With the Midlands exhibition the next major show on the calendar it is time fill in entry forms and preparing those models for display. For some, a hard working model  looks right with the odd knock or paint chip evidence of its main purpose.

For others, especially recently finished models, some time prepping will be well spent. Anyone taking photos of models over many years gets to realize that dust can spoil the look of any model picture. Invest in an anti-static cloth.

Take a tip from the museums, use a special polish on bare metal as well as glossy painted surfaces. That will also protect your model.

When it comes to displaying your model, set it up so that it can be photographed. Many club stands are too crowded. Much better, enter it into a competition or loan class for clearer display.

Wherever it is do not leave coffee cups, sandwiches, backpacks, or other distractions laying around.

Just as important as appearance is to tell people about your model. It doesn’t have to be a full account, a short note is better than just a label. A simple label saying what it is and who built it is better than nothing at all. Most of us have taken inspiration  for a new project from a show exhibit.

The next Midlands show is on October 17 to 20 at the usual venue, the Warwickshire Event Centre.

If you would like to be be part of the show and enter your work, that is free and there are 32 classes of which 16 are competition and 16 display. These classes include: Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Stationary and Internal Combustion Engines. Models still under construction can also be entered in the display classes. A commemorative plaque and exhibitor’s certificate will be presented to every entrant, with trophies and cash prizes awarded to winners.

Call the organizers for an entry form on 01926 614101 or download it from the website

https://www.meridienneexhibitions.co.uk/events/midlands-model-engineering-exhibition

Many clubs have already signed up to take part, including:

1. •7¼” Gauge Society  
   

2. •10¼”  Gauge Society
   

3. •Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
   

4. •Blackheath Model Power Boat Club
   

5. •Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers
   

6. •City of Oxford Society of Model Engineers
   

7. •Coventry Model Engineering Society
   

8. •Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society
   

9. •Gas Turbine Builders Association
   

10. •Gauge 1 Model Railway Society
    

11. •Gauge 3 Society
    

12. •Guild of Model Wheelwrights
    

13. •Hereford Society of Model Engineers
    

14. •IC Engine Builders
    

15. •Kingsbury Water Park Model Boat Club
    

16. •Knightcote Model Boat Club
    

17. •London & North Western Railway Society
    

18. •Melton Mowbray & District Model Engineering Society
    

19. •Midlands Meccano Guild
    

20. •Milton Keynes Clock Club
    

21. •Model Steam Road Vehicle Society
    

22. •National 2 1/2 Gauge Association
    

23. •Northampton Society of Model Engineers
    

24. •Northern Association of Model Engineers
    

25. •Nottingham Society of Model & Experimental Engineers
    

26. •OO Live Steam
    

27. •REMAP (Coventry and Warwickshire)
    

28. •Rugby Model Engineering Society
    

29. •Society of Model & Experimental Engineers
    

30. •Southern Federation of Model Engineering Societies
    

31. •Stirling Engine Society
    

32. •The Society of Ornamental Turners
    

33. •The Steamboat Association
    

34. •The Young Engineers
    

35. •Wolverhampton & District Model Engineering Society
    

Specialist suppliers attending include:

1. •17D Ltd
   

2. •Abbots Model Engineering
   

3. •Aerospace Surplus Trader
   

4. •Allendale Group
   

5. •Alutight
   

6. •BB Engineering Supplies
   

7. •Beugler Pinstripping Tools
   

8. •Blackgates Engineering
   

9. •Chester Machine Tools
   

10. •Chiltern Model Steam Engines
    

11. •Cl9ud
    

12. •CNC4You Ltd
    

13. •College Engineering Supply
    

14. •CuP Alloys (Metal Joining) Ltd
    

15. •Eric’s Railway Art
    

16. •Exglo UK
    

17. •FiveStar/Starloc Adhesives
    

18. •Gloforce Ltd
    

19. •Greenwood Tools Ltd
    

20. •GS Supplies and Western Steam
    

21. •Hafixs Industrial Products
    

22. •HJH Tooling Ltd
    

23. •Home and Workshop Machinery
    

24. •J B Cutting Tools
    

25. •J L D Fittings
    

26. •Just the Ticket
    

27. •Keith Robinson Engineering Tools
    

28. •Kontax Engineering Ltd
    

29. •Large Scale Locomotives
    

30. •Le Tonkinois Varnish
    

31. •Live Steam Models Ltd
    

32. •Model Engineers Laser
    

33. •Myford Ltd
    

34. •Noggin End Metals
    

35. •PNP Railways
    

36. •Polly Model Engineering
    

37. •Power Capacitors
    

38. •RDG Tools Ltd.
    

39. •Solder Connection
    

40. •Station Road Steam
    

41. •Stuart Models (UK) Ltd
    

42. •TEE Publishing Ltd.
    

43. •The Craftlight Company
    

44. •The Engineers Emporium
    

45. •Tracy Tools Ltd
    

46. •Turbotrade UK
    

47. •Walker Midgley Insurance Brokers Ltd.
    

48. •Whotz Hot Ltd