The Annual Pilgrimage to Euromilitaire Model Show, Folkestone, Kent

The show usually takes place mid September and always cheers me up as the summer draws to a close. It is in its 31st year at the Lees Cliff Hall in Folkestone and although its not a wargames event it is usually inspirational in terms of the modelling and artistic side of our hobby. The competition attracts international entrants and cannot be classed as a local model show although the usual support from Kent and Surrey modelling clubs is in evidence and gives the event a friendly feel.

Was this years event as good as previous years? well apparently entrants to the competition hall were apparently down by 400! and I must admit I did notice a lack of Dioramas this year and there was not one that made me go WOW (or words to that effect!) If it wasn't for the Fantasy class entrants the hall would have looked threadbare. The military vehicles section wasn't overly inspiring either but still there was some fantastic artwork on display in the other classes which can either inspire you or make you think 'I'm unworthy'!!

The above diorama made most smile entitled 'Window Shopping, a Room With a View' it showed some barefaced cheek! Another frivolous diorama (see below) was probably the best in this category the construction of the building itself must have taken hundreds and hundreds of hours even before the rest of the scene was populated and dressed  with incredible detail.

The single figure section was reasonably well supported with some excellent painting on display and a nice mix of painting styles which caught the eye, although I must admit there was not one outstanding figure , which sometimes helps ones own confidence as you think 'well perhaps with a little bit of care and practise I could be as good as that'.

The Fantasy section again demonstrated some fantastic technical painting skills and it's these guys and girls who seem to have perfected embellishing figures in a context setting with some fantastic groundwork, foliage and 'extras' that make some of these figures really standout even if you are not a Fantasy fan.

There were few Aircraft entered into the competition classes which was a shame but the naval subjects although few in number were exceedingly well finished the pick being USS Wasp

The details in the 'cutaway' sections of this modern assault carrier were exceedingly well done

Instead of overloading this post with many more pictures I will add pictures from the day to my other posts and include the pick of the bunch from last year as well, which included the Battle of Waterloo which was an exhibition piece on the main stage. The trade area was where I noticed visitor numbers were down on previous years especially as the Saturday of this two day event is usually the busiest. Most stallholders were reasonably happy with sales but some of the prices of the hyper detailed resin figures made my eyes water! It was nice to see Tommy's War there with their first world war resin figure range and Mitches Military Models had a superb WW2 British Para in 75mm and 120mm scale running with a mortar round container.  

I did buy a few things mostly wargame orientated which included Attack Kits 1/72 Marmon Herrington MK II Armoured Car and a few boxes of Hat figures for my Ancient and Napoleonic armies. I will also have a crack at the Master Box French Cuirassier  vignette as I saw a couple nicely painted at the show and injection moulded plastic is far cheaper than limited run resin.

Well thats a long enough entry on the blog and to sumarise a good event but perhaps a little on the wane compared to the heady years when re enactors were present outside, demonstrators showed off their painting or sculpting skills and bargains were to be had from the retailers.