototype kit of a modern fishing boat, not yet ready for release. The full size version was launched at Whitby with the help of a 500 ton crane, which must have been quite a sight!
 
Cammett had lots of modelling gear including the Italeri S-boat kit with some upgrades of their own in the form of depth charges and mines for the stern. This kit is being well received by modellers and is selling well.
 
Ron Dean came a fair distance from Peterborough with a sizeable selection of almost ready to run models, kits and new running gear and accessories to suit.
 
Bryan and Ann Ward of Mobile Marine Models had their new super tug FT-X on display. This tug is 54 inches long, 18 inches beam and is to 1:25 scale. The moulding package has the hull and deck joined as in full size practice with a separate superstructure and wheelhouse. Also selling well is the vacformed D Class Lighter package which can be bought with a choice of cargo and fittings. The choice is yours - buy four kits and get one free!
 

ModelPower were in demand for advice and batteries and of course the hosts, A Model World, were busy with a vast selection of RTR models, kits, motors and r/c equipment etc.

No event in this area would be complete without the lads from Tyne Models with their tugs, plus Sue Hinchcliffe, a stalwart of trade shows, had her Mount Fleet Models range on display. SHG Models with Jerome and Sue Grainger were busy as always supplying modellers with all the bits and pieces needed to finish a model.
 
Metcalf Mouldings had their kit range on display as did Models by Design with the GRP hull market well covered. Submarines and diving modules in particular were well catered for by A1 Models and Subtech.
 
Barry’s Model Lettering were there with a good selection of lining and lettering plus some interesting decals and last but not least were Dave and Marion Brumstead flying the flag for MyHobbyStore with some modelling equipment and a selection of hulls and plans from the Model Boats range as well magazine copies.
 

So, from a visitor point of view, you could purchase kits, hulls and all the bits and pieces you need to go with them from the comprehensive range of suppliers present.

Clubs

Naturally there were quite a few Northern clubs displaying, plus a very interesting stand manned by Phil Abbott of the Blackheath MBC with boats going way back in time. You had to admire the finish and quality of those boats and they certainly have stood the test of time.

Northern clubs present included the South Shields MYC (founded in 1886) featuring some very graceful looking yachts, Wearside MBC, Roker Park MBC and Darlington MBC.

Stewart Park MBC featured some fantastic solid wood models by Douglas Chambers which really are works of art and very easy on the eye. Also there were Teesside MBC, Tyne MBC and the Tynemouth MBC in attendance.
 

From further afield were the CADMA club, Kirklees club and the Hull Model Boat Group with Stan Donachie and some excellent trawler models plus a working dredger based on a workboat hull by Lee Darley which had a lot of functioning features. This attracted a lot of attention as did Ron Paddison’s superb lifeboat, which never fails to impress the crowds.

The future

There has been interest expressed by additional clubs for a future event and the trade support together with the club stands made for a balanced event which from conversations that I had was well received. If I have forgotten to mention a club or trader, then I apologise in advance.
 
There were varying opinions about the model judging and their classes, but Ernie Lazenby seems to have taken this under his wing for next year. One idea muted is to have the judging done on the Saturday, so that the winning models can be seen with their awards by the general public who, let’s face it, we need to come along to events such as this to help expand our hobby.
 

Competition results

A Model World Trophy for best in show: Kingston Peridot built by Bill Jefferson.

Mount Fleet Trophy for best Mount Fleet kit: Sir Lancelot built by Bill Jefferson.

Tyne Trophy for best club display: Wearside MBC.

 

Class B: Rescue and Lifesaving:

Scratch built: George and Mary Webb built by Ron Paddison.

Semi-scratch: Fanny Victoria built by K Brown.

 

Class C: Naval Ships.

Semi-scratch: HMS Albury built by B Ceaman.

Kit: Sir Lancelot built by Bill Jefferson.

 

Class D: Tugs

Semi-scratch: Northsider built by W Carpenter.

Kit: Aziz built by Ray Bell.

 

Class E: Fishing Vessels

Scratch: Providence IV built by W Carpenter.

Semi-scratch: St. Romanus built by S Donachie.

Kit: St. Nectan built by S Donachie.

 

Class F: Workboats/cargo vessels.

Scratch: Helenus built by B Carpenter.

Kit: Trans Sand built by B Southern.

 

Class G: Pleasure craft.

Scratch: Natterer built by Ted Welding.

Semi-scratch: Bluebird by E Lazenby.

Kit: Schaarhorn built by B Southern.