Euro 2016
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ghamilt1
PlanetFigure Supporter
Could anyone who was at Eindhoven let us know how many figure entries there were (rough estimate, I don't need exact numbers.) From all the galleries I've seen there were a great abundance of tanks, dioramas, aviation displays, all of which I enjoyed viewing. But it just seemed that there weren't as many figures comparatively speaking in the galleries (especially historical). That could well be due to the tastes of the photographer, but otherwise, there are any number of regional IPMS shows I could go to on this side of the Atlantic if that's what I want. Euro has always been a figure show first and foremost, and that's what I do as a hobby. So I was hoping somebody in the know could tell me what SMC had to offer a figure modeler specifically.
I totally agree Glen.There was 900 pictures of the exhibits on facebook,but only a handful were figures/busts.and most of them were fantasy.I go to figure shows
I posted partly in jest but in all seriousness I would have thought it benefits everyone if all genres of the modelling world pull together, including the naked people...... all except the railway modellers, that's just weird.
They can have as many nudes as they like,but G.Isley the, main man ,made the rules.
No problem,but we're talking about a twelve month period when Euro went from hero to zero.Euro was always a figure show,as they had Trucks and Tracks in February in Folkstone but it went tits up because of falling numbers.Euro was always a special show for figures,unlike any other.IPMS took care of everything else.
I personally don't want to go to a show,that has stuff that doesn't interest me,unless it's my local show, which i'll always support.
This is just my opinion Johan,and i'll be sticking to Euro.Looks like you guys have found Utopia,but it's the first show i've never heard a bad word about."Perfection"
To finish of,i would still treasure a Gold from Euro above all others.
rossbach
PlanetFigure Supporter
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Funny though it may sound Euromilitaire to me has always been about figures in the first place. I've always liked that. Because figures are what I am interested in. And I like to think that a Euro medal always was more valuable then others. It really stood/stands for quality. Competetion may be tougher then somewhere else. That's because there's an open competition within scale categories. Theoretically speaking this should result in the best models getting a reward.
Others don't. The system seemed to work well. There was a tangible, recognizable, true standard to be held up. No other show could compete in this respect. But yes this is a rather harsh system isn't it? Survival of the fittest (best quality). But it is exactly this aspect that made Euro the universal benchmark it still is. But then again maybe we are witnessing the demise of a great venue? .
There is something to be said for the 'continental' competition categories: beginners, advanced and masters, or what have you. It does gives more modellers a chance to gain recognition by winning medals. Such a system that yields more fruit for the harvesters can be attractive.
Of course there are very good figures to be admired at other shows. But somehow I feel that Euro always had the edge and saw a more dense gathering of truly top class models then anywhere else. There were some very nice models (= figures) to be admired in Eindhoven last weekend. But it still did not reach the Euro level. Don't get me wrong: there was a lot of fantastic stuff to be admired. But different then Euro and less dense. Most importantly for me personally: unlike Euro the accent is not on figures.
The premises were very good it has to be said. A nice quite conference centre set in a forest. Affordable pricing of accomodation and affordable table rents for the many traders that were to be seen. Perfectly accesible by car and public transport from Eindhoven station. And Eindhoven Airport is at a stone 's throws distance.
Folkstone on the other hand is almost the complete opposite. An old - overpriced - falling apart - run down - degenerated - but no doubt once glorious- but sadly no longer - British seaside resort. Scruffy, damp overpriced hotels that might have thrilled the Victorians, but hold little or no attraction at all for people from the continent included. I may sound like a terrible snob but we are used to a higher standard at more competitive prices. Summa sumarum: Folkstone = sic transit gloria mundi. Sorry but that's the way it is.
I agree with some of the above that the potential and meaning of Euromilitaire can and should be rejuvenated (for lack of a better word). But that would mean some drastic reflection an rethinking by the organizers. And modern, accesible and affordable premises.
I haven't got a clue as to who these people are. What I can say however is that they seem to be deaf, mute and rather stupid. But then: I don't have acces to their agenda(s).
Paul
Others don't. The system seemed to work well. There was a tangible, recognizable, true standard to be held up. No other show could compete in this respect. But yes this is a rather harsh system isn't it? Survival of the fittest (best quality). But it is exactly this aspect that made Euro the universal benchmark it still is. But then again maybe we are witnessing the demise of a great venue? .
There is something to be said for the 'continental' competition categories: beginners, advanced and masters, or what have you. It does gives more modellers a chance to gain recognition by winning medals. Such a system that yields more fruit for the harvesters can be attractive.
