IPMS Scale Model World 2008

IPMS Scale Model World 2008

Held over the weekend of the 15th and 16th of November in 3 massive halls, IPMS Scale Model World 2008 in Telford, England has become the biggest model show in the world. The first 2 halls hold a number of traders, club and SiG (Special interest Groups) stands, with hall 3 holding the IPMS contest and dining area.
Airfix showed off the new 1/48th TSR 2 sprues, which does look a lovely kit. The TSR 2 should be ready for sale at the beginning of January 2009 and like its 1/72nd sister will be a limited run kit. Also on display in a glass cabinet was a part built 1/24th scale Mosquito, which has been in the works for decades. This kit is a big announcement from Hornby, the new owners of Airfix, that they are taking the modelling world by the throat with both hands. This kit is due for release in about the middle of next year. Airfix are also re-tooling some of their 1/72nd kits over the next few years, of which the Spitfire Mk 9, Messerschmitt 109G and BAE Hawk were on display.
Revell displayed a built 1/32nd scale Junkers Ju88 A1 that should be released anytime soon, along with a new tooling 1/48th Mosquito Mk IV. Also on display for the small scale modellers is a 1/144th C-17 with interior. Even in this small scale the size of it is impressive. This should be released in the next few weeks.
Hannants released a new 1/72nd scale kit under the Xtrakits range on the Saturday of the show. The Sea Harrier FA 2 is an injection moulded kit with three decal options, and seemed to sell well at the show.
IPMS club stands and SiG's take up a majority of the space in the middle of the 2 halls. The Phantom SiG had over 500 Phantoms on display and was an impressive looking sight. The US Navy SiG had a great display of American naval aircraft from pretty much all era's. The Japanese aviation SiG as usual had a large number of well built aircraft on their table. The Overseas IPMS clubs had a large turnout and displayed some great models.Our own Model Shipwrights editor had a stand with the Fine-waterline / Small warships stands. The IPMS British Bulldogs which is part of the Kitmaker site had a tribute to Barv on the stand, with his last in-progress model on display in front of a photo of the great man himself. The tribute to Steve continues next year with the theme for the stand being "no bang bangs", and will focus on engineering and emergency vehicles.
The competition area was well fought as usual with the entrants having some outstanding builds on display.
Watch out for more coverage of the show from the other Kitmaker sites.