Spalding 2010

After the success of last year's show, the 2010 event should have been even better and yet, due to bad weather on the day, the numbers were down from the previous year. While the weather dampened spirits, all theose who attended appeared to have a good day out with a number of interesting displays and models to see and purchase during the day.

Like last year, I displayed a number of samples of the new models unveiled at the toy fair with the LTM11200-9.1 and Liebherr 630EC-H40 models fully erected and standing tall with the UK debut of the Drake Swingwing trailer with Kenworth T908 and the HET military transporter along with the new range of New Holland models from NZG and Motorart, the new MAN trucks from NZG, the latest Liebherr releases for Bauma, new Caterpillar models and a number of truck models from Conrad

Conrad and NZG truck models include the new MAN TGX prime movers, MAN TGS with snow plow and oldtimer MAN HAK 15.200 with skip body.

Heavy Haulage models include the Allelys girder trailer with MAN TGX XXL prime mover along with the new Goldhofer vessel trailer and 6-axle extending semi-trailer, both supplied with MAN TGX XXL tractor units. Also featured are the Drake Swingwing trailer with Kenworth T908 and the HET military transporter.

New Construction releases include the Liebherr R944C tunnelling excavator, the LB28 drilling rig, RL64 pipe layer and LTM11200-9.1 from NZG along with the Cat AP655D tracked paver, Sandvik Uj440i mobile tracked crusher, RTG RG21T piling hammer from Bymo and the Atlas AS300 tandem drum roller.

Continuing the construction theme were the new Liebherr liveried models including the L586 in Eurovia and the A924C in G.Busker livery along with the new first metal samples of the New Holland E215B tracked excavators from Motorart and the exquisite New Holland B115B backhoe loader and W170B from NZG.

It was great to meet fellow collectors and discuss the latest releases, along with putting faces to the guys who frequent the DHS forums including several who were displaying their custom models and attachments.

Richard Fowler had a display of his Mt Arthur customised models which I first saw on the DHS forum and I have to say, the models look amazing with fantastic fine detailing.

Above and below are examples of the conversion kits for the Caterpillar 777.

The super-detailed scraper models look awesome and the amount of work Richard puts into producing these museum quality pieces is intense.

Another DHS member displaying his range of custom attachments and booms was Gaz Evans and this was the first time I have seen the 1:50th scale range of Labounty shears. There are five sizes available with the enormous MSD9500 a sight to see. All the other versions have both stick and boom mounting head stocks which is a nice touch. Gaz also had a number of boom and crusher attachments on display along with several customised models for sale. (The shears are featured on the Custom Model News page)

The range of LaBounty shears (MSD2500, MSD3000, MSD4500, MSD7500 and MSD9500), booms and attachments from Gaz. For ordering details in Europe, contact Gaz on +44 (0)1633 411646

Another interesting conversion kit is the backhoe boom for the Conrad O&K RH120C model. This kit was on display on Julian's table and shows precision engineered hydraulics with photo-etched walkways and fine detailing to make a great conversion.

Bruce Rolston was back again displaying his collection of exquisite Caterpillar scraper models along with a display of interesting earthmoving equipment.

The Caterpillar scrapers in push-pull configuration

The Cat 637D scraper features plenty of fine detailing.

As well as the exhibitors, there were a number of model dealers selling all kinds of models including model kits of Poclain excavators from Wespe Models which look very detailed although they are mainly resin.

The choice of models available to purchase was great with numerous dealers offering models at very competitive prices.

For those looking for a bargain or a specific model, there were several tables filled with old and obsolete models (As pictured below) and these types of show allow collectors to search for, and hopefully find that missing model.

While the weather hampered those trying to get to the show this year, Spalding 2010 was another great event and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with fellow collectors and friends. For those who missed the show, there is the first Model Tractor & Construction show being held on the 23rd May 2010 at the Noational Motorcycle Museum (Birmingham) and I am looking to attend and display the latest releases from Bauma. I hope to see you there.