Tail End Charlie

The spring round of exhibitions is over. We are glad we could meet with you, happy we were able to visit our favorite places again, and we’ll be delighted if we can keep meeting you at these places in the coming years. That’s never guaranteed. Here in the Czech Republic, some of the biggest events (Modelbrno, Nymburk's Kitsaloon, or Pilsenkit), where we used to have a booth, have disappeared. And the events meant to replace them attract nowhere near as many modelers as their predecessors did. We see declining interest year by year, for example, at PanthersCup in Prosek. I cannot praise the Panthers highly enough for organizing it, as they are among few still willing and able to host a major event in the Czech Republic. It’s actually the last large event in Prague, which might seem odd, but when we researched potential venues for this year’s E-day, we discovered that prices for spaces suitable for such an event in and around Prague are so high that organizing it could be financially unsustainable for any modeling club. So we’re thankful that at least events like PanthersCup are still going strong, and we’re always happy to support them with our participation.

The spring round of exhibitions is over.

We are glad we could meet with you, happy

we were able to visit our favorite places again,

and we’ll be delighted if we can keep meeting

you at these places in the coming years. That’s

never guaranteed. Here in the Czech Republic,

some of the biggest events (Modelbrno,

Nymburk's Kitsaloon, or Pilsenkit), where

we used to have a booth, have disappeared.

And the events meant to replace them attract

nowhere near as many modelers as their

predecessors did. We see declining interest

year by year, for example, at PanthersCup in

Prosek. I cannot praise the Panthers highly

enough for organizing it, as they are among

few still willing and able to host a major event

in the Czech Republic. It’s actually the last

large event in Prague, which might seem odd,

but when we researched potential venues for

this year’s E-day, we discovered that prices

for spaces suitable for such an event in and

around Prague are so high that organizing

it could be financially unsustainable for any

modeling club. So we’re thankful that at least

events like PanthersCup are still going strong,

and we’re always happy to support them with

our participation.

Since we want to continue attending major

modeling exhibitions, we’ve started traveling

abroad. In March, we visited exhibitions in

Verona, Italy, and Bytom, Poland, for the

second time. Bytom is a traditional competition

similar in format to those in the Czech Republic.

It turned out to be a great destination and

an opportunity to reconnect with our Polish

customers, where we hadn't been in years.

Verona, however, is a completely different

kind of event. It’s primarily a commercial fair

for models of airplanes, tanks, ships, trains,

as well as costumes, masks, toys, and just

about anything one can play with. Modelers

from all sorts of clubs across Italy come

together there, and we thoroughly enjoy the

whole experience with them. I highly praise

their friendly attitude and warm hospitality.

In April, we took part in the exhibition in

Prostějov and wrapped up the spring program

last week in Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary.

The “Easter Prostějov“ event keeps getting

better every year. This year, the tables were

literally packed with beautifully built models.

I would like to encourage more modeling

companies to come and support the Prostějov

club and their excellent organizational work—

help turn “Easter Prostějov“ into an even

bigger show. This year, the hall was full of

visitors, and I believe this event is well on

its way to becoming one of the largest in the

Czech Republic.

Let me add a few more lines about Moson.

It truly deserves it. The organizers have long

done a fantastic job, to the point that Moson

is now considered a must-attend event for

modelers every year. This year, about 2,500

beautifully built models were on display.

The organizers developed a sophisticated

category and judging system, secured a high-

quality judging team, and most importantly,

arranged for outstanding facilities in

cooperation with the city. Combined with

the charm of the spa town, they’ve created

a perfect mix that works and attracts visitors

from all over the world. Our booth was visited

by customers from Taiwan, China, the USA,

Latin America, Australia, and all corners of

Europe. The only downside is the declining

quality of services in the town, which clearly

only comes alive during cultural and social

events. Otherwise, it seems pretty dead—

which, combined with other factors, has led to

a sharp rise in prices for accommodation, food,

drinks, and even spa admittance, while quality

of service has decreased.

So, what’s next for us this year? For now, we’ll

rest and recharge. In summer, we’re headed

to the IPMS USA Nationals in Virginia Beach.

We also plan to attend the Plzeňský Velbloud

(Pilsen Camel) for the first time. Later in the

year, we’ll once again take part in competitions

in Eindhoven, Telford, and visit our Slovak

brothers in Nitra and Bratislava. And I almost

forgot about E-day! This year, for the first time,

it will be at a new venue—in my hometown

of Litoměřice, at the prestigeous “Výstaviště

Zahrada Čech“, Czech Garden Exhibition

Grounds. This place has the potential to offer

modelers an experience similar to Moson—or

maybe even better. So mark your calendars

for October 4th and come to E-day. This year’s

event is definitely going to be worth it.

TOUR OF EXHIBITIONS

Jakub Nademlejnský

INFO Eduard102

May 2025