IPMS UK Blog - ScaleModelWorld

[JayBee]

Why not! 

[Martin H]

........ had spotted a Twin Spitfire model on display. Ive seen it several times since. The culprit behind it was one Kit Spackman..............

Why is it always MY fault? 

The evidence points to the fact that it almost aways is...................

[buzzbomb]

Very good read, having been in the same boat. It is a shame to see events being called off.
The amount of planning in the back room to make these show happen is not trivial.

As Zenrat has said the Aussie Model Expo had to be cancelled for June 2020. One of elements, that John T alludes to is sooner or later you have to stump up the dough and depending on venue agreements you may or may not get it back at times like these. Then there is commitment from modellers, traders, sponsors... it goes on. Government regulations add a whole different set of challenges for events.

I really hope Scalemodelworld goes ahead. Having been 4 times, it is a fantastic showcase of the hobby.
Escaping from Fortress Australia my not even be possible at that time of year, for this year anyway as it stands. Who knows what the near future holds.
I had planned to visit the IPMS US Nationals this year, but you would have to say, no chance with the current situation at the moment with international travel.

[zenrat]

I hope to make it to Telford one year.

[paul bardell]

Morning

My first nationals were at Stoneleigh - yes I am that old! I also remember a year that they were held in Peterborough, then Donnington then Telford.

My how the years have gone by.

[TallEng]

Donnington was my first (and Only) visit to the IPMS show, when I lived in the UK.
I can remember a Big Hall or two?
It being cold and too many people for my liking. Didn't find the Whatif stand, didn't really know
much about you lot then
I also remember a Book stand with information about a book on JV44 Gallands Circus?
Might even have ordered my signed copy there too. One day I'll make it to Telford.

Regards
Keith

[The Wooksta!]

Donnington was basically one big shed with two annexes.  One was where the kitswap was, t'ther was the lamentable and over-priced attempts at food.

Too many people?  You'd hate Telford on the saturday then, and that's in three halls, two of which are bigger than Donnington. 

[Nigel Bunker]

I hate to be a pessemist but I honestly can't see the Government allowing any large gatherings until they have a grip on Coronovirus, which I am guessing won't be until 2021.

And my first Nationals was at Maples in 1970 I think. 50 years ago - I'm getting ancient.

[Nick]

I had a message last week saying that the Uni campus where I normally stay have cancelled my booking. They have taken all rooms off their website and left Booking.com. Thankfully I hadn't paid for it and they didn't charge. Shame really as I like staying there.

I've booked another hotel by the Telford football ground but again on a pay-on-arrival basis in case the show doesn't get the go-ahead. The main hotels by the International Centre are still sold out or charging a ridiculous amount - some want £130 per night!

Should it go ahead I expect that many familiar faces won't attend just in case - mainly those with health concerns. It will be a quiet year because modellers are not (I think) of the same 'lets all go to the beach and crowd together' mentality we'll see this Bank Holiday weekend.

[The Wooksta!]

IF it goes ahead, I can see it being something akin to the first one at Telford - smaller and with fewer if any overseas clubs due to quarantines.

[NARSES2]

I hate to be a pessemist but I honestly can't see the Government allowing any large gatherings until they have a grip on Coronovirus, which I am guessing won't be until 2021.

I think your probably right Nigel, and as Lee and Nick say even if it does go ahead a lot of familiar faces, both people and traders, will be missing.

The main hotels by the International Centre are still sold out or charging a ridiculous amount - some want £130 per night!

Tell me about it 

[PR19_Kit]

If they let it happen, I'm GOING to be there!

I don't have the accommodation issues any more, thanks to the RAF's Best Air Traffic Controller living about 10 miles away. 

[NARSES2]

I'll be there and the hotel is booked for Thursday through Monday. I can cancel the hotel up to the day before though. Hope I don't have to

[The Wooksta!]

I've got the time off booked and the hotel is booked from too.  I'll be there too.

[Nick]

Another blog update:
https://ipmsuk.org/viewpoint/update-on-the-agm-and-seam-tool-news/

On the Scale ModelWorld front we have nothing further to report this week. We had a long discussion about it this weekend and at the moment there is no reason to cancel the event. It will be obvious to most of you that the show is unlikely to follow the standard SMW format but the exact nature of the show will be driven by the Government guidance that continues to be issued on a semi-regular basis.

This leaves me hopeful but still a case of wait and see. I'm intrigued by the part I underlined.
Fewer tables but more spaced out (and I don't mean like the Hippy SIG !)?
One way flow systems like everyone ignores in supermarkets?
Number limits on attendees? - either everyone turns up to the only model show this year or it becomes a complete washout.