Euro Militaire model
figure and Military show in Folkestone is nearly a week gone and we are down to
our second last round of pictures, as well as the info on all the winners – but
first I have a story about a special winner I met by chance on that Saturday.
I met a guy called Nick Lloyd from Shropshire near Telford. He was
hanging around some of the models in the doorway and looking eager and quite
happy with himself – when I enquired as to Nick’s disposition he informed me
that I was standing in front of two of his model kits – in the regular section
of models – These models were made by Nick – whom I forgot to mention is still
a teenager – the two tanks – a German and a Japanese pair on display looked to me
anything but coming from the hands of a sixteen year old.
It was explained that this was Nicks first year out of the “juniors”
competition (for the junior entrants see the pink panther in this gallery below)
– and that he was awaiting, just like a lot of other older modellers in the
hall – the judges’ decisions eagerly.
Nick had stared modelling at the age of 6, with a little 'Air fix'
kit on the coffee table, then more and more as you do, until they were all over
the ceiling.
After researching much info of the Internet Nick discovered modelling
shows, the first one being Sutton Coldfield, 2007 Where he won 1st,2nd and 3rd,
but was the only junior entry, (sweet), but this gave us the bug for showing
and have since been to Cosford, Telford IPMS, Hinkley, South Cheshire and Mere
winning at everyone. Along the way meeting wonderful people how have advised
him no end, He then joined 'Milli Mod' the following year in 2008.
In the junior class at Folkstone Euro Militaire he won again, in
2009 he got a gold medal and he has been each year since. Nick has been awarded
12 junior medals and this year is his first adult entry and he has a Commended
award for this “Herbie” that he made this year for his mother for
Mothering Sunday, It's not Nick's normal topic, as he loves the Second World
War. It was a kit a stall holder didn't want as it was in a paper bag under the
table, so it was aptly named 'Rescue Me’... Not bad for a 16 year old.
.
This just drives home to me that Modelling is a strong hobby that won’t
die out with the rest of us when we get old – a new generation has taken the
mantle and I would like to commend Nick and all of the other modellers like him
who are taking up this hobby and moving forward with it so that it continues on
long into the future – great stuff Nick – we will be seeing more of you I am
sure!
On to the second last of the picture features of Euro Militaire
2011 – The last being tomorrow – I hope you enjoy the pictures…
Last Part tomorrow!