BATTALION 2006

The Australian Plastic Modeler’s Association [APMA] held its second ‘Battalion’ modeling show in Sydney during November 2006. Battalion is geared towards military and civilian vehicle modeling subjects and also carries categories for historical figurines and science-fiction subject matter.
The show alternates each year with ‘Squadron’, a similar APMA event with more emphasis on aviation
and naval themes.

Battalion 06 attracted over 100 modelers and several full-size jeeps (courtesy of the Australian Military Vehicle Collectors Society). Best of all, it brought modelers together to talk about the hobby, and to swap techniques and tips. One of the main aims of the show is to broaden the community exposure of plastic modeling, particularly to one-time modelers who might be tempted back, and to interested youngsters. However, Battalion is also an opportunity for Sydney-based modelers to showcase their talents, which is where the competition helps drive some impressive achievements.

One of the outstanding categories at the 2006 event was figure painting. Although the scales of the figures varied significantly, the talent of the painters truly had to be seen to be believed. Indeed, the winning entry in this category – which also garnered the ‘best of show’ prize – was not a large figure, but it was superbly finished. Nevertheless, the competition was a close-run thing.

The chief organiser for Squadron 07, Peter Hobbins, has thanked Naked Army for supporting both the Battalion and Squadron shows. “The Naked Army team were extremely generous in providing a superb ‘Billy’ figure for Battalion,” he said. “The statue became our ‘best of show’ trophy and it was a real talking point among the competitors.” Peter added that the Naked Army figure was considered a far more valuable prize than a lifeless cup: “you could see how well it was received by the huge smile on the winner’s face!”

Naked Army also supported the Squadron 07 show with the very appropriate ‘Teddy’ figure – a Spitfire pilot from the defence of Darwin. “Since I’m the organiser, it’s a real shame that I couldn’t compete in the show,” said Peter. However, he does have a consolation: after dropping a few less-than-subtle hints, his wife bought him a Naked Army ATF 1966 Vietnam trooper for Christmas last year!

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