Model aircraft are very popular and have become not just a big hobby for many people, but also big business. Many companies have been in the industry though several have gone out of business over the years. Popular scales vary from 1:72 to 1:500, the latter being a big collectors' market. In our exhibitions we are planning to show many different models, including what was, for many years, the prime scale – 1:144 and of which there are numerous models, mainly plastic to be assembled and painted by the collector.

But we shall also have, as the centre-piece of the exhibitions, a fully operational 1:200 scale working airport with models from a couple of major manufacturers. You will be able to watch planes on approach and landing, taxiing, docking at their "gates" before being refuelled, reloaded and cleared for take-off. It will be, by far, the most realistic modelling of an airport ever made.

Radio controlled aircraft and helicopters are also very popular, though obviously cost more than the static models. Scales are larger and most are wither petrol powered or, increasingly popular, battery powered, though the flight endurance time for the latter is still an issue, with no more than about 15-20 minutes' of flight possible per session, without changing power packs. At the top end there are now feasible, working jet engines to power model aircraft. We shall be bringing you more information on all these shortly. Please be patient.