Bringing model building to the masses
The art of transforming hundreds of tiny plastic pieces into perfect scale models is one that requires nimble hands and plenty of concentration – two skills sure to be on show at this weekend’s Scale Models Expo.
The biennial show, organised by the Wellington branch of the International Plastic Modellers Society (IPMS), will see some of Australasias best scale modellers flock to Upper Hutt to show off their best work and compete for their share of thousands of dollars of prizes on offer.
‘‘[It’s] been held in Wellington since early this century and has achieved an international reputation with exhibitors from around New Zealand as well as Australia,’’ event organiser Grant Matchett says.
While it’s a chance for the best of the best to show off what they’ve worked hard to create, it’s also about getting younger people interested in the hobby.
‘‘Obviously we’re fighting against the digital generation, while we’re very much the tactile generation, so we’re trying to get kids to have some fun that isn’t digital, Matchett says.
‘‘We really want to ensure everyone can get involved in this relaxing and rewarding hobby which is why there will be free Airfix and Warhammer modelbuilding sessions for kids, as well as demonstrations in miniature figure painting and wargaming.’’
The Wellington club currently has about 100 members, which Matchett says has been tracking down in recent years.
‘‘With each expo, we have a membership drive which does tend to bolster numbers ... It’s just about getting younger people to come through because right now its a bit of an old man’s game.’’
As part of the expo, Sir Peter Jackson’s Wellington-based World War I model company Wingnut Wings will exhibit a pre-release example of their latest offering.
‘‘[It’s] available exclusively to show attendees who will be the first people on the planet to see it,’’ Matchett says.
While Jackson’s company might be the one of the most prolific producers of scale models, Matchett says they are not the only manufacturer in Wellington.
‘‘We’ve got a bit of a cottage industry here; it’s quite a strong grassroots level industry, which is really great to see.’’
The judges will looking for the little things during the competition, Matchett says.
‘‘You need to make sure it doesn’t look like its been thrown together willy-nilly and it actually looks like the model it represents. It needs to be the right colour, the right shape. All of that.’’