A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: IPMS BOLTON SHOW 2026

27th January 2026

The IPMS Bolton show has become a staple part of the UK’s model show scene. Not only is it the traditional curtain raiser to the season, it is in my opinion, arguably the best one-day show as well. Filled with all manner of club stands and traders, the show is always very busy, the venue’s easy access and plentiful parking making it a must-visit for many modellers from the UK’s midlands and North West.

As in previous years, my good friend Haris Ali and I took the trip up north to visit the show and display plenty of our work from the last few years. Despite coming down with a heavy cold that had me racing for the local chemist halfway through the day, we enjoyed seeing everyone who had braved the cold weather to attend, sharing our thoughts on the hobby the models that we’ve built, and the ones that we are planning to tackle over the next twelve months.

Here you’ll find some of the models that caught my eye, that I hope in turn give you a flavour of this wonderful one-day show.

See you tomorrow.