IPMS Belgium Plastic & Steel Show 11th 12th October

After a three year absence we again made the journey to Belgium for the IPMS Belgium Plastic & Steel show.

This year it was held at the GC Klein Boom in Putte. A new venue and one I think worked extremely well. So after a drive up the E40 and a rather busy and cautious drive around Brussels we arrived at the venue for our usual Friday afternoon set up. 

As ever we were warmly greeted by Erwin and the rest of the hard working IPMS chaps. One thing I noticed straight away was that the venue had much more parking than Affligem the previous venue. The main hall was very well lit and everything was spaced out really well. So after a quick set up it was onto our hotel and a new city to explore. Just down the road, about half an hour away is the beautiful city of Mechelen. We stayed at the brewery, Het Anker which has a hotel as well. 

We were pre-warned as well by the hotel that the weekend also included a beer festival! So all checked in we explored the delights of some rather strong Belgian beers. Saturday morning saw the start of the show and doors opened at 1000 hrs. We then enjoyed the various club stands and the retail opportunities. Our good friend Guy from the Modellers Haven Online forum also arrived with his superb M18 Hellcat diorama for the competition. It was great to catch up again with him and enjoy a nice beer as well.

As ever the standard of the models on display was amazing with so many varied subjects. The competition tables attracted some stunning works as well. Another cool feature of the show was a working replica of a Lanchester armoured car in the hall and a selection of Minervas displayed at the entrance to the show. 

We were busy at the stand both days and it was great to meet old friends after so long. Sunday was again a busy day with the competition prizes awarded later in the day and those last minute purchases to make. Tired but happy we retired to the hotel for a well-earned beer and a very nice meal in the hotel's brassiere.

A big thank you must go to IPMS Belgium for all their hard work organising the show and for welcoming us so warmly. We will be back next year with any luck.