Built it as a kid. It sticks together. I have seen superb builds on the internet, but happy to wait for a new version. Possibly people would be more forgiving of the old molds if Airfix didn't charge so much for their vintage classics.

Hello im new and i donts know what should i use to cut the plastics?

Have to say Alex, as a visitor and IPMS member, the Saturday morning was a joke in terms of getting in to the venue. Not enough staff to check people in, my friend waited almost an hour in rather cold weather to gain entry. I can see your issue as an exhibitor really clearly. I really don't think Telford does enough to justify IPMS going back time after time. As for IPMS themselves, I agree, they really need to step up and do more to support independent traders. Thanks for sharing.

Great review. Thank you. I think this would be perfect for an N Scale dockside diorama. Larger panel lines hidden “under water”, redo the railings and there you go.

A very interesting and thought provoking post. I do not think that Airfix sales deliver value compared to the retail market especially compared to retailers providing postage free. It would be interesting to hear why Airfix is not dealing with issues that you have raised. Airfix have the feeling of a company in decline.

very interesting video. Thank u

My first impression (from the opening image of your video) is how crowded the hall looked in terms of stands and tables. I went to one here in Czechia recently (ok, not such a big show) and there was much more space for exhibitors and room to move around and closely inspect the (competition) models on display. Maybe it was better than my first impression... Regarding economics, I have always felt that exhibitions/shows are a loss leader. I did quite a lot of them back in the 90s (in the forestry and conservation business) and we never expected to sell much on the day, but made lots of contacts and had a damn good time! From a practical perspective, there are some good, well-priced sack-truck/trolleys available for conferences - useful when carrying stuff a long way like you had to. And it sounds like you could do with a local hired hand to help out - maybe a friend/local subscriber who could do a couple of hours over lunchtime, cash in hand if necessary. I think it would be a shame if you didn't go back again, although I understand all the issues you mentioned.

Certainly from the wargamers side of shows the organisers want companies to go not third party sellers. They are generally happy to buy larger tables and have new products to attract people. I would think smaller regional shows are probably going to be more profitable for you. 👍🏻

Really interesting to here a traders view of any show. The important bit is the profitability of attendance it’s not just in what you sell at the show but future sales that you make off the show. The only comment I’d make about your stand is your banners don’t say where your shop is. A proportion of people will talk to you but some will just look and walk by. That could be a keen modeller who lives in your town but they don’t know that. All the best for the future

Fascinating insight on the economics and workings of securing a table at Telford, Alex. I think the main issue - and core excuse - the organizers set upon vendors when the question of wether it is worthy or not to be there is the old and contrived "yeah, it's expensive but you're gaining in visibility for you business". Yes, it's true. But that only hapens on the condition the products on display match the interest of the attendee, drawing him/her to the table for a closer look. Otherwise, the attention span needed for your stand to make an impact on folks walking by is not worth the money spent. And as a stand holder, there's only so much you can do to draw folks to your table. You're not a bloody Bird of Paradise, after all. I've been watching several videos on Telford, and beyond the contest area, the flow of people on the vendors area seemed a bit... discombobulated. That's where the organizers have to step in and help the overall experience for everyone. Get several of the folks on the crew to act as mobile orientation points with a very neat folder of each modeling branch. Looking some scenery? Let me walk you through what businesses offer you the best solutions. Need to find out who's selling a variety of kits, both new and vintage? Here ya go, mate. Go to this corner, Alex from Model Moments is there. After buying some goodies, turn the corner and enjoy the Airfix stand. Vendors get to sell their merchandise and modellers enjoy the experience of getting to spend their hard-earned and limited budget on what they want. I've done it at several heavy metal and medieval fairs throughout the years and it works. It just needs the organizers to focus on making the experience better. Folks will attend the next one and vendors can - probably -make a bit more of money than going to a net loss on the venue. Attention to detail and kindness go a long way these days. Folks don't expect it. They expect to be swamped either by vendors baiting them into a cold sale or being entirely ignored until shelling out their doubloons. Also, staff can help in make folks wait for a vendor if he/she went for a coffee, a quick ciggie - tending to people drenched in nicotine is anathema for me, though, even as a heavy smoker - or having to use the restroom without leaving the table unattended. We're all good chaps but some less than others. Having worked in the past as a professional waiter for very high-end restaurants and hotels, I can tell you. It can be done. Yeah, some training is required and the venue is once a year. But it also helps in daily life third party management and in having a smoother flow on the sales floor at smaller venues, shows, contests, etc. It just needs commitment by the organizers and the staff to make it work. I know, some folks reading this think of it as "you're not a 1930's garçon working the Casino at Montecarlo". My answer is simple: I don't ask for that. The venue already made the money. And sure it's a pretty penny. What I'm asking is to make the venue something folks will remember at a later date and think "Well, I might just attend next year. It was a blast this past weekend. Better start saving a few quids for it." And, yes. I've always raked up a good tip from the patrons. More than enough to pay the daily expenses, services and have some left for scale models. In case anyone wonders. If that makes me a 1930's garçon working the Casino at Montecarlo, I'm more than proud of making people happy and some pretty penny for myself. Why be a Wooster when you can be a Jeeves? So much more entertaining. But.. I've never seen an IPMS do things the proper way over here, so I'd rather not hold my breath when talking about the mother of all IPMS branches. I want to believe things can be better. Alas, just my two-pence worth of venue-tending, people-reading, multi-weather selling and no vitriol. Cheers.

