Twelve years of ModeleX, and the show goes on

The late eighties was a time of big expansion and progression in the model collecting world. The diecast companies were getting into full swing, and producing more and more items for the ever growing number of collectors. At the same time, the white metal manufacturers, both large and small, were having ever greater demands put on them. The more adventurous and discerning collectors, dare I say it, were becoming increasingly aware of whole ranges of collectables that were not generally available from their local model shop and were only occasionally to be seen at the toy fairs.

At that time, I was Deputy Editor of Collectors Gazette, and along with many other responsibilities, I was writing White Metal Miniatures, a regular monthly column for handbuilt model enthusiasts - mostly reviews of recently released models, together with any other news items of interest in that area of the hobby. My position, 'close to the action' led me to believe that a show, exclusive to handbuilt models, was fast becoming a necessity. To be fair, a couple of moderately successful small events had been held in a school hall in Luton, but from every point of view, particularly those of the exhibitors, the scene was crying out for a professional presentation.

Support was canvassed from the biggest manufacturers, through to the 'one man bands', and all the indications were very positive. A lot of discussions took place and many telephone calls were made. Venues were sought and inspected and ultimately, The National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull was chosen, for its central location and good facilities. For the first show, one room was hired and the booking forms were sent out. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the show was oversubscribed and a waiting list was formed. As the time drew near, anxiety set in, but as it got very close, a great sense of anticipation took over.

And so, on 13th October 1990, the big day arrived. For the first time ever, a professional model show was about to launch, with shell stands, a catalogue, and a show model by Brooklin Models. The queue outside was very long and I and my team were overjoyed - and overwhelmed! So much so, that for several periods of time, we had to wait for some visitors to come out before we could let any more in!

Other memories of that first show include the relief when it was over, and the enthusiasm generated by both, participants and visitors, for a show that was different from the normal swapmeets and toyfairs. That year was very much a national show, but word of its success spread and, in 1991, the show doubled in size and there was a large influx of exhibitors and visitors from overseas.

ModeleX has always been a two day weekend event, and in the early years the whole of Saturday was given over to the Press and Trade visitors. The early years saw all setting up on the Saturday morning, the contractors starting at 6.00am. As the years passed, it became clear that this was too risky, with the show now catering for 2 visitors from all over the world, so we changed to a Friday set up and everyone breathed more easily. Latterly, Press and Trade entry has been limited to Saturday morning and the show has been open to collectors in the afternoon. A popular move, by all accounts.

A National Kit Building Championship was part of the show from the beginning. In the capable hands of The Northern Model Car Club and The South Hants Model Auto Club, this and their own clubs' displays have always been a major attraction. A kit building championship is not planned for 2002, but expect a superb display from these enthusiastic club members.

Not surprisingly, the majoriy of exhibitors are English, but they have also come from many other countries around the world - America, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain and Sweden. A dozen or so exhibitors have been to every show, whilst others return on a regular basis. The Italian manufacturers are particularly supportive, with several always present.

All scales can be seen at ModeleX. 1:43 scale predominates, but there are always plenty of 1:24 models about and recent years have seen participants with 1:18 and 1:12 models as well. In 1999, a new exhibitor from Spain brought along a magnificent 1:10 Bugatti and I know of a 1:8 Vanwall that is in preparation. Resin construction is just as popular as white metal these days and other materials are acceptable, although plastic and diecast products have always been excluded.

ModeleX generally provides for four categories of participant - the small manufacturer, the specialist retailer, the large manufacturer and the collectors. It has undoubtedly provided a platform for many of the small businesses in the hobby, for they can create enough work to take them through the year. The retail specialists who attend, by the nature of their involvement, need to show a good return on their days out and this they seem to do, judged by the fact that the same ones return each year.

ModeleX is billed as 'the only show of its kind in the world' - a claim that has never been challenged. I also say it is 'it is the show to be at and be seen at' - a phrase which is amply justified by the many exhibitors who have told me that for them it is not necessarily the business on the day that matters, but the opportunity to meet the collectors and the enquiries they get during the following months that really count.

Regretably, the support from the few larger organisations that exist has not been so good. They say they need to take big orders at the show to justify their presence, but that is not the way of things these days and their absence only mystifies the collectors, who after all, are those who buy their products. Otherwise, there are a few organisations who choose to ignore ModeleX, mostly because they seem to fear competition and the possible loss of their established customers. Finally, the collectors - well, they come back year on year and I know they enjoy themselves, because so many of them tell me so!

A catalogue/show guide has been produced every year since the beginning and is eagerly acquired by exhibitors and visitors alike, for it contains a wealth of information about the handbuilt model hobby - names, addresses, tel/fax numbers, e-mail and web sites addresses, company profiles, advertising, etc..

In 1993, The first ModeleX Prize Draw was held. By the generosity of the exhibitors donating prizes, and donatons given for the draw tickets, to date, more than £9400 has been passed to charities and other organisations who care for handicapped children and young adults. Something that everyone involved can be very proud of. As organiser, I have had great pleasure in bringing so many like minded enthusiasts together through eleven successful shows.

In the manufacturing field, the hobby used to be very 'closed shop', cards were held very close to chests and there seemed to be little exchange of ideas. Largely, that seems to be a thing of the past and it has been rewarding to see so many knots of people deep in discussion about some aspect of a new model or process, perhaps.

All past Modelex shows were staged at the National Motorcycle Museum and I billed ModeleX 2000 as the last show I would run there. That seemed to be the end of ModeleX, but I was constantly being approached by enthusiasts eager for it to continue. It was fortunate, therefore, that I crossed paths with Mike Kennington, a friend of many years, at the 2001 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Mike, a former exhiibition manager for the Classic Car shows at the NEC, has attended every ModeleX as a visitor.

As a result of that meeting and several subsequent meetings, Mike is now the organiser of the re-launched ModeleX, and I am assisting with the publicity and promotion of the show.With the new organiser comes a new venue, new thinking and a new enthusiasm. His involvement means that a lot of contact is being made with classic car owners and other areas of interest that may not have known about Modelex before.

Bookings are strong, with many enquiries being handled. Make a note of the dates and be sure to come along. If you are a potential exhibitor, give Mike a call to discuss the show in more detail.

.....................................