Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Magazine 386 December 2019 Back Issue

I’ve got a terrible secret that I have to admit here. I’m… I’m… I’m a plastic model maker.

There, I’ve said it. Just like you lot, the lovely CMM readers, I have more than one hobby, passion and love (not including the family, pets or a good Chardonnay.) Some of us love and enjoy DIY (you’re mad); some go fishing (I just preferred to sit there, chatting); maybe we like classic cars (I lost a lot of money on my Lancia Montecarlo and gave up).

Thing is, this passion has been one that’s lasted longer than that of motorcycles but, recently, I’ve realised something important: I’d never been to a plastic kit model show. I guess it was because I dipped in and out of it over the decades and it wasn’t ‘cool’ to admit. If I tell people I’m a biker, people go ‘ooooh’! To mention that I’m also up to my elbows in Airfix kits, olive drab and duck egg blue at weekends seems a bit naff. But it’s not.

It’s the most wonderful hobby and I went to my first big model show EVER this month and had a ball: like-minded people, trade stands that had the latest and greatest products on sale. I spent a packet and came away revitalised.

The point I’m trying to make is – after coming back similarly full of beans from CMM’s Stafford Show – get out there, meet like-minded people and chew the fat, share information, hints, tips, parts and outrageous stories. Below I pay tribute to our lot who put on such great shows.

If you want to get out there in 2020 (it’s not far away) then go to www.classicbikeshows.com and make a large space in your diary.