74th annual MFCA Show, May 8/9 2015 - show report thread (1 Viewer)

[theBaron]

Hi, all,

We're getting set up and we're about half an hour away from opening our 74th annual Show and Mart. Feel free to post your comments, photos, etc, to this thread.

I'll start off with a report from vendor setup, tables are set up, folks are getting set up. Only one major argument with a vendor who demanded his space be changed, which is about par for the course. But otherwise, everyone is excited to start.

See you in the hall!

Prost!
Brad

 

[zblang]

There were some absolutely spectacular pieces in the exhibitor room. I took a few pictures and will post them here when i get a chance. I am excited for tomorrow to see what new ones appear! I missed bumping into Brad (the Baron), but did bump into Brad (Jazzeum), Tom Dubel, Andanna and Rod (who's bust was amazing! pictures are great, but wow, in person it was fabulous). It was great catching up with Nicholas Cameron (Crowne Miniatures) and Matt Murphy (Hobby Bunker). Always a pleasure talking to Thor and Nikki Johnson (aeroart) - two of the nicest people. And on top of all of that I was lucky enough to bump into George (warrior) and Larry as they were coming in last night, so grabbed some dinner with them. All and all, a great time and I'm looking forward to tomorrow! (pics to come)

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

Just got back. My opinion not as many venders as past years, but I thought the vendor quality was improved. Not as many "toy dealers". I didn't see to many plastic dealers either. Prices were all over the place.

 

[zblang]

I stupidly didn't write down artists names or titles of works, but here you go....(keep in mind, these are just iphone pictures, so not great.

 

[zblang]

 

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[zblang]

This one should be seen in the other MFCA post - it's much nicer than this image shows! (referring to the above photo)

 

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[zblang]

I took a video of this one - the red flickered to appear as though it was Moscow burning through the window - the picture doesn't do it justice, it was very well done

 

[theBaron]

The box diorama of the street walker in your first post, Zach, is by Barry Biediger, and the Viking boat diorama is from Alan Golden. Alan hasn't had anything in the exhibition for a number of years, so it was nice to see some things from him again.

Prost!
Brad

 

[zblang]

Funny timing - as you were typing that, I just met Alan at the front of the hotel - I'd never met him before, very nice guy

 

[jazzeum]

I think the Churchill ones were by Walt Damon.

 

[jazzeum]

 

[jazzeum]

I had the chance to finally meet Zach and see Tom, George, Matt and Alex Lakhtman, among others.

I had no complaints as I scored a wooden K & C Hawker Hurticane for next to nothing. It does need a few repairs so off it goes tomorrow to Master Repairman Mike DeMarco.

Also picked up a couple K & C Seaforth sets so a pretty, pretty good day.

 

[Andanna]

It looked to me as if there were fewer vendors and fewer visitors - but more transactions. All vendors were extremely busy. It was great to finally meet Zach and to reconnect with the Brads and others. I always find the show to be very high end with a lot of Russian figures and the Exhibition Area. In line with that, I spent as much time with the artists like Marion and Alan Ball as with the toy soldier vendors. And: this is the 74th consecutive year I blew my show budget on the first day.

It might be modesty, but Zach failed to mention the absolute highlight of the show. I hope he will remedy this later. It is the piece he commissioned this year from a Grand Master, certainly worthy its own thread.

PS: today, with all the pieces set up, I intend to take pictures. Impressed with Zach's iPhone. Mine can only take selfies.

 

[wds0855]

Great photos. Some really gorgeous exhibits. That 54th MA diorama is fantastic.

Walt

 

[jazzeum]

I have an iPhone as well and it does take some great photos.

Glad I'm not there today. There were a couple of works I really liked: Battle of Kandihar and Battle of Kabul (first and last photos in my post #13). Would have been tempted to see if they were for sale.

 

[jazzeum]

I had the chance to finally meet Zach and see Tom, George, Matt and Alex Lakhtman, among others.

I had no complaints as I scored a wooden K & C Hawker Hurticane for next to nothing. It does need a few repairs so off it goes tomorrow to Master Repairman Mike DeMarco.

Also picked up a couple K & C Seaforth sets so a pretty, pretty good day.

Sorry but I forgot to mention I ran into Brad James, the Baron, who was nattily attired whereas I looked like a hobo!

 

[maddadicus]

I know that the other Brad ( not the Jazzman )puts a lot of time and effort into the show, but this is not the show of my youth..or even a few years ago. Too many vendors selling the same chain mfg. stuff. Hardly any variety in newer ( not beat up ) glossies. After one swing around, I was heartbroken and ready to leave. Minimal to zero Steadfast, Trophy, Dorset, Hiriart, Hocker, Toy Army Workshop, etc. You get the point. The toys in toy soldiers were no longer there. Plenty of K/C, TJ, and TG vendors. I can go online to buy them from George anytime, but to go to a TS show, that has become too top heavy with the stuff of the present, hold no interest for me anymore. I bought some of my most favorite toy soldier sets at this show over the past years. But the last 3, books and movies..BUMMER! Michael

 

[jazzeum]

Yes, there was no Trophy and only a single Toy Army Workshop set that Tom I purchased.

However, some shows are like that. Three years ago Alan (RIP) had more Trophy sets than you could shake the proverbial stick at.