Trucks 'n' Tracks Show Report, Part 1

publication date: Mar 17, 2008

With this year’s attendance roughly the same as last year, but still somewhat lower than many previous shows, it was disappointing that more were not present to see the many new features of the 2008 event.  

This year’s Trucks ‘n’ Tracks was the first step in a transition from the traditional ‘trader-led’ style of show, to one which offers so much more for the modeller and casual visitors. It’s widely recognised throughout the hobby that the majority of shows are suffering a drop in attendance, partly because of the number of events competing for peoples attention, but mostly because the internet has meant that people no longer need to go to shows to see or buy the latest products.  

So, although the traders are still important to Trucks ‘n’ Tracks, the focus of the show begins a switch to providing a far more informative, inspirational, and entertaining event for both modellers and general public, and one which you’ll want to visit not just to buy!  

We started that change this year with a wide range of demonstrations, including working with etched brass, figure painting, good decaling, working with resin kits, using a vac-forming machine, dry-brushing, and even how to build the Airfix Churchill – dreaded by many – in under an hour! We also introduced a Junior Modelling Workshop, where youngsters could have a go at building and painting a model, under supervision and guidance, and all free of charge (including the kit!). And for the first time we invited authors of recently published books to give talks, undertake book signings, etc.  

From the feedback we received both at the show and afterwards, people were very enthusiastic about these changes, and agree it was the way forward. Indeed next year will see even more innovations, and an increase in those we have already begun! 

As we’ve mentioned, like most major shows the number of public through the door is still lower than in the past, and certainly much lower than we’d like. But from what we’ve been told by those who did attend, this year we have at least got the show right. So let’s hope the word soon goes round that Trucks ‘n’ Tracks is back, and hopefully next year we’ll also have the visitor numbers back as well. 

Most traders again reported a reasonably profitable weekend, and were also very supportive of the positive changes being made to get the show back on course.  

The competition was again sponsored by the War and Peace Show, meaning unlimited FREE entries for all! Strangely it reversed its trend towards the small scale models, with 1/35^th dominating this year. The competition judges remarked that once again there was a generally high standard, and it was also good to see the junior class with the highest number of entries it’s had for several years.  

The Best of Show was awarded to a superb large scale model of a Scammell Pioneer, beautifully scratchbuilt by Steve Wigglesworth.  

Around the rest of the show there was plenty to catch the visitor’s eye. Some superb club displays, including the newly created ‘MAFVA Zone’, which seemed busy all weekend. The UK Tank Club with their huge radio control models gave some great displays both inside and outside the hall, attracting crowds each time they performed their demonstrations along the Leas. A large model railway layout, specifically built to show off German military trains, also drew a lot of favourable comments. 

The Normandy Veterans took up their regular spot for the weekend, giving modellers a first hand reference source for many aspects of this campaign. They also had a hugely interesting display of military maps and newspapers of the time, and a very informative audio documentary.  

Outside on the Leas, the Military Field Kitchen and Military Vehicles themselves proved as popular as ever. Here too, the numbers had increased, with more military vehicles than we’ve seen for several years. 

As we said at the start, it was disappointing more did not see the new style Trucks ‘n’Tracks. But the general feeling was that despite the lower attendance, it was still a good show, and certainly should herald the beginning of a new era for the show. Work on the 2009 Trucks ‘n’ Tracks  is already under way, so get it in your diary now…  28^th February and 1^st March!! 
 

Finally, below are the full list of results and awards from the competition 

As part of the changes to the event we’ve replaced the manufacturers awards with some specific special awards, which in the future we hope to increase and get sponsored – meaning even more prizes! 

So for the first time… 

The Special Award for the Best Scenery on a Model goes to: 

  Dominique Jadoul 

For:   I No Pasaran 
 

The Award for the Best Weathering goes to: 

   John Sladden 

For:   Lanz Bulldog and trailer 
 

The Best Presented Model Award goes to: 

    Steve Wigglesworth 

For:   Scammell Pioneer 
 

And the Retrokit Award for the Best Junior Model is won by: 

    Christopher Cooper Davies 

For:   Mobile Canteen   

Trucks n Tracks 2008 Best of Show – Sponsored by The War And Peace Show. The winner receives the Best of Show trophy, and £100, to be spent on the trade stands at the show.

The winner of the 2008 Trucks ‘n’ Tracks Best of Show is: 
 

- Steve Wigglesworth 

- Scammell Pioneer