The Little World

Should modelling exhibitions be annual things?

Or should they be run twice a year…or once every two years? I have seen all these alternatives put into practice in various hobby divisions, as well as the idea of interstate championships for display or operation. There is something to be said for each alternative:

a. If you run a show every six months the enthusiasts get to meet more regularly. They can run swap meets. They can induct new people into their crafts. Friendships are formed.

b. If you run it annually, people get more time to build new items; models, collections, layouts, etc., and they can plan ahead for a definite date to finish. They are not rushed into incomplete work.

c. If the show is every two years that window for finishing is generously enlarged and people can undertake much more complex projects.

On the downside with the longer periods is the drifting away of some modellers and the general malaise of waiting. People can also build up false expectations for themselves and others. Some shows are never going to be much different, no matter when they are staged…nor much more fun.

The trade aspect is better served by the shorter periods – the more customers fronting up to the counter and buying, the better. It gives the shops a chance to flog off lines that are not selling as show specials. It is a tiresome affair for staff who have to pack, transport, show, and repack, but then that is what overtime rates are for.