Photos from Scale Model World 2003

Scale Model World at Telford was held over the weekend of 22nd and 23rd November 2003 - IPMS' 40th anniversary - here are a few of the many superb models that were in the competitions. Thanks to Steve Hubbard for the use of his photos - he collected a few gems I missed :-) See somemore of his work on his website.

An excellent Panzer IV diorama

I had a hand in judging this one - the stone work is superb.

This 1/35th scale Sherman took the Gold

The engine panels are open, and the block is well detailed - the spokes on the bike are a joy. All in all a well deserved Gold medal at the IPMS(UK) Scalemodelworld 2003

The smaller scales are well represented at SMW - here are two examples that just get better as you get closer... Of course they're based on good kits to start with, but the extra level of detail added by the modellers takes it to a new level.

Looking at my pages you might be forgiven for thinking it was just military models that shine. Well if anything it's more difficult to produce a superb civilian model as we all see them most days, and we have a good idea of what the real thing looks like.

This is the Italeri fire tender in 1/24th scale - kit no 778, recently re-issued.. There's a good deal of work gone into improving the original kit as well as a great deal of careful detailing and painting.

An American Plank truck - I think this is a Chevrolet, not sure who makes the model - possibly Italeri..? It has a wonderfull dusty finish, airbrushed over the original gloss paint job. The attention to detail is what makes this model stand out- the treads are cleaned by running on tarmac surfaced roads.

And, a nice crossover here with a military design that later served as a civilian delivery vehicle as well as becoming the beloved Beetle that we all know.

So - don't let anyone tell you that there aren't any decent civilian kits around, or that there aren't any good modellers working on them...

Here's another, a Ford Model A - kit unknown I'm afraid. This one wasn't a winner - looking at it with my Judge's head on I'd say it's a bit over stylised. Compare it with the Chevvy above, where the weathering is different on various panels...

Here's

It's back to the military now - with my sole entry to the comps - well beaten by that superb Sherman at the top of the page... Another couple of photos are below.

Love the weathering on this one...

And a closeup of the engine compartment - if there was one criticism I could make, it's that the engine bay is just a bit too clean for a combat veteran...

I think this next one was inspired by the recent film 'Enemy at the Gates' - it's a well captured slice of the Great Patriotic War as the Russians know WWII.

The Diorama Silver winner in 1/35th scale

Here's a close-up of the MIG Productions Knocked Out T34 kit - one of these made it's way into my loft lining as soon as judging was over...

A complex diorama - an ambush is in progress through the shell of a bombed and shelled German city ruin.

Very difficult to do this kind of thing I think During judging it was presented 'American side' forward - It was just by chance we discovered the true story..

A well executed Panzer IV F1 - And a favourite of mine, a well done model and convincing ground work too.

The Diorama Bronze winner in 1/35th scale - An unusual colour scheme which I've never seen before.

Scale Model World is not just about sitting behind the stand and wondering what to buy next. There's a 'formal' dinner on the Saturday night - usually good fun, and not stuffy at all, and an opportunity to meet people. There's also a late bar at the Holiday Inn - where no one will think you strange if you talk plastic...