Of course there are very good figures to be admired at other shows. But somehow I feel that Euro always had the edge and saw a more dense gathering of truly top class models then anywhere else. There were some very nice models (= figures) to be admired in Eindhoven last weekend. But it still did not reach the Euro level. Don't get me wrong: there was a lot of fantastic stuff to be admired. But different then Euro and less dense. Most importantly for me personally: unlike Euro the accent is not on figures.
The premises were very good it has to be said. A nice quite conference centre set in a forest. Affordable pricing of accomodation and affordable table rents for the many traders that were to be seen. Perfectly accesible by car and public transport from Eindhoven station. And Eindhoven Airport is at a stone 's throws distance.
Folkstone on the other hand is almost the complete opposite. An old - overpriced - falling apart - run down - degenerated - but no doubt once glorious- but sadly no longer - British seaside resort. Scruffy, damp overpriced hotels that might have thrilled the Victorians, but hold little or no attraction at all for people from the continent included. I may sound like a terrible snob but we are used to a higher standard at more competitive prices. Summa sumarum: Folkstone = sic transit gloria mundi. Sorry but that's the way it is.
I agree with some of the above that the potential and meaning of Euromilitaire can and should be rejuvenated (for lack of a better word). But that would mean some drastic reflection an rethinking by the organizers. And modern, accesible and affordable premises.
I haven't got a clue as to who these people are. What I can say however is that they seem to be deaf, mute and rather stupid. But then: I don't have acces to their agenda(s).
Paul
Pekka
Well-Known Member
Hi,
just returned from SMC. I was very impressed with almost everything I saw and experienced. My only gripe is that I drank too much beer
i have visited Euro many times, over a dozen anyway and loved every time. This year I decided to skip Euro and visit my first SMC. We flew from Finland to Dusseldorf and drove with a rented car to Overloon museum ( which is fantastic, btw) and Arnhem. Then to Eindhoven. The is plentiful, free parking, the hotel rooms are european quality, so no mold, holes in floors, mice droppings etc. They have two huge halls packed with traders and clubstands. Demonstrations and workshops are running almost constantly. The competition had 1120 entries, with a great amount of excellent figures and dioramas. And the clubstands has many more models, former gold winner/BoS among them. Two days were not enough to absorb everything...
And the bar life was as wild as ever in Southcliff Hotel bar, almost.
So here are some thoughts from somebody who was actually present.
My FB photo album is the SMC thread, many figures included.
Cheers;
Pekka
just returned from SMC. I was very impressed with almost everything I saw and experienced. My only gripe is that I drank too much beer
i have visited Euro many times, over a dozen anyway and loved every time. This year I decided to skip Euro and visit my first SMC. We flew from Finland to Dusseldorf and drove with a rented car to Overloon museum ( which is fantastic, btw) and Arnhem. Then to Eindhoven. The is plentiful, free parking, the hotel rooms are european quality, so no mold, holes in floors, mice droppings etc. They have two huge halls packed with traders and clubstands. Demonstrations and workshops are running almost constantly. The competition had 1120 entries, with a great amount of excellent figures and dioramas. And the clubstands has many more models, former gold winner/BoS among them. Two days were not enough to absorb everything...And the bar life was as wild as ever in Southcliff Hotel bar, almost.
So here are some thoughts from somebody who was actually present.
My FB photo album is the SMC thread, many figures included.
Cheers;
Pekka
Johan Kees
A Fixture
Hi Brian
It's OK to be defensive about Euro, Brian, as I am aware that you - like a lot of us - will treasure a lot of fine memories going to this show that once was the summit in our hobby. I don't think that anybody wants to 'slam' Euro down just for fun, why would they. Emotions seem to build up rather intense, but maybe that's just because we all are witnessing how greed and sheer incompetence from the organizer's side, results in bringing Euro nearly to its knees. Parents that love their children sometimes have to be severe too. I believe that's what happening with Euro now. In all honesty, IHMO there is no denying that Euro has lost its appeal to many of us for reasons that are explained multiple times here above. And the people that are to blame are acting like the orchestra on the Titanic, they just keep on playing while the beautiful ship sinks.
