SPA Modeler

Hello all,

I visited today, a yearly miniature model convention in a small town called Eeklo, here in East Flanders, Belgium


Even it is a very small convention, it still have this "familiar" factor, in other words not really at all commercial but more a "come together" happening. There was also a small café (café in Belgium means more or a less pub/bar) with strong Belgian beers, such as Abbey beers, doubles, triples, Duvel etc etc. As I came with car and also wanted to leave with car, I could only enjoy a cup coffee, which I also did.. :-)



The exhibition covered only two rooms: a big and a small one. The small one was hosted by a Hobby store (Sturmtiger) selling new kits, accessories, tools and paints with good prices. I had decided already prior, that the only thing I will buy, is some Mr Paint bottles I had ordered earlier from the shop (Signal Red, Super Clear and RLM 02).
And I am proud of myself, that I could keep control of myself and not let the beautiful boxes and the special prices seduce me..
"Take me home, take us all home" etc!

Of course I was carried out, so I more or a less forgot to take more pictures than practically the ones below...
Well, something still...

View of the main-room. A number of local modellers clubs had their own stands, showing their work and their "work in progress"...





I could hardly believe my eyes, when I suddenly saw a Stormtrooper walking around.. And not only that, but I could hear R2D2 somewhere behind the crowd of people. It turned out they belonged to the local "501st Legion" group.
Quoting Wikipedia: The 501st Legion is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it is Lucasfilm's preferred Imperial costuming group.
There were also two Imperial officers keeping an eye on the visitors... Was actually pretty cool !



So, this years Convention season has started!
Looking forward to the next one!

- Kari

Glad to hear you had a good time Kari.

From the pictures you did take, it would seem there were some very nice models to see.

I love the costumes - thats devotion.

Cheers

Stuart

Cool! Sounds like you had a nice time.

BlackSheep214 wrote:Cool! Sounds like you had a nice time.

Yeah, I had, it was a good visit !

- Kari

Yes, that looks like a wonderful time at the event. Lots of great builds there, and so many tempting things to buy.... you’re a strong man to pass on all that temptation.

Stikpusher wrote:Yes, that looks like a wonderful time at the event. Lots of great builds there, and so many tempting things to buy.... you’re a strong man to pass on all that temptation.

It was not easy, but I made a decision some time ago that I will keep a realistic stash size... in other words only having kits that I strongly believe I will one day build... But it wasn't easy, nope!

- Kari

KSaarni wrote:

Stikpusher wrote:Yes, that looks like a wonderful time at the event. Lots of great builds there, and so many tempting things to buy.... you’re a strong man to pass on all that temptation.

It was not easy, but I made a decision some time ago that I will keep a realistic stash size... in other words only having kits that I strongly believe I will one day build... But it wasn't easy, nope!

- Kari

Both of your comments are very important to me since I respect you for your dedication! I will think about my strongest reason, which is usually financial, each time I feel the desire to add a kit!!

speedgraflex wrote: Both of your comments are very important to me since I respect you for your dedication! I will think about my strongest reason, which is usually financial, each time I feel the desire to add a kit!!

Yup. financial aspect has also a major role in decision making..

- Kari

KSaarni wrote:

Stikpusher wrote:Yes, that looks like a wonderful time at the event. Lots of great builds there, and so many tempting things to buy.... you’re a strong man to pass on all that temptation.

It was not easy, but I made a decision some time ago that I will keep a realistic stash size... in other words only having kits that I strongly believe I will one day build... But it wasn't easy, nope!

- Kari

That’s one of us...

Those are some awesome pics of that show. Nice! I also commend you on your strong willpower. I too tend to only buy when I know I'll be building something, especially since my personal income from my business is only $1250.00USD per year on a good year.

Nice pics of the 501st Legion. My nephew is part of that group also in their Florida chapter. The whole 501st Legion was started by and more-or-less run by Mr. Tim Knapp. He is a very good friend of mine and a member of my St. Crispin's Irregulars group. He is a great person.