Well done on calling things second hand. Saying pre loved or vintage just winds me up.

We were just along from you opposite Revell. And you pretty much nailed it. Unless you are a large trader or have a specific IP no one else has. You didn't make much over the weekend. We see SMW as a catch up with our suppliers and for networking with hopefully enough sold to make it worth our while. But actually... We would have made more money staying open in the shop and not bothering. We will be back for next year. But as visitors on the Sunday and then have a few days with family in the area afterwards. Our Internet was thankfully good. But talking to other traders we know. They were all down this year. Some by up to 40%. We will not consider another SMW for a while, other shows we do are far more profitable for us. However a certain retailer isn't playing fair and again we feel that it's set up an unfair advantage by offering new kits at less than trade direct to the customers (some lines were less new, than some of our secondhand stock we had for sale at really come buy me prices) This hit everyone as it diminished the value of everyone's stock at the show. As one trader said to me. "Lots of money, lots of looking, not much sales". And we saw that, a customer with over £1,000 in his wallet, trying to haggle on a rare secondhand kit, mint condition, at just over half it's retail price. Like you we are a small independent with limited resources, we need to put our commercial heads on and say is it worth it? Well for 2025 No! This was our fourth and our last for a while, it's just not sustainable.

My 'original issue' example just hit the bench, so thanks for the caveats. I'll do it as a 'What if?', with the back story that a prototype was reconfigured as a flyin N.A.A.F.I. Dave Bailey

I agree that SMW is an expensive proposition for all traders which is not helped by the increased cost pass through by the venue to the IPMS. I also agree that the Wi-Fi is shockingly poor and that the International Centre really needs to up it's connectivity, but then they would pass that cost on to show organisers as well, making it even more expensive. Sad really.

On catch up, enjoyed your post about Telford, might get there some day!

This was my 1st ever Telford. An amazing experience. I didn't get a chance to see you at your stand, too much for 1 day,

I don't expect many of the traders there make a profit, the type of people who attend are all looking to get a reduced price! the people who do generally make a profit are the organisers. At least your pop up standa are re-usable!!

I feel your pain! I worked the show circuit for quite a few years and have to say that the moment you start to do overnighters your profit and loss takes a pounding. I rarely ever did a show solo, for the obvious comfort reasons as well as security (thieves are, unfortunately, very active at shows). You are ideally situated to take in a lot of decent shows closer to your base that will give you a much more worthwhile experience and be more beneficial to your regular shop business without having to pay through the nose to IPMS for the 'privilege' of trading at Telford.

Its obvious that from a business perspective the show is a no go . Maybe next year, just do a " meet and greet " . If enough show the IPMS that these costs are unacceptable then it will change after all , no traders = no public.

Very interesting video, I came on the Sunday prepared to spend a lot of money and left having spent less than £50 all in. It’s a great show but I got the impression a lot of the best kits go on the Saturday, I popped over to your stall on the Sunday afternoon and it looked like you had sold most of your stock and there was very little left. I hope you come next year and I think bigger is probably better for the traders….

I really appreciated this video- many thanks for putting it up. I also have a small business, but nothing to do with scale modelling. Modelling is my big stress buster and I rarely attend shows. I have noticed however, the typical buyer mechanic is that everyone rushes to pick up the best deals with the cheapest prices on the latest kits- and after viewing your analysis it seems one would have to shift an awful lot of boxes very quickly to make a good profit. This in itself leads to more cost/time/staff problems. Your video cemented views I already hold regarding this show.

Great to see you had a good show Alex! Sorry it didn't bring in lots of profit bud! Out of interest did the Heller Warning Star sell?

So how did you discover a floor cleaner works well for model decals

Gutted I missed you, just walked by :/ should have checked the corners, your even parked next to my mates van who had a stall, he said it was really busy for him as a trader, also you said about the wi fi... the bad wifi caused my card to get banned lucky my mate was with me and could lend me the money for kits until I got internet connection to pay him back

I have given up on Airfix doing a Tornado

sorry I missed you tonight

Hi Alex. I couldn’t make it to Telford this year. If I met you I would have asked for an update of your review of alternatives to the no longer available Pledge polish used for clear parts etc. Cheers. James

Some of your costs should really be amortised over more than one show. Your banners and insurance for example. But yes it is expensive. I exhibited for two years, and living only 13 miles away I could skip accommodation and most travel costs, but even with more generous margins than yours it was only a small profit for a lot of hard work.

