This was my third straight year since the show resumed in 2022. And I tell you, it just seems to get bigger and bigger. More vendors, more models, more space… All good things. It is also the first model show on the calendar and, well, maybe its me but I think the sun and warmer weather put some spring in everyone’s step.
I spent a considerable amount of time catching up with my scale model-building buddies from across the province. And do you know something? The more I get to know all of these characters, the more I like them. Go figure.
I caught up with my friends at the Scale Model Podcast who had set up to record at the event. In addition to SMP, the Plastic Model Mojo podcast boys came back for more Canada and I spent most of the weekend with these gents. I have to say, these guys are the nicest individuals I have met in a very long time and I am happy to call them my friends. And to round out the podcast presence, we were joined by two of the Model Geeks Podcast crew for post-show refreshments.
During the show I sniped a vendor room target that I have long hunted – the Tamiya F-117. For whatever reason these have become a scarce commodity but the price I paid was fair compared to most that I have seen online. Actually, I did pretty well at the show, all things considered:
As for the contest tables, the models were top shelf as usual. I took the opportunity to study some finishing techniques that caught my eye.
I also put together a short video featuring some of the aircraft builds at the show. If you are interested, just click below:
Last thing
This year the organizers switched gears at the awards ceremony by only announcing the category winners as well as the theme and best-of awards. Those who were awarded 2nds and 3rds were able to pick up their medals after the show.
This cut down on the time to go through the awards and I applaud the organizers for trying something new. I think they could save even more time by simply leaving awards on the tables for the category winners and simply announcing the best-ofs. Do you agree? Let me know what you think in the comments!
MODEL AIRPLANE MAKER 
Nice models. That well-used B-17 looks like it might be modified in to a transport since upper turret is merely a dome and there is a non-factory side door aft of the wing; and, much to my delight, the cockpit has somebody home. Beautiful paint work on that Canadian Neptune. Now, off to see the YT video.
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Ahh, in watching the video I see that’s an early B-17 which makes that door aft of the wing factory issued. Had forgotten about that change.
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