Model Boat Mayhem at Wicksteed
June 2nd and 3rd 2012 marked the sixth annual visit to Wicksteed Park by the members of one of the biggest model boat forums, modelboatmayhem.co.uk, and keeping to tradition the ‘vertical mist’ descended on the Sunday, however, this did not stop enjoyment of the event.
Whilst the attendance was bit lower this year because of the Diamond Jubilee weekend, many clubs from the local area and as far as Scotland and Wales braved the weather with three boat model suppliers/manufacturers. Ron Dean of Dean’s Marine showed his new selection of model boats, whilst Andy of Models By Design put his new catamaran through its paces. This year Anglia Marine MBC kindly allowed us to share their large exhibition tent whilst ‘Steamboat’ Phil Abbot of Black Heath MBC’s tent went for an early swim on the Friday!
Whilst the attendance was bit lower this year because of the Diamond Jubilee weekend, many clubs from the local area and as far as Scotland and Wales braved the weather with three boat model suppliers/manufacturers. Ron Dean of Dean’s Marine showed his new selection of model boats, whilst Andy of Models By Design put his new catamaran through its paces. This year Anglia Marine MBC kindly allowed us to share their large exhibition tent whilst ‘Steamboat’ Phil Abbot of Black Heath MBC’s tent went for an early swim on the Friday!
Dennis Hubble and Nick Brown set up a steering course allowing the mayhemers to practice their sailing skills whilst Phil Abbot and Dave ‘Stavros’ Jones set up their straight running course and cordoned off an area for the smaller boats to sail in. Martin Davis, the mayhem organizer, gave a running commentary on the Saturday of all boats on the water and he and his family kindly provided tea and coffee, and on the Sunday, a most welcome Bacon Butty! Brain Hart once again provided an excellent service organizing the car park on the Saturday, and a thank you to Nigel ‘the Train’ for setting up all the directions and signs into the park on the Friday.
There were many model boats on the water showing the variation in our hobby, there was everything from a 7ft long aircraft carrier to mini-springer tugs that stretches the skill of any model boat builder. Marbleheads, Footies and fantastic scale sailing yachts were also seen on the water showing their sailing skills, and once again the engineering excellence of ‘Vital Byte’ a prototype radio controlled flash steam boiler amazed the crowd gathered around it. Paul Millers showed his ever increasing collection of excellent quality model boats, Dennis Hubble showed his award winning Range Safety Launch and ‘Gin Palace’, Tony Newstead displayed his Japanese fleet, whilst Nigel Marriott presented his tug ‘Perseverance’, and Steve & Nick Brown showed their latest projects. Ted Childs bought his two Motor Torpedo Boats, Bob Baker his latest yacht, Rob Mitchell showed his tug, and Nigel Ellis displayed his hovercraft and Club 500.
Thanks must go to Martin Davis for organizing the event once again and his fellow model boat mayhemers for putting on a brilliant show this year despite the weather conditions and to every Wicksteed Park MBC member who attended in person and in spirit!
Mayhem 2013 is already in the planning phase, so watch this space...
All pictures courtesy of Clive Kent and review courtesy of Nick Brown.
Mayhem 2013 is already in the planning phase, so watch this space...
All pictures courtesy of Clive Kent and review courtesy of Nick Brown.