As the show is held in a school, space can be limited, but this year NSMC had two 6 foot tables in the main hall area which became home to a selection of armour, helicopters, figures and cars from Club members John Cooper, Dave Atkinson, Ian Sheppard and Ian Shumsky. The hall was also shared with several other local clubs including Early Risers and Abingdon IPMS, as well as a large gauge model railway which was very popular with the children. The main hall is also where the WI ran the refreshments, including their bacon butties — a far too enticing aroma first thing in the morning!

Outside of the main hall, all the classroom space was put to good use with traders and exhibitors occupying every room so there was always something different to see as you wonder around. As usual, the Tank Museum volunteers had a great display, accompanied through the rooms by more plastic scale models, scale boats, steam engines, doll’s houses and a large army of Warhammer 40k Space Marines and Space Orks.

There didn’t seem to be too many traders at this year’s show, but there were still some interesting kits to be had and none of the Club members walked away empty handed. I think we may be seeing a lot more 1/72 scale helicopters from other members to join John’s collection!

At the rear of the show, the school playground and playing fields were put to good use by the larger scale modellers and enthusiasts. There were several steam traction engines driving around trying not to run over the large scale radio controlled tanks! Overhead the radio controlled aircraft were putting on a good show and warming up the crowds for the now-traditional fly past, which unfortunately NSMC managed to miss!

Once again, the show was well organised and NSMC were made to feel very welcome. We are already looking forward to next year’s event! Have a look at the photos over on the Cholsey Model Mania page in our Gallery section.