Hundreds turn out to scale model show at RAF Cosford
Hundreds of people descended on RAF Cosford on Sunday to see the very best in the miniature world of modelling.
Focusing on showing the intricate skill and sleight-of-hand required in creating some of the best replica models, more than 100 clubs and traders from across the country attended the Shropshire Scale Model Show.
John Sheehan, a member of IPMS Canberra SIG, from Bradford, said: "I've currently got about 60 Canberra's built and on average they take about a month to build.
"But I've got a Canberra RB56F which took three months to build as it's not from a kit. It's mostly built from bath panels and light fittings.
"My dad was in the RAF so that's my excuse for starting. I starting doing it when I was five and I'm now 59. It's a great show with great surroundings."
John's table of model aeroplanes was set up directly beneath an actual Canberra so visitors could see the likeness.
Another table was full of miniature two-seater Phantom models carefully constructed by Ted Bayliss from Huddersfield.
"I've built about 200 and have that many kits ready to build," he said.
"It can take me anywhere between a week and two months to finish one.
"I've got a particular interest in the Phantom because I'm ex-air force and once managed to get a flight in one when I was in Germany.
"When you hear the noise of it you understand why."
There was four hangars full of model planes, boats, tanks and more from all over the world to peruse.
One of the most popular tables was the IPMS US Air Force, run by Hadyn Hughes from Wakefield.
He paid tribute to the show and said it was one of the best in the country.
"It's got a special pull because it is in this museum surrounded by the planes you're interested in. It's amazing.
"As a kid I was taken to air shows and started building models. I specialise in American air craft because they are different.
"They are fascinating planes because they're all different colours and shapes."
The show is run by a group of keen enthusiasts, led by Gary Stevens from IPMS Telford.
He said the event was busier than ever before but was bittersweet as it is his last show as organiser after 21 years in charge.
"I'm moving to Portsmouth for work so this is my last show," he said.
"It's a bit sad after being involved for 22 years but I'll still come along for fun.
"I've seen it grow massively since our first one in 1998 where we borrowed 90 tables from RAF Shawbury.
"Now we have 405 tables, 450 chairs and 77 exhibitions. It really is a special show."
