Miniature hobby just keeps growing

A Kilkishen-based haulage contractor is getting all revved up for the second Clare Diecast and Model Show in the West County Hotel, Ennis, on Sunday, April 15.
While most people don’t mix their work with recreation, Brian Kavanagh has turned his work into an intriguing hobby.
Inspired by other collectors for what is believed to be one of fastest-growing hobbies in Ireland, Brian the collector has now become Brian the show organiser.
Exhibitors from all over the country will come together for the charity show from 11am to 5pm to display all types of miniature trucks, heavy haulage, plant equipment, cranes, farm equipment, rally cars, a train station and aeroplanes.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Clare Crusaders’ Clinic in Barefield, which provides therapy for more than 190 special needs children with autistic spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Downe syndrome and other conditions.
Run on a voluntary basis, services are free of charge and include speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, physiotherapy and reflexology.
Clare Crusaders does not receive Government funding and relies on the fundraising and donations to generate the €250,000 required each year to maintain its existing services.
Working trucks and cranes for a living, Brian always had an interest in machinery, plant and haulage. When he was a child he loved playing with Britians toys.
Two-and-half-years ago, he saw a model truck on the internet with the Kavanagh name on it and bought it. It literally took off from collecting diecasts to participating and organising shows.
In addition to model plant hire and haulage equipment, Brian hopes to have an exact replica of 1,200 ton mobile crane, which is the biggest mobile crane in the world. Erecting a replica wind turbine as his display, it will also include model trucks and trailers drawing in the turbine parts to the site.
Another man is finishing off a model Glasson Village outside Athlone. With the help of aerial photographs, he has produced a striking replica of the village including details such as the cars, trees and grass.
Another collector is replicating a rally stage with racing cars and crashed vehicles.
Other exhibitors will have models of machines doing quarry work, farm work and planes.
Brian insists people have to see the dioramas to really appreciate all the imagination and creativity that goes into them.
“Collectors use their imagination to mirror real life. One man with a model port has trucks getting ready to take the catch from fishing trawlers to go on roads, with fencing and lighting.
“It is a great charity and a novel idea because a large number of people haven’t seen these shows. This is the second Clare show, which is even bigger with more traders and exhibitors.
“It is a big hobby in Ireland and these shows are bringing a lot of lads out to display their own collection. Collectors are displaying and discussing what they have with other exhibitors. Guys love to talk about their hobby, what they collect, what it is worth and how they got into it,” he explained.
“It is an unique type of a hobby. It is great for children because it encourages creativity, imagination to think and look at what they are doing.
“Some collectors are using household objects to make something using their imagination. People are constantly thinking, how can I do this and how can I make it better.
“You may see something on the road like a windfarm, take a few pictures and think how this would look well on your own display,” he said.
All of Brian’s pieces are collector’s items. There are only 150 of one of his model trucks in the world. Another truck is limited 300 worldwide.  These ones are livered with special company names embossed on them.
Limited editions are available from Collectors’ Toys in Cork. He is an agent for techno trucks and commissions all Irish models.
His daughter, Lily, who is almost five years old, is also “tractor and truck mad” and has her own individual collection. “She loves all this kind of stuff. She loves coming to the shows with me and will sit down behind the table and appreciate it.”
There will be a full Irish collection at the show as well as an agent selling items ranging from dinky cars for €10 with limited edition trucks and cranes costing up to €500. For further information, contact Brian Kavanagh at 087 2914608.