This past weekend Fox One Hobbies traveled north of the border to attend HeritageCon 8. We didn't vend, but it was an awesome experience meeting new friends, attending a splendid show, and viewing great models. Our trip started Friday morning from Dayton, and after visiting Michigan Toy Soldier we arrived in Hamilton around 8:00pm.
On Saturday morning we set out for local area hobby shops. The first stop was Modelers Choice located on Upper James St. in Hamilton. Located in a small strip plaza, the shop was stocked with the latest models. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners. It was great talking models and learning about the health of the hobby in Canada. Following Modeller's Choice we hopped back into our car and headed over to Dundas Valley Hobby. Dundas is another gem of Hamilton. Tucked away in a small building, the shop is packed from floor to ceiling. You can find anything from a LGB Locomotive to the latest aftermarket offering from Eduard.
Modeller's Choice
Dundas Valley Hobby
After a quick visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, we ended our hobby shop tour at Hornet Hobbies. We arrived at 4:30pm, only 30 minutes before they closed so we rushed in to make a quick tour. However, what we thought would be a quick stop turned into a great evening centered around modeling. We met the owner, Dave Browne, who showed us his fabulous collection of models. Works of art by the greats, to include Mike Rinaldi, Tony Bell, and Harvey Low, adorned the glass display cases along with battlefield relics.
Mike Rinaldi's Unbelievable Stug III
Harvey Low's Battleship Nagato Masterpiece
In addition to top quality display models, Hornet has one of the best selections of modeling related items we've seen at a hobby shop. The shelves were loaded with the latest releases and every conceivable paint brand. Without a doubt Dave knows how to stock what modelers need.
Hornet's Top Quality Stock
We met a few other locals at the shop, and continued our conversations at dinner and then over the late night Maple Leafs win. If you're ever in Toronto you have to visit Hornet Hobbies.
HeritageCon's Packed Vendor Area
As Sunday morning broke we packed our bags and headed to HeritageCon. The parking lot of the museum was packed, which was a great sign. We ended up parking out on the tarmac at the rear of the museum. Inside, the vendors filled half of the hanger! What a great sight. We quickly entered our models, and headed over to Ontario's largest hobby shop. In the vendor area we ran into familiar faces from IPMS Region 4, and met new friends from Canada. Everyone was incredibly friendly and inviting. Canadian's exemplify the spirit of our hobby.
The quality of models at the show were amazing, the judges had their work cut out for them. The show room closed at 12:30pm for judging, at which point we toured the museum. Time flew by as we walked through the hanger admiring Canada's pristine restoration work. We wandered outside as well to look at the aircraft that were moved for the show. The judging ended around 2:45pm and the awards presentation started promptly at 3:00pm. At HeritageCon all of the winners are announced. We loved this. Rounds of applause echoed through the hanger to congratulate the well deserved award winners. By 4:00pm the show ended, we said our goodbyes, and hit the road for home.
What we loved most about HeritageCon is that it showed the health of our hobby. Everyone at the show had a smile on their face, and without a doubt enjoyed themselves. HeritageCon 8 was a great time and we will return next year.
Happy Modeling
