Must-go factor: Magnificent model shows

Most model makers are specialists, at least to some degree. Whether you prefer to make aircraft, cars, sci-fi or militaria, it’s easy to stay within your zone and ignore what’s happening outside.

The best way to get a “helicopter view” of the wider model world out there is to go and visit a few model shows – even better, to enter your own works, and see if you can take home a medal or two.

Apart from the sheer range of entries at a big show – the pictures here were taken at Britain’s National Exhibition Centre – there is also the inspiration factor.

Seeing how others go about tackling problems (weathering and metal finishes are just two examples that spring to mind) can be a tremendous helping hand to improve your own stuff.