Hornchurch and New MMM Sniper

[Adrian Cowdry]

I meant to post this on Saturday but my son has a severe bout of tonsillitis, he was the priority this weekend.

Any how...

I try never to miss the Hornchurch show - Southern Expo - billed as the friendly show and that it is. I have to say over the years the gathering at Hornchurch is such that all modellers seem to be attending a club like venue and we all seem to get caught in a moment swapping modelling stories ideas and tips.

It must be said it is not primarily a figure show and that is a little disappointing - a few club stands had figureas and a few traders were figures only but alas we seem to have lost a few traders particularly LSA - the lack of new releases around was disheartening.

However one of the highlights at any show for me is the fact that Mitches Military Models were in attendance.

I know Gordon and Ross keep an eye on this site so I hasten to add that I am not pandering or blowing smoke up their proverbial back sides.

The MMM tables are always filled with great subjects and over the past few years since I first encountered them at Figure World their range has grown not only in size but in quality and the new releases they have produced are yet again excellent.

The boys at MMM have been watching the movies again and not slow in coming forward their latest releases include a three set of Viet Nam era busts all based on the film Platoon - Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and William DeFoe - the liknesses are brilliant. I am one who really enjoys the Viet Nam subject but I declined these three - I am not a fan of the film. As I say the likenesses are great but if it had been Apocalypse Now, Boys in Company C or even The Odd Angry Shot I would have parted with my money....thats just me.

However Maurice Cory and Pavel Ovecka have colluded on a 200mm US Navy Seal Sniper - the likeness is more Chris Kyle than Bradley Cooper but the kit he is wearing, pose and stance is all from the Clint Eastwood directed movie. Well this I couldn't resist.

MMM Have upped the ante yet again and the sculpting is brilliant, the moulding is lovely with very little clean up and it is a superb model.

Also Maurice has sculpted a 120mm version - this is a little more action packed as the figure is sat taking cover behind a wall. The 200mm figure is stood cradling his rifle at ease.

Both are excellent model figures.

MMM have had some issues in the past with a few figures but they consistently get better and they listen to anyone who has found fault. I have found one or two issues that for an experienced figure modeller a spot of filler has done the job with a rub down of files and sand paper has sorted out. Value for money is a definite priority for Mithces and I thoroughly recommend their figures...

Particularly this new sniper - it really is superb. My one is already in primer and first base coat. I couldn't wait to get started.

 

[Nap]

Adrian,


Not been to the show but it sounds good ...any pictures ?

How about doing a full review on the Sniper ?

Nap

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

Damn, I did not know there was a show at Hornchurch! its only 6mile from where I live.... oh well maybe next year.

Regards,

Mark

 

[Adrian Cowdry]

Gentlemen

The Hornchurch show - Southern Expo - is billed as The Friendly Show - and it truly is. It is not primarily a figure show as you may expect. 90% of model interest is down to aircraft so apologies for not a great deal of figure photo's.

I take photo's of what I like and there is a lot of talent on show at Hornchurch. My pal Dave Daines was there and he has a warped imagination - (I have attached a few images) on the Sci Fi table and is one of the great figure painters I know. His interests range from Zulu to things you'd not want to meet at anytime of the day!

The chap who did the Pocher Rolls Royce had put his own leather upholstery in and detailed the model beautifully.

I will say this year was a little disappointing - the loss of LSA models has to be lamented and Hannats this year was not from the warehouse but the shop - I wanted to stock up on Vallejo paints but few were about and not the colours I required! What can be said about the show and I feel this is the best - the clubs are all allowed to have under the table sales...much better than the swap meet at Telford. Telford has safety issues to worry about but the time saved by dealing direct with the owner or club stand saves a huge amount of time.

I urge you all to visit Hornchurch - it really is a friendly show - the venue is superb - the leisure centre, but the catering is not great - the high street is not far so a range of food outlets are available. Do be aware because the Leisure centre has a swimming pool and a lot of other activities going on that parking is a premium - often you find yourself parking on grass verges around the centre - this is something that needs to be addressed by the centre.

Put the date in your diary.