Paddle tug, over 16ft long

The convention is held annually, over the August Bank Holiday, at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port, England. The first convention was held in 1989, to promote model boating in the Northwest of England. Since then it has grown into one of the largest gathering for scale model boat enthusiasts in the country.

The combination of clubs, trade stands, competitions and the fantastic museum surroundings, make the Boat Convention a fantastic event to visit.

The boat museum is a working canal system and during the event model boats, of various sizes can be seen sailing around the museums own extensive display of canal craft.

Many individuals from the many clubs that take part, just enjoy sailing their models together.  Model's range from small to large, as can be seen. The paddle tug pictured above is actually controlled by the owner sitting inside the model, rather than the usual use of a radio control unit.

HMS Invincible, over 25ft long

Arun Class Lifeboat on static display

In the many rooms of the museum, clubs and individuals display their models for visitors to see, study and ask any question they have about the models.

The event also offers individuals a chance to display their models, but also to show their talent at building scale model ship in competition. Each model is assessed by a panel of judges and awarded a mark.  They are looking for high standard of workmanship, attention to detail, accuracy, research information, presentation.

The best three models in each class of the competition are awarded a prize, and one model is awarded the overall best in show. 

R.S.S. James Clark Ross in competition

North Cheshire Marine Fine Scale Association display

Clubs from all over the country, even some from abroad, make the effort to put on a display of the models. The members always keen to pass on any information about their club, or how they built their particular model, or just a general chat. 

The Boat Convention, at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port is a great model boat event, and North Cheshire Marine Fine Scale Association are proud to have been linked with this event.

So if your interested in taking part, or just going along for a visit, click onto our link below and find out about the Boat Convention.

Cable laying ship - Cable Retriever by Jim Wood