On the other hand we have the SMC show that is now rising to the firmanent, all to the credit of the people that run the show. It's not Utopia and probably it's neither perfect. Perfection is not of this world, as we figure painters all too well know. But the reason why there's no bad word is because it has a lot - not everything - that Euro is sadly lacking now: a spacious and modern venue with a massive amount of traders, excellent lighting and show tables, good catering at affordable prices and nice hotel facilities. So it's not surprising that SMC is attracting a growing amount of big names in the hobby at the moment. Agreed, SMC still lacks the legendary status that Euro had in the past, given the fact that it's still a relative new event in its current form. And admittedly, maybe the open system that is commonly used on the continent is not as 'harsh' as Euro's 'survival of the fittest' competition. Anyway, it's not surprising either that rumours are growing that the venue of the SMC show is a candidate to harbour the 2020 World Expo.
To end I would like to express my hopes that, one day, the organizing crew of SMC will not get as complacent as the vultures that are seemingly murdering Euro now. We can only hope that SMC keeps getting better each edition and that Euro is revitalized by people that love the hobby. Wouldn't it be grant to have two big shows standing next to each other. But that's just something that only the future will tell.
Johan
I understand and comprehend what your saying Johan.I hope the SMC show eventually grows to the dizzy heights that Euro has reached,especially regarding figures,but unfortunately it's not a journey i will be on,but i wish the new shows all the best for their future.
Old shows, new shows ,are not a priority to me personally.I will continue to get my highs in this great hobby of ours,by sitting down at my workplace and paint,Can't say better than that.
Brian
Old shows, new shows ,are not a priority to me personally.I will continue to get my highs in this great hobby of ours,by sitting down at my workplace and paint,Can't say better than that.
Brian
ghamilt1
PlanetFigure Supporter
Thanks to the replies to my question. I wanted to make sure I was comparing apples to apples. So it would seem that Euro is still the premier figure show and that SMC is quickly becoming the premier modelling show. A subtle difference surely, but a difference none the less. I suppose if I had to make a call, I would prefer to stick with the figure show, and see if I can challenge the standard and improve upon my one Commended medal (which by the way is framed and proudly displayed in our living room). besides that, all we have here is the local super 8 motels, so I would find an old Victorian hotel to be an added bonus.
I think it may be different to find an alternative to Folkestone, but there is as I've mentioned before, the Excel Centre in London's Docklands.
You have City Airport next door and a number of hotels. I'm sure some of you will have attended Salute, and seen how well attended that show is.
Night life will of course be different, but there is a pub and a Chinese restaurant adjacent, or there's a short train ride on the Docklands light railway to other destinations.
Traders vehicles drive straight in to the hall to unload, making life easier, although as you can imagine there may be a bit of a queue when coming to clear the venue.
I've know idea of the cost of hiring the venue, but if Salute can do it, may be Euro can as well.
The only thing is, would our European visitors travel that bit further. Its food for thought though.
And yes, for those that know me, the venue would suit me well, I live relatively nearby and could go home for lunch.
Please note I have no bias to this venue.
Malc
You have City Airport next door and a number of hotels. I'm sure some of you will have attended Salute, and seen how well attended that show is.
Night life will of course be different, but there is a pub and a Chinese restaurant adjacent, or there's a short train ride on the Docklands light railway to other destinations.
Traders vehicles drive straight in to the hall to unload, making life easier, although as you can imagine there may be a bit of a queue when coming to clear the venue.
I've know idea of the cost of hiring the venue, but if Salute can do it, may be Euro can as well.
The only thing is, would our European visitors travel that bit further. Its food for thought though.
And yes, for those that know me, the venue would suit me well, I live relatively nearby and could go home for lunch.
Please note I have no bias to this venue.
Malc
megroot
A Fixture
That Excel Centre is a good choice.
Close to London City, so the familly could come with me and having also a great time into London.
Yes, why not??
Marc
Close to London City, so the familly could come with me and having also a great time into London.
Yes, why not??
Marc
good points raised Stu ....
I have contacted My Media today via the form on their website giving them this link and inviting them to respond ....
We shall see ..
Nap
Nicholas Ball
Member
As usual the BFFS were at Einhoven, and we would never miss it.
The organisation is beyond excellent and the venue is first rate.
If I had been organising Euro for My Media, and there was all this debate going on, I would have been the first one in Einhoven to see what they were doing and see where Euro was going wrong.
Was there anyone from My Media ??? No of coarse not!!! and that, I think sums it all up!!!!
As a society, one of our members has been speaking to Robin, and we have offered our help where
we can for next year should it be required.
The organisation is beyond excellent and the venue is first rate.
If I had been organising Euro for My Media, and there was all this debate going on, I would have been the first one in Einhoven to see what they were doing and see where Euro was going wrong.
