Spalding 2011

With this years show put back by a month to prevent a repeat of last year's unlucky weather, it was somewhat unfortunate that the show clashed with the Modelshow Europe event. Despite the good weather, numbers through the door were about the same as last year and once again, there were plenty of models on sale while model displays and dioramas were few and far between.

Like last year, I displayed a number of samples of the new models unveiled at the toy fair including the first UK showing of the P&H 4100XPC from TWH Collectibles which is sure to be a hit with collectors. Also on display was the Komatsu PC8000 mining shovel from Bymo which received some good comments during the day.

Following from Conrad's strong showing at the toy fair, samples of their latest releases were on display including the Kahl painted 5-axle MAN prime mover with Goldhofer girder trailer and transformer load (To be reviewed soon), the new Goldhofer low loader trailer with 3 & 4 axle line modules and MAN 4-axle prime mover in Bohnet livery and the 3 axle MAN tractor with Nooteboom 4-axle teletrailer in Schmallenbach decoration.

The latest Norscot 1:50th scale military models look better in the flesh than in the images so far seen although some visitors still thought they were plastic samples of new models without looking closely.

The latest company liveried models from NZG look good with the Ballast Nedam version of the Liebherr HS855 a favourite with collectors during the day. The range of VINCI models is also popular with UK collectors.

Once again, Richard Fowler attended the show displaying his range of customised Caterpillar mining equipment and customising parts which really look the part. Below are examples of the conversion kits for the Caterpillar 797.

The super-detailed D10 dozers look awesome and the amount of work Richard puts into producing these museum quality pieces and detailing kits is fantastic. The detailing parts are available to purchase by contacting Richard (richardpfowler@hotmail.com - +44 (0)1455 208131)

Gaz Evans was back again with his growing range of custom booms and attachments. New for the show is a high reach 3-piece demolition boom for the Liebherr R984C excavator with the digging boom following shortly.

An extension stick to fit the Liebherr R916, a new hammer to fit the Caterpillar 5110 triple and long reach booms for the Cat 320, 330/336 and R916 are all available. For more info and ordering details, contact Gaz on
+44 (0)1633 411646 or by email - gaz485@hotmail.co.uk

A vast number of model dealers had the latest releases for sale along with some old, hard to obtain models scattered about. Literature, DVDs and photo archives were also available at the show.

Steve Bates had the range of Sword & TWH models on display whilst Julian Clements had the latest releases from Conrad and NZG on his table.

Addon accessories and super detailing parts are growing and AT&C Diecast Models had a new access ladder available, using a grub screw to secure it to the base model allowing easy installation/removal. Also available for the Liebherr R996 are a set of sun screens for the cab, constructed from white metal and supplied unpainted. Both are available now from Julian (atandcmodels@btinternet.com - +44 (0)1827 894727)

Nigel Paine displayed a range of Atlas Copco and Krupp branded hydraulic hammers at the show (pictured below right) which are constructed from laser cut parts, assembled and painted and they looked the part while a new range of cast hammers are about to be launched (Pictured below left)

Feedback from the show has been mixed with some dealers having a good day while others were left dissapointed. The lack of collectors displaying their models and dioramas was a surprise considering previous years and the small hall looked very empty as a result.

One interesting display involved three scenes linked to the range of Wimpey models from Ian Mcclean. The piling and sea defence section has been nicely worked out and even had working electrics with blue flashes eminating from the welding tents.

The central section housed a scratch built batching plant and parking area for a range of tipper and mixer trucks in the Wimpey markings while the last section of the display was of a quarry pit with rope shovels and draglines.

Brian Blackman had a range of buckets and attachments available along with a display table featuring some rather good looking large scale Bobcat tracked excavators.

Anyone who missed the chance to attend Spalding can look forward to visiting the first Heavy Equipment Model show which is being held in Fence, Burnley on the 3rd April and I will have samples of the latest model releases on display along with the P&H 4100XPC and Komatsu PC8000 for visitors to cast an eye over.