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MFCA 60th Annual Show
July
28, 2001
The
Miniature Figure Collectors of America (MFCA) 60th Annual Show took
place on Friday and Saturday, May 4th and 5th of this year
at the Valley Forge Convention Center. This show consistently brings modelers
from all across the world together to share a mutual joy of miniature figure
modeling.
(Background
and History)
From
the organization's name you may get the (misleading) impression that this club
does nothing but collect miniature figures. Even though this is what the club
originally did some 60 years ago, over the years they have slowly changed their
emphasis.
According
to club member Art Etchells, the club was founded in 1941. Originally, their
members did only collect small figures. These were mainly metal, antique toy
soldiers.
However,
in the 1950's, an ordinance category was added to their annual show. This was
later expanded into different types of model categories that included small
figures.
Over
the last three or four years their contests have opened up completely to include
all types of models. This was done as a conscious effort to expand the emphasis
of the show, in an attempt to bring "new blood" into the
fold.
The
MFCA Show is truly a worldwide event, drawing fellow model builders from
European countries like France, England, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
There
are roughly 300 MFCA members found throughout the world. Their roster includes
such notable Grand Masters as Shep Paine, Bill Horan, Greg DiFranco, Terry
Worster and Ron Tuinson.
(The
Show)
I
arrived at the Valley Forge Convention Center at around 12 Noon. There are a
number of Delaware Valley Scale Modeling Club members who also belong to MFCA.
They were on hand, assisting with the show.
When
I arrived at the registration table I was notified that registration had
actually closed at 12. However, the kind gents manning the table - (many of whom
were fellow Del Val members) - allowed me to squeeze my one entry in. Who says who
you know is not important? J My entry was a Star Wars Trade
Federation Battle Tank.
(The
Vendors)
After setting the tank up I headed back to check out
the vending area. Naturally, most of the items for sale were small figures. There were also
plastic and some older metal figures being sold as well. Also, there were a number of
Verlinden figures and accessories out.
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Several
vendors were selling traditional plastic model kits. Also, there were quite a
few selling different types of large, GI Joe sized military men, along with
various types of books and magazines.
(The
Model Entries)
After
making my way around the circuit I headed back into the contest area.
While going from table to table I began to realize the scope of the entries out
on display. With many of them being, well, miniature in size, there were far
more out than I originally thought. I was later told that well over 1,000 models
had been registered.
I
was surprised to once again run into my fellow modeling bud Mark Vantine. (It
seems like every time this year I've attended a show Mark has been there as
well).
Mark
had been trying to get to this show for a number of years now and finally
was able to attend.
Mark
had his young son Wyeth with him. In addition, Mark brought a number of his
regulars for the contest.
The
figures varied greatly in subject matter and in time era. There were
16th or 17th Century French and English Troops. There were knights in
full armor.
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There
were Cowboys and Indians and modern military men.
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There
were dragons, dinosaurs, monsters and some sci-fi
figures.
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There
were small dioramas and vignettes and a shadow box or two. There were some
pretty large diorama scenes and large scaled figures as well. In addition, there
was a small number of "traditional" aircraft, armor and automobile models on
display.
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There
really was a smattering of all types of models out.
One bummer with the show was the lighting, which was not all
that good. Because of its dimness, it was hard to view the detail and hence
appreciate the workmanship that went into the smaller figures and scenes. Still, this did not stop me
from taking my traditional healthy compliment of
pictures.
After
admiring the entries, I headed out for a bit. I had a number of hours to kill
before the contest awards were announced.
Several
hours later I was back, checking out who won what. I actually ended up taking a
certificate of merit for my Trade Federation Tank, (which I really hadn't
expected).
(Conclusion)
Even
though the MFCA Show has a somewhat specialized theme to it, models are still
models, regardless of their type.
Many
of the pieces on display at this show are of museum quality. It really is
somewhat special to be able to work on a very small figure maybe several inches
in height, and despite its small size succeed in bringing it to life with
realistic painting, shadowing and highlighting. Many of those entries were truly
something to behold.
The
MFCA Show is held annually during the spring at the Valley Forge Convention
Center in Valley Forge, PA.
If
you're in the area during the spring, do make plans to drop
by.
You'll like what you see.
Note: After receiving the following message from Mark Vantine, I thought it would be good to add it at the bottom of this article.
Thanks Mark.
"After being mentioned in Tony's review of the show, I should chime in… J
The MFCA is indeed a unique show, at least to me, as a Garage Kit guy. The work shown in the Exhibition - (they don't call it a contest-sounds more like Art, I guess) - was unbelievable and inspired me to put in even more effort on the 2 kits that I painted afterwards. In my experience that's the best way to really grow your abilities - get inspired by other's work and push yourself.
I also want to thank Tony for telling me about this show the week before it happened, so that I had the opportunity to not only attend, but to "show" a few Garage Kits in the Exhibit - I'm trying to do my part... J
It was a great feeling of accomplishment to hold my own against some world-class miniaturists (and thrilling for my 4 year old son, who was very vocal each time he heard my name at the awards ceremony - which was the part I'll cherish most).
Again, hats off to you, Tony
Mark VT"
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Copyright © 2008 by Anthony I. Wootson. No material may be reproduced without permission. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.