Very interesting and comprehensive video on Outlaw paints. Thanks!

I like this video from a business point of view. If you do it again you need a friend or someone to "ride shotgun" with you as we might say here in the states. This would allow you to visit the booths in the shows and make business connections, and maybe talk to manufacturers on carrying their products in your business, etc. I would have something that has your address very visible (at least the city) - while modeling is usually a singular / private type of hobby - there might be modelers that are quite close to your shop but may not now you are there. I thought you did a good job on the booth setup. I don't see where more than one table would be any advantage to you so you really made the right choice to go small. 👍 Thanks for sharing the video !

Wait, what.....the Lysander kit comes with pilot and gunner figures?!?!?!? 😮

I went to the Guildex model railway show about 3 times when it was held at Telford. over 10 years ago the wi-fi was hopeless. I don't think it got any better at any time. The Gauge O guild now hold Guildex at the Staffordshire county show ground. As far as I know it has no Wi-fi problems.

an interesting insight into the show game. never been to Telford, its a bit far, but I only really go to shows to stock up on kits and perhaps snag a bargain. less traders, less draw for me, and I can't be the only one?

I doubt that it is the IPMS that sets the prices and what you have to pay extra for or are required to pay for, it's the venue that makes the rules. The venue wants to make as much money as possible and they want you to use their tables and what ever extra items only that they provide.

A few points to raise against your comments number one these sort of shows are not designed for small traders. They will happily take your money and laugh all the way to the bank with it. You are never gonna cover your costs or make any real profit on the day when you’re taking the consideration like you said in the video, all of the overheads Number two don’t go to this sort of event on your own. It is completely bloody irresponsible and I mean bloody irresponsible even just to the single point of your health to go on your own where you cannot go to the toilet when you need to you cannot go get food and drink when you need to especially drink for God sake it’s common sense. Take a mate with you or a spouse the best they’ll do is they get in the show for free to help you out and you swap one goes and has a look round the show and the other one keep an eye on the store Number three is probably a reason why you did it but why did you push your tables all the way back to the wall? Anybody walking down the road from the store next to you? Won’t see you there. They will assume that last that store next to you is the last one I’m not walk any further and have a look if there was a line for you to have your stall behind have your stall literally just behind that line and then have your seating behind there I’ve done these type of events with a friend of mine. I used to do models diecast cars as a living these lessons we learnt pretty quickly through all the years we did it going through the airshow circuit convention and model show circuit for God sake if you go next year, you don’t go on your own that’s just silly for a few reasons like I’ve already stated

Excellent Alex! It was great to meet you and hang out for a while. Glad you got back safe. Cheers!

No power to stand is a bit of a joke really.

Spotted you in the Corner, Thought you were just a you tube channel so did not take a gander. Next time. interesting video.

I am looking forward to next year, hopefully my health will allow me to travel to telford for this event

A great video highlighting issues for vendors at SMW. I attended this year and many other years as a customer. I find it difficult to understand what the IPMS direction is for the show. The venue is clearly not big enough to host both a large display area and a significant number of vendors and customers. People were constantly complaining about the retailer's being pushed into smaller and smaller spaces. Some were so small looking around was impossible and I and many other people just walked past rather than play the rucksack barge game! So much space is occupied by club tables, which is interesting but the vendors pay for the show. I think an overhaul of the show concept needs to happen. Better spacing for vendors needs to happen so the public can browse for items. Club tables should be consolidated into a single location, allowing a split of club viewers and buying public to happen across the halls. Mixing them closes the space to a minimum for everyone. Perhaps a review of Telford as a suitable venue is due.

I went this year for the first time and im looking to go again next year. I went mainly for supplies not kits and i knew you were there so made a sure i found you to get what i wanted. I found your stall to be a great size for what you had and it was a pleasure to meet you.

This is a very interesting video. Long ago, back in the early 1990s, I used to have my own wedding & portrait photographic business. The 'big' show was at the NEC. It was the place to go, so I went - three times. The first time I got a couple of 'gigs' out of it & being quite new to the game I thought that was great. The next year, people just seemed to be looking for freebies. Not even the offer of a free canvas wall print could sway anyone. I struck a blank. The third time I went, was as a paying customer. I used the time to look around the stands, I 'networked' & I handed out business cards & flyers to potential customers. This third visit generated more custom than I could have dreamed of. Later, I analysed the three shows, as you have so brilliantly done & basically came up with the same conclusions as yourself. As a sole trader, it's not worth the outlay or hassle going to a show as a trader. If Computers & KZbin were around back then, I might have done the above video myself. 😉

Very well presented, I wonder how much Wonderland and Hannants make at this show

Great little video mate 👍