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Model Expo 2011 Show Report

By Jason Steinwedel

The Australian Open Plastic and Scale Model Championships - Model Expo 2011 - took place on the long-weekend of 11-13 June - Queen's Birthday - at the Sandown Entertainment Centre, located in the Melbourne suburb of Springvale. Acknowledged as the premier modelling event within the country, it is the only three day competition of its kind which encompasses all aspects of the hobby.

Held annually and now in its 28th year, Model Expo continues to grow in popularity with the 2011 event attracting in excess of 600 entries, in 69 categories, from 280 competitors, many of whom travelled the length of the country as well as the Tasman (NZ) to attend, which for some is a significant undertaking .

Public attendance over the three days was also up on previous years – in excess 6000 plus – with the number of families passing through the doors being much in evidence, particularly on the Sunday and Monday. Both the public and modellers alike were treated to a feast of modelling talent and with more than 30 individual traders in attendance, this ensured that there was plenty on offer to tempt the shoppers to open their wallets and part with their hard earned dollars. A note worthy new comer to the show this year was Schreiber Card Models, who opened up a whole new dimension in scale modelling and attracted a lot of interest.

The stand out competition categories for 2011 were Sci-fi, Figures, Busts, Ships, Dioramas and the newly created Mech/Gundam category, all attracting large numbers many of which were to a very high standard. The competition was particularly fierce in the figure, bust and diorama categories, and Adam Lehmann collected the well deserved 'People's Choice' award for his 'Operation Catalyst' diorama that depicted a scene of Australia's involvement in the Iraq war in 2006. Also of note was the large number of Junior entries, something not seen for a number of years, which hopefully is a positive sign that will continue into the future. On the downside though there was a noticeable drop in the number of Intermediate entries as well as a lack of entries in some of the Senior categories, which seems to be a common trend amongst many competitions of late.

13 clubs – both local and interstate – also participated in the event, each putting on a themed club display and competing for the much coveted 'Best Club Display' award. The boys from S.P.A.S.M. eventually won this, with their 'The Away Team'' display, which was a fitting celebration of RAAF service abroad. IPMS Australia collected the well deserved 'WOW Factor' award for their 'Super Bowl' display, which attracted a lot of attention for their many unique creations.

Overall, Model Expo 2011 was a resounding success thanks to the dedicated band of volunteers - under the capable guidance of Model Expo Director Rene de Koning – who ensured that every aspect of the show ran as smoothly as possible, for the entire three days.

Planning is now well underway for Model Expo 2012, which will be held on the long-weekend of 9-11 June 2012. For more information visit www.modelexpo.com.au.