Peterborough Model Show – 5th March 2011

By Graham Thompson

The Peterborough Model Show, organised by the Greater Peterborough Modelling Club, is one of those smaller shows that is so well supported and visited that I am not sure how long it can continue in the current venue of Peterborough Town Hall. To me, it is starting to possibly out-grow its home. However, it is billed as the largest show in the East of England so it may be the fact that it is held in my home town that makes me see it as ‘small’.

A really healthy mix of trade stands surrounded the superb modelling exhibits. Contributors included Belvoir Model Club, Ipswich, IPMS Rutland, IPMS Lincoln and Newark, Northants Military Modelling Club, Nottingham Modelling Club, Brampton Club, Bedford Modelling Club, Mildenhall & Lakenheath Modelling Club, Coventry and Warwickshire IPMS, Britmodeller, West Norfolk IPMS, Norfolk Scale Models Group, various IPMS SIGs and, of course the organisers Greater Peterborough Model Club.

The Town hall is a grand setting for the show with the entrance via the splendid double marble staircase up to the first floor rooms where the show is held in four rooms and the grand landing over the stairs. Unusually, entrance to visitors is free with donations and proceeds going to the Mayors Charities so it also supports good causes. Refreshments were on tap with excellent coffee and a good range of hot and cold snacks to refuel the visitors.

The standard of models displayed was very high making picking out the exceptional ones very difficult indeed. If I had to pick one just for its number of high class builds, it would have to be the West Norfolk IPMS Scale Model Club. The quality of their exhibits and interaction with the viewers was really very good. The outstanding diorama for me though had to be on the Bedford Modelling Club Stand and depicted a Vietnam river scene with a US Patrol boat edging past villagers in their boats with two elephants on the riverside road, one of which appears to be towing an M113. Lots of figures, good storyline superbly modelled water, what more could you ask for.

The whole atmosphere was of a friendly, good natured bustle as people switched between viewing the displays and parting with wads of money at the stands. All in all a great day and a big thanks to the exhibitors and the Greater Peterborough Model Club for organising another successful show.