This year’s IPMS (UK) Nationals event at the Telford International Centre celebrated the organisation's 60th anniversary
As we’ve reported previously, model shows in 2023 have had bumper attendances and, as the doors opened and hordes of modellers entered the Telford International Centre, any fears Scale ModelWorld would be any different were dispelled instantly.
Knock-on effects from COVID-19 and Brexit had impacted previous years’ attendances but these ‘hangovers’ appeared to have cleared, with the IPMS(UK) Nationals once more living up to its ‘international’ moniker. There was a multitude of languages overheard as modellers and visitors entered the halls and struck up conversations, highlighting the sheer enjoyment of our shared hobby. With 2023 being the organisation’s 60th anniversary, it was evident that many clubs and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) had put considerable thought into their displays and we didn’t envy those tasked with judging them, such was the quality on offer.
As with the overall attendance, the competition was much busier, with most of the table space occupied by mid-Saturday morning. This year’s Senior and Junior Best-in-Show accolades were awarded to Ian Tranter for a scratch-built fantasy-based Ju…