There have been enthusiastic crowds at model shows in recent weeks, where impressive diorama displays and scratch-built models have been on view. The Kilkenny Model Toy Show was a resounding success according to the organisers. In the region of 5,500 visited the event at Cillín Hill, The Hub, Co Kilkenny. Model toy maker Ciarán Dunne of Perfect-32 and Brian Butler were the event organisers.

The Moira Farm and Construction Model Display Show at the end of October drew crowds of more than 2,000 people, according to Robert Niblock. Moira hosted more than 30 diorama displays, covering a range of farming and construction scenes. The proceeds of Moira Model Show go to a charity each year. This year, the chosen charity was Care in Crisis, a charity based in Lurgan, Co Armagh, which offers a caring, confidential counselling support.

Peter Niblock and Bruce Lett captured some of the scenes from both shows for this week’s Irish Farmers Journal and there are more photos on www.farmersjournal.ie.

Vintage dispersal sale on Laois farm

Richard Malone Auctioneers, based in Templemore, Co Tipperary, and Athy, Co Kildare, is holding a very important vintage machinery dispersal on Monday 8 December on the farm of the late Robert Moynan, Woodview House, Ballacolla, Co Laois.

Robert was a well-known vintage machinery collector and he restored a number of machines, which will make up the majority of this impressive and rare auction.

Among the machines to be auctioned will be Ferguson and Massey Ferguson vintage tractors, petrol, TVO and diesel, as well as Fordson, David Brown and Steyr tractors. We will have a more complete report on the auction in next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.

National Minitrac and Muddyfarm Models Show

The next Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show takes place this Friday 28 November at Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush, from 2pm to 10pm. Organisers are promising two large halls filled with toy and model tractors suitable for all ages.

A feature of the show has been the muddy show tractors, produced exclusively by National Minitrac at Muddytrac Farm in Co Antrim. The National Minitrac muddy models have been sold locally and exported further afield.

The River Clogh model is the new show tractor for release at the show at Portrush. Fifty dirtied John Deere 6150R have been produced for the event. A 1:43 scale Massey Ferguson 590 4wd tractor, supplied in a clear case containing a moment captured in time, with a tractor at rest in a rural scene, cloaked with a seasonal layer of snow, will also be a special tractor for the show.

Ford 5000 model competition

This Friday (November 28) is the closing date for replies to our Ford Major 5000 model competition, so if you have not already done so, send your coupon to: The Ford Major 5000 Model Competition, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12 or email: mmoro ney@farmersjournal.ie with your answers.

Date Event Location Contact

28 November Northern Ireland Farm Model Show Portrush, Antrim 0044-7732266502

30 November IVETA Christmas Social Adare, Limerick 086-3746944

30 November Donal Killian Tractor Run The Naul, Dublin 086-0813725

10 December Over the Water Vintage Club road run Wexford 085-1740984

13/14 December Durrow Diecast Model and Toy Show Laois 086-8860598

27 December Sixmilebridge Christmas Road Run Clare 086-3746944

27 December Anglesboro Community Council Tractor Run Cork 086-2549014

27 December Ballynahinch Vintage Ploughing Event Down 028/048-90813225

28 December Barney Greene Tractor Run Man O’War, Dublin 086-0813725