The Little World

There certainly is. In fact, there is a story everywhere.

A visit to the Model Car Spectacular at Cyril Jackson could be just another hobby show. Seen it last year, did it the year before, etc. But close observation turns it into a really fine experience.

There are the old stager models, of course. People made them years ago and are still proud of them…and sometimes they were produced at the peak of a declining ability. They should be looked upon with kindly nostalgia.

There are the new models. Some so new that they have no echo with the audience. Some so foreign that they seem to be imaginary. Still, they have the advantage of novelty.

And then there are the dioramas. Big, in several cases and small in others. The latter acting as focused jewels amongst the vast tables. It pays to look closely, because the best of the model makers have done just that.

My admiration is reserved for the R/C truckers. I’d seen their display at the model railway exhibition before and been underwhelmed. I wonder if it was the venue at the wet and draughty Royal Show pavilion that dampened all enthusiasm.

Here at the high school gym the elements come together. Scenery, roads, structures, working items…and enthusiasts having fun running their models. It all works, and gives wonderful footage for a video on the subject. The models equipped with sound systems are the stars of the show – audio being 60% of the value of a video clip.

My next ambition is to get a camera on board a vehicle to drive the roads with the models.