Hello All
Having already devoted two postings to competition entries of particular interest, I’d like to focus on some of the traders at this great show. There is just so much to look at, bargains to search out and friends to meet in the three main exhibition halls.
With so many competitive kit sellers in attendance, there were bargains to be had for those willing to put in the leg work. For example, I found the Revell 1/48 Fokker Dr.I and Bristol F2b Fighter (both ex-Eduard) offered for £6.99 and £8.99 respectively, and the 1/28 Camel for just £8.99. Buried in one stand the Merit 1/24 Dr.I could be had for £40. There were just a handful of WNW kits on sale, but nothing exceptional, although Pheon had some on offer.
I did pick up the magnificent HpH resin Macchi M-5 for just £70. The guys at HpH even knocked it down from £75 without my asking, had placed an exquisite piece of chocolate inside the box and added a can of beer which my son-in-law subsequently appreciated!
One of the continuing trends seems to be towards ever larger models. This was most evident with what I guess to be a Trumpeter 1/200 HMS Hood complementing their recent HMS Nelson in the same scale. These are enormous models and the built Nelson with its etched brass looked amazing. I noticed that one company was offering a beautiful dedicated etched brass set for the latter and, if I remember correctly the price approached £150.
Back on planet Earth from my financial perspective, I visited the Airfix and Eduard stands. Gisbod has already posted some photos of the former’s two 2016 Great War additions. Here are a few more. Unfortunately, my photos of the Eindekker were not successful. Sorry. I did wonder about the size of the aircrew included and would also want some reassurance that they are equipped in typical period clothing etc.
IMG_1180 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
IMG_1181 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
IMG_1182 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
I tried to push them on whether others were maybe in the pipeline and if they had plans to upscale these (as they have done with the 1/72 BP Defiant). There was nothing to say on this.
Over at
Eduard, I wanted to know more about the much anticipated SE5a. In truth I had hoped that there might be a sneak preview. However, I was told not to expect it until June 2016. It will be a completely new model and not a re-working/revision of the Roden models.
I was most anxious to get around to some great forum friends. With Sabine and Rowan not able to attend having recently moved house, the Pheon stand was in the more than capable hands of Caroline and Jonathan.
IMG_1210 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
No doubt you’ll notice the beautiful new Jasta 17and Jasta 30 1/32 sets, as well as the decals for the 1/48 Siemens-Schuckert D.III. Part of the display advertised the limited edition 1/32 Felixstowe decals. At the moment a production defect with these is being resolved – what else would you expect given Pheon’s commitment to quality? Having already received an early copy, they look beautiful. All I need now is a Felixstowe on which to put them! Ahem! Looking again at the photo I’m sure you’ll see a small stash of WNW models that were being sold off. Why is it that Albatros D.Va’s always seem to go first?
Right next door to the Pheon stand were Amanda and Richard with the Aviattic stand. Sadly, Harry is in ill-health and could not attend; I’m sure we all wish him well. Naturally enough there was interest in progress on the Ansaldo.
IMG_1198 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
IMG_1207 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
Whilst at the Aviattic stand I had the privilege of meeting Ron K who, with others, has worked closely with Richard on this one. Anyway, Richard and Ron explained one important feature of the Ansaldo kit and that is that struts will have an inner core of metal, so there should be no fear of those for the wings bowing out or the undercarriage sagging at the knees.
Things of such quality cannot be rushed and we’ll have to be a bit patient yet. However, the Ansaldo is available to pre-order and it looks as if we’ll have a choice of versions: one in Italian service; the other in Polish or Russian service.
IMG_1208 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
Exciting though the Ansaldo is, the real surprise of the show, for me at least, came in the form of a multi-media 1/32 Pfalz Dr.I which we can expect in 2016. I know that Gisbod has already published a photo of it, but here are two more. Hands up all those who wondered why Aviattic produced a 1/32 Siemens Halske SH III motor!
IMG_1202 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
IMG_1204 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
The following shots will give a sense of some of the other goodies on show at Aviattic.
IMG_1209 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
IMG_1203 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
IMG_1206 by
nigeljjackson, on Flickr
The first of this batch shows the now familiar Fokker D.VII strip-down parts (but note that the pre-order sticker relates to another product). Following that we have a display featuring examples of the Aviattic lozenge work. Finally, a shot I’ve included for two reasons. First as a reminder to myself that the lorry will, I understand, have a metal shaft to bear the weight of the resin. Second, the large-scale empennage, is a means of showing some of the surface finish decals and rib tapes available; and very effective they looked too - better than my hopeless photo can show.
Well, that’s a lot for now. I’ll try and add some more things tomorrow.
Best wishes
Nigel
