Australian Model Expo 2008

To see larger photographs used in this article, please see the GALLERY ALBUM.

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The weekend of the 28th and 29th of June is a special day in the Australian Modelling calendar, Australia's Model EXPO 2008. It's a showcase of all things scale modelling, culminating in a national open plastic model competition.

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Once again, the event was hosted at the Sandown Raceway Entertainment Complex, more accustomed to the scent of racing fuel and roar of Australian Touring Cars than the smell of glue and the sight of all things small scale.

Entrants for the modelling competition arrived as early as the Friday night to enter their pieces, some from as far as Western Australia (approx 2700 kms or 1690 miles away for our imperial friends).

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Early Saturday morning saw more and more entrants arrive, with the doors opening to the public after 11am. It was also an opportunity of the who's who of traders to show there stuff. Everything from kits, reference materials, casting supplies, accessories and tools were available at great 'show special' prices, so no-one had to go home empty handed. You could even get your own oil painting of your favourite tank, plane or ship with some pieces being painted while you watch.

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Not only was there a great representation of kits and supplies, the numbers coming through the doors seemed to be up on previous years, and they were sure to be impressed by the quality of the kits on display. The hobby here in Australia seems to be moving from strength to strength, which was highlighted by the noticeable increase in standard of the quality of the builds. Some just had to be seen to be believed.

It was also a great opportunity to catch with the OZ MilMod gang (Peter Bibby, Michael Tabone, Matt Beattie, Brad James, Tim Kuzma, and myself).

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Sundays offering was not only competition day, but also Buy, Swap and Sell day. Needless to say, this is possibly the most popular part of the weekend aside from the judging and award presentations. If you wanted a bargain, that was the place to be. I've never seen so many smiling faces with arms stacked with goodies in one place. I'm pretty sure even Brad picked up some after market parts for his mythical Sherman.

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That set the tone for the afternoons awards presentations. All winners and entries were of an exceptional standard and this was noted by the organisers and judges. A special mention should go to Matt Beattie who picked up first for his wonderful Stug dio and commendation for his Panzer IV Ausf.G. To Michael Tabone who picked up commendations for both his Panzer 1a and Bergpanther. Michaels son Luke went home with second for his Marvel Comics Rhino figure and his daughter Hannah first for her realistic looking Ankylosaurus dinosaur. Congratulation guys, you thoroughly deserved it.

I'd also like to say a big thank you to Michael Tabone who supplied some of the pics.