What sort of models appear at Modelfair?
As the name Elgin Model Railway Club implies most of our members have an interest in trains, or model railways, watching, scratch building, modelling and operating Bachman or Hornby Z,N,OO or O gauge. Some rare clockwork and tinplate occasionally appear, and steamers outside the front door.
But not forgetting Preserved Railways as the Strathspey Railway and the Keith and Dufftown Railway are nearby. Railways and railway models in all gauges occupy about a quarter of the show stands.
Modelfair in November invites any hobby modeller and collectors in the leisure sector to proudly show it to the rest of the world, and invariably meet someone else who can share their practical experience. On more than one occasion a shy modeller has approached me wondering if their model was “good enough to show” and then has been overwhelmed by the interest shown by the public and gone on to win “best in show.” Recent examples of unusual models include a scratch built Threshing Machine and a Fairground collection.
Model Aircraft are very popular in this area. Dallachy Aeromodellers regularly exhibit a wide range of radio controlled flying model airships, biplanes and jets, many of them cup winners in national competitions. The RAF bases nearby excite the interest of plastic kit modellers as they reproduce most squadron aircraft of the 20th and 21st century. Tanks, armoured cars and painted soldiers are popular. They often appear incorporated into diorama’s commemorating battle actions. Wargamers use dioramas for more realism and hand painted Warhammer science fiction figures are very popular. Star Wars and Star Trek models have appeared and in recent times the Gerry Anderson Thunderbirds and Lady Penelope collection too.
The North East Coast is not short of its model boat builders. There are two strong clubs regularly exhibiting at Modelfair. The Pentland Boat Club and the Tarlair Boat Club. Their radio controlled sailing models attract a lot of nostalgic attention. Model cars from days gone by are represented by Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, and Lledo. Slot car racing is very popular and the Scalextric public racing was overwhelmed. Very rare, but Meccano and Lego have been to Elgin.
Lastly, we have had some Arts and Crafts in the form of impressive Dolls Houses and fine collections of Porcelain Dolls which held every mums attention. There has been a demonstration of traditional knitting techniques for small babies. The Lacemakers demonstrated their fine skills and the Sugarcraft Guild modelled in sugar paste usually used on wedding cakes etc.
If you are over 16 or have an adult to accompany you and would like to exhibit at the next show then please send an email. In the meantime perhaps we might see you at Elgin Modelfair in November.
By Mike Brenton Modelfair Manager
