FRIDAY:

Friday morning saw most members at the venue viewing the various entries into the different categories, at the various vendors or simply viewing the large number of items on display throughout the vast area that make up the armour display area of the Armour Museum. As the Olifant tank is in high demand for information for scale modelling purposes, the School of Armour provided an example to the modellers. The interest in the Olifant Mk1A was overwhelming. This was followed by the official opening of the National Convention for 2006 by the OC of the School of Armour, Col Andrew Boyle. Gary Osthoff of the Bloemfontein IPMS branch was the facilitator throughout the proceedings. The official opening was closed by the OC inviting everyone to assemble at 14h30 in front of the building for a unique experience – and did this prove to be unique in every way!

HMS Snowberry - T. Scholtz	Sea King - A. Liebenberg
Buffel & Moffel - B. Dyer	Hawk Mk120 LIFT - C. Deale

As entries had closed by the time of the opening ceremony, the judging briefing followed with members not involved with the judging, excused from the proceedings. In total more than 300 models were entered by more than 50 modellers. Most classes were well supported with the hottest contented classes being 32 scale aircraft, large scale helicopters, 35 scale armour, small scale armour and surprisingly the ship classes. It was great to see such a large number of ships being entered as these classes were largely neglected over the last few years. Disappointing was the very low entry into the car classes despite the traditional car model builders (being Kimberley)  virtually on the doorstep of Bloemfontein with the other large contingent of car builders in Johannesburg - a mere 3 and a bit hours away.

Theo Groenewald during the judging.

 The small scale armour saw a huge surge in entries which is very different to the trend seen over the last few years. This can be attributed to the establishment of a Small Scale Armour SIG in Cape Town a few months ago. Standard were very high with many entries finished in the latest techniques. What a delight to see a large number of South African subjects ranging from the latest jets, helicopters and armour.

The clock finally struck 14h30 which saw everyone assemble in front of the building in small groups adjacent to the connecting street. Great joy came to the faces of the armour enthusiasts with the ever increasing diesel engine roar of a large chunk of armoured steel, although obscured from view. There were quite a few smiles and sheer jubilation when a pristine condition “Rooikat” AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) appeared. With this excitement still in the air another metal monster appeared in the form of the TTD (Tank Technology Demonstrator) all to the delight and excitement of the crowd.

Rooikat arrive.

TTD arrive.

Both vehicles were parked next to the assembled crowd. The rest of the afternoon’s proceedings were conveyed to the crowd, but as it would turn out the School of Armour still had a few surprises up their sleeve…. which were kept tightly under wraps for the moment.  What followed was a short AFV/tank ride on top of the tank to the instructional area a short distance away. Members could travel on either the TTD or the “Rooikat”. Within seconds positions were taken up on top of either the “Rooikat” or TTD and everyone eagerly waited to get underway to the instructional area.

Ready for the tank/AFV drive.