Microscopic view of the world, and Malta, at war

The Aviation Museum is hosting an exhibition of scale models in its Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar in Ta' Qali.

The hangar offers a breathtaking and adequate backdrop to the models. Miniatures of a number of aircraft and vehicles used during the battle for Malta could be compared to their original.

Running until the end of the month, the exhibition features an extensive range of faithful representations of the collaboration between man and machine during major international conflicts, from ancient times to the more recent wars but emphasis is given to Malta and the surrounding Mediterranean.

In fact, the exhibition consists of aircraft, vessels, armoured vehicles, dioramas and figurines. Each entails months of research, construction and finishing. The exhibition, entitled History In Scale, is held every year by the Society of Scale Modellers and was made possible thanks to a sponsorship by Bank of Valletta. David Grech, a member of the club, explained that the models were either constructed from blueprints or based on commercial model kits. But since kits lack perfection, Mr Grech added, the more experienced modeller goes further in detail.

Detail, such as engine parts, is available in shops but, in the case of the more adventurous modeller, such detail is cast from resin. In some instances, the miniature is based on authentic photographs. The club was set up after a number of model enthusiasts congregated to share their experience back in 1981.

Since then, the association has been recognised as one of the leading scale model societies in Malta.

It is an affiliated member of international modelling federations and societies whose members participate in foreign competitions and have achieved outstanding results. Those interested can contact the club on info@ipmsmalta.com.

The exhibition is open to the public between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and parking facilities are available at no cost at the museum's premises.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com