Mat Irvine: There were over 700 entries for the Toledo NNL, so I managed to photograph only a very small sample of the excellent range of bring and show models on display.
The NNL tables (above, below) were packed with extremely well made models, large and small.
This year’s NNL theme was ‘Demolition Derby’ and this had its own section (below).
Dean's second entry was an ultra-rare model (below) of a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The model was based on test shots of a kit that was never issued.
Dean (below) with his two models, plus other entries.
An intriguing display (above, below) of three mainly scratch-built fire engines. They were built by Charles Rowley.
The three-wheel dragster (above, below) actually existed in the metal, and ran in 1961-62. The model was built by Todd Wingerter.
This custom 1953 Mercury (below) was presented on a gleaming mirrored display stand, which allowed for an easy view of the underpan detailing. Note the rectangular wheel stands.
Danny Johnson combined a Monogram Boot Hill Express and Beer Wagon (below) to make a hearse.
Marty Neyrinck's dragster (below) was based on an old Hubley kit of the Nash Metropolitan.
Chris Waroner built an original 1:24 scale Monogram Sizzler dragster (below). The kit has since been retooled by Revell Monogram to the slightly smaller 1:25 scale, and released as the Slingster.
These days no show is complete without some rat rods, so here is a selection (below).
"The name's Bond, James Bond. And here are some of my cars (below) most of which haven’t been returned to Q. Well, in one piece anyway...”
Beach scene (below) by David Trevorrow, utilising the Tiki Hut from Revell's Surfite kit. The figure comes from MPC's 1929 Ford Woody, the car itself looking somewhat like a modified Revell Ed Roth Tweedy Pie.
The Nameless National Luminaries title is an odd one, described by model fan Scott like this:
"…This term was originally coined by Mark Gustavson (of GSL* fame) in a letter to the editor he wrote to SAE (Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine) essentially blasting the modeling community big names for not attending a model contest. A group of notable builders decided to hold a non-competitive meet and gave it the name of NNL. I believe our own Andy Martin was in attendance at that historic event. There are pictures and history published somewhere.
"This first meet became the groundwork for similar meets across the country. I've been to a few different ones. The Nor Cal NNL is HUGE.
"Personally, I really like the idea behind NNLs - a non competitive gathering, where builders can bring anything they want and share ideas and laughs. I have seen NNL "Best of Show" features lately that, in my opinion, are just turning NNLs into a one-winner contest. People's choice may be OK, but even that is subject to clan nominations. But Best of Show - nope. I just don't think awards should be part of the NNL scene."
So now you know!
Interesting article about the GSL Championship here.