From Transformers to James Bond: 15 amazing photos as Telford hosts world's largest scale model extravaganza
Telford played host to the world's largest scale model exhibition last weekend, attracting participants from across the globe.
The IPMS Scale Model World exhibition returned for a third year at the Telford International Centre last Saturday and Sunday.
Thousands of models were on display, including military vehicles, helicopters, planes, and ships, classic cars such as Ferraris and a Corvette Stingray, and models from a James Bond collection - including the Aston Martin DB5 from No Time to Die.
Founder of Agora Models, Clare Foltynie, was at the show, and said: "It has been extraordinary. It was very busy and people were very excited.
"A couple of years ago we were quite new, but I think modelling is now embracing change. What was traditionally just small kits of tanks and aeroplanes, is now evolving.
"We are seeing younger people interested and more women this year which is nice. We are riding this new wave of interest with scale modelling which shows there is lots to look forward to in this hobby sector which we are really enjoying."
The show is organised by the International Plastic Modellers’ Society, founded in Great Britain in 1963. The society now has more than 5,000 members in the UK, encompassing a wide range of modelling interests, skills, and knowledge, and welcomes new members of all ages and abilities.
"It's a very different experience to see them in real life, getting to feel them and hold them, and appreciate the way they are made and enjoy their functionality," Claire added.
"We try to bring something different each year, and this year we had some of our new releases which caused quite a storm.
"We had a model of the Orca boat from Jaws alongside the Ford Explorer from Jurassic Park.
"We had some really exciting models on display for the first time and they caused a wave of excitement which was wonderful."
The event also served as the grand finale of the inaugural 'Big Scale Diorama of the Year' competition. Six modellers from across the UK were shortlisted for the £1,000 prize, with their spectacular large-scale dioramas on public display for the first time.
The winner was Christopher Christou, who created a Diorama of Optimus Prime from Transformers.
He said: "It feels amazing to be a winner. I am very grateful to have the opportunity. There was a lot of effort, but I enjoyed every second. I put well over 100 hours into it.
"I have been modelling since around 2017 or 2018, so not very long. My first route was with Agora Models, they did a Terminator, and I always wanted to have a go. When I saw it, I thought I had to give it a try. My love started there.
"I think it helps a lot of people, it is good for your mental health, to keep your mind busy, doing something you enjoy, there is no time limit."
Claire added: "It was quite breath-taking and we were blown away. Judges were really impressed by the story telling, creativity, and the skill that had gone into it."
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