Euro Militaire 2011

Not long returned from my second Euro Militaire and thought I would just put up this rather picture heavy post of some of the competition entires.  This event held in Folkestone, Kent brings together some of the finest military modellers and figure painters in Europe.  The 'Provost Marshal' and myself headed off at an unholy hour but were rewarded with a mighty fine bacon sandwich on arrival and learning form last year's disastrous visit (we spent too long in the bar and didn't get to actually see the competition entries!) we went straight to the main competition hall.

I really should have paid more attention to the individauls' names so as to give them the appropriate credit but as you can see from the photographs the standard was incredibly high; I felt like throwing out my paintbrushes and taking up a different hobby several times throughout the day!

Truly awe inspiring stuff and although not a collector of these larger scale models I did pick up my first 54mm model; a First World War British officer. (Yes I know not very Victorian!)  The brush work on some of these examples was exquisite with the free hand detailing on the shields and garments boarding on the impossible.  Upstairs in the main hall were the various trade stands, which has to be said were a little on the expensive side and of course Rifleman Harris, the honoured guest, signing photographs.  All in all a great day out, the crowds not being too oppressive on the Sunday and who knows maybe next year I'll feel brave enough to put my own entry in.