More photos of the amazing figures from the show

Over the weekend of 1st July to 3rd July the World Model Expo was held at the Konigshof Hotel in Veldhoven, near to Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The conference centre held the 70 traders, some model clubs and the competition hall. The competition had over 4000 entries from over 800 modellers. Modellers and traders came from all over the world, but not surprisingly European traders and modellers were the largest contingents. The quality of models in the competitions was astonishing. I will add photos to this blog in time. But here is a photo of the Best of Show winning model.

So another annual show has been and gone. It seemed a short time since the last one, which of course it was as the last show was in September 2021 because of the impact of COVID. The show was again at the new venue of the Salvation Army Hall in Reading, much more spacious than Pimlico. Not surprisingly the show was not as busy as the last one and the competition tables were not straining under the weight of all the entries. Of course, the last show was complicated by combining it with the Interbranch competition. Nevertheless there were some outstanding models in all the classes. A popular class this year was Class 10, non military pieces. Although not my thing, there were some wonderful unusual non military and fantasy figures in this class. The painting on some was exquisite. It was also good to see a number of models in the Junior Class. As always Class1 for 54mm figures and below had many entries and some of these were also outstanding. For all those that entered the competitions, thank you, and congratulations to all those that were commended, won medals or prizes. Although there were not many traders hopefully those that did attend did good business. I came away with some items to go in my grey army.
Thanks must go to all those that were involved with the organisation of the show, a lot goes on behind the scenes to make the show successful. Also the efforts of those doing the catering was greatly appreciated. And also thank you to the judges for their efforts judging the entries. Not an easy task, I know.
​Here are some of my photos from the show. Better photos of some of the figures are on the Past Annual Shows page.

Hello to everyone. I, Mark Blowers, am the new editor for the website. So just a short post to introduce myself (and learn how to use the website!). I have been a member of the BMSS for many years (I am also a member of the North Surrey Military Modelling Group and the IPMS). I enjoy painting historical figures as this gives me the opportunity to learn about the history behind the figure. I larger paint 54mm and 75mm figures and a few busts. I usually select a figure on the quality of the casting as I get greater enjoyment in painting a high quality sculpt. I have dabbled with converting figures and am thinking about sculpting my own figure (just a wire former at the moment!). 
​If you have any comments or suggestions for the website please let me know.

The 2019 BMSS Annual Show was held on Saturday 27 April at St Saviour's Church Hall in Pimlico, and it was another great day for model soldier enthusiasts. The main hall of trade stands was busy all day, while the competitions in the Pimlico Room saw not only a marked increase in the number of entries but the overall standard in the work on display was outstanding. All those who won medals on the day can be very proud of their achievement, and everyone who entered their models gave us all much to enjoy and admire. Please all try again next year and once again thank you for giving all the show visitors so much pleasure in seeing such fine examples of military modelling in all its many forms.

The BMSS thanks the show organisers, stewards, judges, traders, and everyone who attended and brought models along, and offers our congratulations to all who won medals in the competitions. The date for next year's show is Saturday 25 April 2020, put the date in your diaries, calendars, smart phones, and electronic devices, as it it promises to be to be another hugely enjoyable event for everyone.

We are pleased to announce the list of traders who will be at the 2019 BMSS Annual Show:

Ace Miniatures
Alex Riches
C and T Auctioneers
Darkstar
Elan13
Harry Kemp
Hawk Miniatures
Mercator Trading
Military Art
Micks Micks
Redcoat
Replica Metal Soldiers and Models
Oakwood Bases
Peter Harris
Sphere
Tommy Atkins
Tommys War

A great range with much of interest for all model soldier enthusiasts, and we thank our good friends in the trade for their splendid support.

For more details of the 2019 BMSS Annual Show, including a full list of the competition classes (which are open to everyone, whether BMSS members of not), please see our Annual Show page.

The List for the BMSS Auction on Friday 18 January 2019 is now available on the BMSS Auctions page, along with more preview photos of some of the lots.

We are pleased to be able to publish the first preview pictures of some of the interesting lots from the collection of the late Arthur Smith which will be for sale in the next BMSS Auction, to be held on Friday 18th January 2019 at our usual venue of the Church Hall, St Saviour's, Lupus Street, Pimlico, London, SW1V 3QW. Below is Lot 162: Britains Royal Field Artillery gun team - for more pictures and details see the  BMSS Auctions page . Full lists should be published in December so please check back to the Auctions page to see them.

Sadly, due to the serious indisposition of a key member of the auction team, it is with great regret that the National Committee have been forced to postpone the auction which was due to be held on Friday 16th November 2018 at Napier Hall. We sincerely apologise for this unfortunate but unavoidable change of plan and would be grateful if you would pass the word on to any other members and collectors of your acquaintance.
NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!
The sale has been re-scheduled for Friday 18th January 2019 and will be held in the Church Hall at St Saviour’s, Lupus Street, Pimlico, our usual London monthly venue. We have access to the hall from 4.30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Viewing will be from 5 p.m. and the sale will commence promptly at 5.30 p.m. Lists will be available in December online at www.bmssonline.com and at the December National meeting.
Please tell anyone that may not see this post and would usually attend the auctions.

It is a great pleasure to be able to report that a large proportion of the BMSS National Collection, which had been in storage, is now once again on display to the public in a new venue at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry, in Shropshire.

The British Ironwork Centre is a large tourist attraction on the A5, a few miles east of Oswestry. The road to the Centre’s car park goes through a sculpture park leading to the central cluster of buildings, where there are numerous workshops for crafts people and some large galleries displaying a wide range of arts and crafts. The area given over to the BMSS National Collection is right at the heart of the Centre, on a gallery which runs the length of the café area. It is well lit from large skylights, and could not be better placed for visitors. The collection is currently shown across twenty display cabinets.

With the opening of the National Collection display at the British Ironwork Centre the BMSS now has an excellent public display once again, at a venue that attracts thousands of visitors all year round. There are plans for further expansion of the display with more cabinets, more detailed labelling and information boards. For details on the National Collection and more pictures, see the National Collection page.