Duxford 2002,
MAFVA Nationals and Military Vehicle Day

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No matter how many times I visit, I always enjoy a visit to the Imperial War Museums' excellent site at Duxford in Cambridgeshire. The first Sunday in August saw them host not only their annual Military Vehicle day, but it was also host to this years annual "National" competition for, the Model Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association (MAFVA). This means a large marquee holding the competition area along with club displays and model traders. Outside were a few more trade stalls, along with the enthusiastic owners of many privately owned military vehicles who visit for the day. Add all that to the fascinating selection of equipment that is on permanent display at Duxford, and you have a display which any military vehicle modeller/enthusiast should find mouth watering.
Let's start by talking about Duxford itself, and the real military vehicles that were to be found. It is fair to say that with events like the War & Peace show at Beltring only a week or two earlier, and some changes made a couple of years ago to the arrangements for the visiting owners, the number of enthusiasts who bring their "pride and joy" are considerably reduced over the numbers we saw some years ago. While that is a bit of a shame, don't get me wrong because there is still loads to see. They rightly say that you can't see all of Duxford in one day, and I think that is very true.
For those who don't know it, Duxford is a historical site in itself. It was the base for the first operational Spitfire Squadron, number 19 squadron, and was an airfield that played an active part in the Battle of Britain in 1940. Later on there were American units based there, hence their connection with the 8th Air Force Museum that is just one of the attractions on the "must see" list for visitors. More recently, in 1968, one of the 4 original hangers was literally blown-up for the making of the film, "Battle of Britain". It left 3 others, along with other more modern additions, to house the huge collection of exhibits. Let me come back to them in a moment. At the far end of the airfield is the most recent addition, the US Air Force Museum, and beyond that, the Land Warfare Hall. Now then, most of the action for military vehicle enthusiasts takes place here. However, if you missed the main hangers because you don't have an interest in aircraft, then you missed even more vehicles which are dotted here and there among the other building. Just a couple of examples to quote as examples would be a SAM2 'Guideline', a British 3.7in AA gun and a Standard Beaverette. See aircraft in varying states of restoration, it really is quite fascinating.
However, back to the main theme and the Land Warfare Hall, the military vehicle owners rally, and the MAFVA Nationals themselves.

The Land Warfare Hall has had some changes, as the original workshops have been converted to extend the exhibition hall, and provide a "viewing gallery" for vehicles being driven around the display arena on the end. Throughout the day there were rides on an FV432 available, as well as some of the exhibits being driven around to display them "getting dirty". Great references then for modellers, see how the mud really does get thrown up around particular vehicles when in use. The new workshops were also available to view.

On display outside the hall were such items as 2 ZSU-23-4s, a Scud B, a Crusader, Challenger 1, and visiting owners brought a variety of modern types such as Land Rovers of all shapes, sizes and ages, alongside the usual Jeeps and GMCs. Most are beautifully restored, and owners are usually more than happy to let you take detail photographs. Great material if you want to model, as an example, the interior of the 1 ton Land Rover ambulance or Signals variants or maybe Mark Hazard and his beautifully turned out Israeli Jeep. Another combination that looked good had a CMP hauling a 25lber and limber.
Specifically for modellers, thanks go to Paul Middleton and the others of Cambridge MAFVA who organised all the details for traders, visiting clubs and all the other things that go into putting on this show at such an ideal venue. With many well known traders having stands, including Accurate Armour, BW Models, CMSC, Convoy, Blitzkrieg Models, LSA Models, and many others too numerous to mention, along with club displays from the different MAFVA areas, and these seem to get better and better each year. Somewhere in the middle of all this are the competition tables. With a couple of showers interrupting the afternoon, even more visitors were drawn in for the model tent, and I hope they also enjoyed what they found. Outside, a few other traders were on hand, such as our old friend John of Pol Models, who had many of the unusual Eastern European makes of models on sale.
Some of the competition classes I'd have liked to see more entries in, but what was on the tables was to a high standard. For me however, and while I suspect this may cause a few raised eyebrows, I personally find the attraction in just being able to see some beautifully finished models. The makers are usually about and willing to share the tips and tricks they used to get a particular effect or finish. The club displays are great places to meet friends and chat about this and that. At the same time, most of us are tempted into spending some cash with the traders whose latest wares are readily to hand. Browsing the stands for the latest kits, books and accessories, often finding a surprise or two we didn't expect which is great fun. Like kids we can carry it home, eager to open it up and "drool over it" in peace. Even with a long journey, the friendship and friendliness of others with the same interests as ourselves, alongside some of the best examples of modelling to see, and if that wasn't enough, you have all the real vehicles on hand for instant reliable references. Look in detail over such as Monty's Caravans, a JSII, and so many others. Lots to occupy the rest of the family, certainly even my two young daughters enjoyed their day out, even being dragged round by dad! Thanks again to Paul and all at MAFVA and the Imperial War Museum at Duxford for such an enjoyable show.
Finally, a few random shots of entires in the competitions at the show. I regret I don't have details of whose is what, but if anyone want to let me know, and identify their handiwork, please do so.
©Robin Buckland, 2003