Was there anyone from My Media ??? No of coarse not!!! and that, I think sums it all up!!!!
As a society, one of our members has been speaking to Robin, and we have offered our help where
we can for next year should it be required.
Hi Nicholas don't hold your breath mate. no one has heard any thing. not a surprise is it. they have to face up to the fact that change is needed and not just a free tea or coffee for the people who help out. it needs a big big change. and that means putting the show first and profits on the back burner for a while ( just as long as they break even and get it back to something like).
The whole point of this thread was to highlight the fact that if something is not done and very quickly then the show will sink. any company with any good business sense would be looking at a the shows and picking up what needs to be done. profit can be made later when it's back where it should be. it would be better for then to have a show then not. it just means that they will have to put some work in and not just sit back and count the money.
Again Robin ( My Time Media) if you are watching this thread then please take note this is not going to go away and next year is not going to be any better if change does not start. you are in a position to do this. listen to the people and traders that love the show see the passion that is still their. start to act now you have a year to start the work needed. offers of help have come in take people up on it.
Well we shall see if he responds to that
Ian
www.elliesminiatures.com
The whole point of this thread was to highlight the fact that if something is not done and very quickly then the show will sink. any company with any good business sense would be looking at a the shows and picking up what needs to be done. profit can be made later when it's back where it should be. it would be better for then to have a show then not. it just means that they will have to put some work in and not just sit back and count the money.
Again Robin ( My Time Media) if you are watching this thread then please take note this is not going to go away and next year is not going to be any better if change does not start. you are in a position to do this. listen to the people and traders that love the show see the passion that is still their. start to act now you have a year to start the work needed. offers of help have come in take people up on it.
Well we shall see if he responds to that
Ian
www.elliesminiatures.com
Tecumsea
PlanetFigure Supporter
Having attended Euro over many years and both Euro and Eindhoven this year I can only agree with all of the points made by Rossbach on the previous page. To counter the comment "No negatives about Eindhoven" I must say that is probably because it is difficult to find any.
Eindhoven has a superb display of figures so don't be misled by pictures. The Plastic models and Dioramas were at the back of the display area and there was a long centre display which had Fantasy on one side and Historical on the other, I would say very closely matched in numbers. The Club have gone out of their way to encourage figure painters and there was also a superb display in the middle of one of the halls of the Judges figures.
In terms of traders there are only a handful of Euro traders who didn't attend Eindhoven, the bonus is that there were many traders from across Europe in addition.
My Hotel room, I paid an extra 20 Euros a night for a superior room, had a 6' Double, a 3' single, a desk and wi-fi plus a Bathroom with a wet room attached, all of which cost two thirds of the price I pay at the Clifton (Probably enough to cover the travel cost to Holland) and included a superb eat as much as you like Breakfast. The room was silent, so no problems with late night revellers on the Lees.
On Saturday night an eat as much as you like Buffet was laid on for 25 Euros,( sorry it's not Chinese Brian) but if that doesn't tempt you to Holland nothing will...LOL
Having attended Euro since the first, it has been sad to see the gradual decline but to my mind thoughts of resurrecting it are a pipe dream, but good luck to anyone who wants to give it a go. The World of Modelling has moved on and Euro didn't.....RIP Euro.
Keith
Eindhoven has a superb display of figures so don't be misled by pictures. The Plastic models and Dioramas were at the back of the display area and there was a long centre display which had Fantasy on one side and Historical on the other, I would say very closely matched in numbers. The Club have gone out of their way to encourage figure painters and there was also a superb display in the middle of one of the halls of the Judges figures.
In terms of traders there are only a handful of Euro traders who didn't attend Eindhoven, the bonus is that there were many traders from across Europe in addition.
My Hotel room, I paid an extra 20 Euros a night for a superior room, had a 6' Double, a 3' single, a desk and wi-fi plus a Bathroom with a wet room attached, all of which cost two thirds of the price I pay at the Clifton (Probably enough to cover the travel cost to Holland) and included a superb eat as much as you like Breakfast. The room was silent, so no problems with late night revellers on the Lees.
On Saturday night an eat as much as you like Buffet was laid on for 25 Euros,( sorry it's not Chinese Brian) but if that doesn't tempt you to Holland nothing will...LOL
Having attended Euro since the first, it has been sad to see the gradual decline but to my mind thoughts of resurrecting it are a pipe dream, but good luck to anyone who wants to give it a go. The World of Modelling has moved on and Euro didn't.....RIP Euro.
Keith
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