Links, Accomodation and Guides

Visit Cambridge

IWM Duxford   

http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/ for details of buses between Cambridge Railway Station and IWM Duxford

Previous Competitions

Facebook film of the 2010 show.  Don't miss both parts!

PRIZES

THE JOHN BAUMANN  TROPHY 

John Baumann was for many years the information officer for MAFVA.  Typical of his dedication to the hobby and his generosity, he left a bequest to MAFVA to fund a prize at the annual National competitions. John had an interest in the unusual and obscure so the prize will be awarded to one of the lesser known vehicles entered in the competition.   This will be judged by the London MAFVA group of which John was member.

Trophy winners

2007 Keith Ingrey  with 1/76 scale Büssing Nag Flak 18

2008  Dominique Jadoul  with 1/72 scale diarama "No Pasaran" (PZ I in Spannish Civil War) photo published on the back page of "Tankette 43/4")

2009  Dave Blomley  with 1/76 scale Foster Tractor

2010 – Graham Cobb

2011 – Rab Burns

MICK BELL MEMORIAL PRIZE

This is a prize donated by MAFVA members in memory of Mick Bell, an early member. He was a gifted modeller and draughtsman, producing high quality plans regularly for Tankette.  In recognition of his contribution to our magazine, a prize will be  awarded annually to the author of a notable plan or piece of research.  This will be decided by a small committee of members and announced at the annual MAFVA competitions.  The prize will be a years subscription of Tankette.  It is hoped that this will encourage new authors to contribute to Tankette.  As a non-modelling  prize it allows enthusiasts who may not be regular modellers to participate, including overseas members who may have difficulty attending the Nationals.

Prize winners

Reviews:

Duxford 2006 

Duxford 2007

Mil Mod 2008 

Pictures

IWM DUXFORD - PRINTABLE SITE MAP

2012 details 

While the 2013 show is in the early stages of planning, we have left the 2012 information.  At this stage we assume 2013 will be similar.

The Cambridge Branch of the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association is proud to present the 2012 Nationals at the Imperial War Museum Duxford on (date to be confirmed). Following the regular format seen in previous years, the MAFVA show shares the day with the day with the Military Vehicle Show organised by the volunteers of the Duxford Aviation Society, and also the Military Book fair.  For the same entry fee, you get to see the Model Show, the Military Vehicle Show and the whole of the Museum as well. In addition, there is always something flying at the weekend.

The bonus for this year is that the gate price for visitors will be the same as a normal day visit, with accompanied youngsters getting in for free.

The MAFVA Model Show will be housed in a very large marquee located next to the American Air Museum, and will contain the competition, the traders and displays by numerous MAFVA branches and other clubs from around the country. 

Who will be there?

As might be expected with this popular show clubs and traders book up from one year to the next, consequently we are almost completely full.  The format for the competitions will consist of the usual MAFVA only classes in both large and small scales, plus open classes which anybody can enter.  These will be for any vehicle model, any scale figure, and a Junior class for modellers under the age of 16 on the day of the show.  For adults, the competition fee is 50p per model, but for juniors it is free, and every junior entrant will receive a prize of some description whether they win or not. This is to encourage youngsters to try modelling and take part in the show.  Hopefully they will enjoy the day out and the prize and will progress in the hobby.

The attached list of attending traders will include all the usual regulars, plus a few new faces. Whatever kit, book or modelling item you are looking for will probably be available from these guys.  If they haven’t got it here, they will know where to get it.  MAFVA branches and other model clubs will be displaying a wide variety of models, and many will be giving demonstrations of modelling techniques which they will happily discuss.  This is also a great opportunity to ask for that ‘elusive’ bit of information. MAFVA HQ will be in its usual location to meet you.  Here you will be able to join MAFVA, resubscribe or catch up on back issues of the Association magazine Tankette.  In fact there will be many special offers as we are having a clearance sale of back issues.

There will be plenty of space outside the marquee for you to take a break, enjoy a cuppa from the tea stall and perhaps have a picnic.  If you haven’t brought your own picnic there will be plenty of food stalls on site as well as the Museums Cafe and Restaurant.

In view of the long distances some enthusiasts travel, many want to make a weekend of it.  Naturally the Museum is open on the Saturday and you will be able to see the Museum with a bit more ease as there will be fewer visitors.  The model marquee will be in the process of setting up, but those traders that are there will have no qualms about selling you your chosen purchases.  There are plenty of bed and breakfast places in the area, and a new hotel at Whittlesford, but you are advised to book early as Cambridge is a popular destination.

In addition the Museum runs a camping area for the hardier souls adjacent to the Museum, and there are several regular camp sites in the area.

Information: the Venue

For further information visit  http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/ . Gates open to the public at 10.00hrs, which is when competition entries can be booked in as well.  Competition entries close at 12.30hrs with judging starting 10

minutes later. Prize presentation will start at around 16.00hrs and the show will close at 17.00hrs, the Museum closes at 18.00hrs.

Information: the Show

Gates open to the public at 10.00hrs, which is when competition entries can be booked in as well. Competition entries close at 13.00hrs with judging starting 10 minutes later. Prize presentation will start at 16.00hrs and the show will close at 17.00hrs, the Museum closes at 18.00hrs.

Any enquiries should be directed to Paul Middleton, 39 The Leas, Baldock, Herts, SG7 6HZ  or e-mail: paul.middleton600@ntlworld.com. 

Cambridge is well worth a visit if you are in the area, both from the tourist point of view & the abundant shopping facilities, that may help keep less enthusiastic family members happy.  If you are coming and you need accommodation  we advise you to book early.  Cambridge is a very busy tourist city in the summer when the competitions take place.

NB: a new hotel has been built next to The Red Lion at Whittlesford http://www.laterooms.com/en/hotel-reservations/219618_holiday-inn-express-cambridge-duxford-m11-j10-whittlesford.aspx .