Euro Militaire 2002 By Stephen Jamison

Euro Militaire, one of the world's most significant figure modelling shows was held this year on 14th & 15th September at the now traditional site of the Leas Cliff Hall at Folkestone. This year the number of entries was down by about 300 on 2001 but that still meant an overall entry of some 700 pieces. The number of traders and probably visitors to the show were down as well, with some Euro stalwarts such as Poste Militaire and Mountfield Miniatures missing.

As you can imagine there was hot debate long into the night throughout the weekend as to why this should be, to which I contributed my own views, but I will not bore you with the debate. Those traders who where there had a good weekend; those purchasing their wares had a good (if expensive) weekend and everyone benefited from the slightly reduced crush around the trade stands. Swedish "figure modelling God" Mike Blank gave a talk on both Saturday and Sunday on his techniques that was very well received by those lucky enough to get access to the small room set aside for the purpose. The usual display by re-enactors took place both up on the Leas and also the 95th Rifles circa 1815 were present in the hall.

The standard of entries was the usual near perfection (except for my piece which won an unofficial "Worst of Show award"). Mike Blank, Adrian Bay, Marion Ebensperger etc. won their usual clutch of well deserved gold and silver medals but unusually and I believe a first for "Best of Show" Gianfranco Speranza took the title with a series of flats depicting the funeral procession of Karl Gustavus a stunning piece of work with over 30 figures beautifully painted in oils. Such was the demand for the winner by the modelling press, it took me several hours to track it down and get a look.

The "HOT" news of this Euro was not that a flat won best of show or Andrea's massive U Boat @ £1225 - it was the engagement of English Sculptor Alan Ball and Swiss Master painter Marion Ebensperger - a real match made in heaven! I wish them all the happiness in the world.

Euro is a great place to compare your own work with that of the very best, and for modellers like me, it is also the place to buy the kits to keep me busy for the next 12 months. Equalling important to my eyes is the pre and post show socialising. The opportunity to meet many of the hobby's superstars over a beer, make new friends from all over the world and meet old friends - swapping ideas techniques and opinions, discussing everything from oils v acrylics to Mike Schumacher's chances in the Italian Grand Prix, Andrea's latest release and the current form of English Rugby League sides - all in all adds up to a great weekend.

I believe Euro will recover to previous levels as Sept.11 recedes into history, which I think is still the primary reason for the dip in entries/attendance. I do believe that it is time Euro introduced "Master" categories - ordinary punters such as myself have no chance of success against the professionals - give them their own division. The drop in exhibitors was in part due to a number of small companies going to the wall, one exhibitor I spoke too told me that during July they had not sold a solitary kit. We as modellers have to do our bit by parting with our hard earned cash and supporting those who make the hobby possible, particularly the small companies.

Finally, will I be back for 2003 - the answer is yes although it may be a while before I exhibit again.