Big Al

Hello everyone. Thank you to all of you who were able to attend the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show last Friday and Saturday. We had a great time with our largest ever numbers of visitors. This time the integration of various family oriented activities proved very successful. The diversity of toys and models available meant there was something for everyone of all ages. There were other new dimensions to the event amongst them being the first public viewing of Muddytrac Farm where our muddy tractors are produced. If you were amongst those who witnessed the associated presentations we hope you enjoyed what you saw and heard. More to follow ( but not at present ) on various other aspects of a thoroughly enjoyable event

Tractors really do get about and these three recently visited the Whiterocks just west of Portrush. A few yards from where this shot was taken is Royal Portrush Golf Club where this year's Irish Open is taking place. This picture goes to show that sun, sea. sand and tractors are for some 'just living the dream'

Preparations are well in hand for the Show next week. Our International IH 956XL 4wd tractor is the fifth in a series of six tractors themed around the Counties of Northern Ireland. This makes these tractors rather unique and very collectable. Show tractors are selling very well and the price is £40 collected at the Show or for those who cannot attend there is the option to purchase the tractor directly from www.nationalminitrac.com for £45 which includes postage.

Things are a little quieter now so this is a quick post to thank all of you who made it to the Show at Portrush. Thankfully there was no snow this time. Great range of trade stands kept the crowds happy. The new angles incorporated into the event also seem to have been well received. It is now six years since we set the local farm model scene alive with our first Show and it has been great to see the subsequent development of other events throughout the island. The next Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show will take place on Good Friday 6th April 2012 (Easter holidays). This gives you all plenty of time to plan ahead and make tracks to Portrush; the home of Graeme McDowell.. US Open Winner, Darren Clarke..British Open Winner, North West 200... the World's best motorcycle road races and only six miles from Bushmills Distillery and eight miles to the Giants Causeway. It is all here including great beaches, surfing, walking, cycling, top rated restaurants and this very fine tractor show. Hope to see you here.

The Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show takes place between 2.00pm and 10.00pm of Friday 25th November 2011 at Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush. Co. Antrim. Further information on www.nationalminitrac.com

Thanks to all our exhibitors and visitors who made the Show another unique occasion in the world of model farming. Fantastic weather facilitated visitors and their families in enjoying both the show and the great local beaches. As Phil and Kirsty would say, 'location, location, location.' This time we certainly had many more very young visitors including some transported in their buggies. Youngest visitor was only twenty two days old ! As ever it was great to see fans of the Show calling by on the quest for inspiration. At the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show we are always glad to speak with others who call by with us for a chat and we like to offer encouragement where possible. Hopefully all were well catered for and have some fresh positive and constructive ideas for the future. There is of course only so much time to speak with people when one is really busy. Apologies to those who we didn't manage to have a chat with. For those who we hadn't the opportunity to speak with I would in the meantime make a humble recommendation to indulge in an exceedingly fine little book by Norman Vincent Peale; The Power of Positive Thinking. When things seem down a dose of positivity can be the very thing. At a tenner or less it could be the best buy some make in 2011. Warm regards to all. Big Al.

Many thanks your Lordship. Your kind comments and encouragement are as ever, most welcome. I totally understand that we are a long way away from many of our model tractor friends and that that is exactly where this fantastic forum comes in as it gives model tractor enthusiasts a means of sharing and encouraging each other in what we do... keep up the good work Andy and team. Spreading the word about our great worldwide hobby is key and we do our little bit here by having a prominent link to FTF from off our front page at www.nationalminitrac.com Now regarding the previous posting concerning hotel rates I don't have the prices. The General Manager and I had a meeting last night and rooms have been filling up really really well. I have been a bit late in tidying things at that end. A quick call to Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel on 0044 (0) 28 7082 3507 quoting Portrush Tractor Show will get the answer. As mentioned earlier there is the Classic Tractor Road Run on Staurday. There is also show jumping going on at Portrush on Saturday. On Easter Monday there is a fireworks display happening at Portrush. With all of this going on it really should be a great weekend for families on the North Coast. There is of course always the Giants Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery to enjoy nearby. For two wheeled fans we have the North West 200 International Road Races coming up on Saturday 21st May with practices and motorcycle events happening throughout the week. Guys and girls.. we have got it going on over here on the great North Coast so even if you can't make it for our model tractor show there are lots of things to see and do in the area throughout the year. In closing I quote "Nothing's Going To Stop Us Now" This is of course a piece performed by Starship which was a prominent soundtrack in the film Mannequin. I hope that that might get aired on digital FM95.4 or 94.5 on Monday 18 April around 3.50 pm ? ? Of course if some are looking a little bit of encouragement or could take inspiration from persistence, pushing out the boat and helping others... watch the film. You too could make your dream come true... but only if you have a dream to begin with. No time like the present to start. Best Wishes Everyone. Big Al.

Just hot off the press so to speak. If you are intending to stay at Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush in conjunction with the Show then please quote ' Portrush Tractor Show' in order to avail of a special accommodation rate. The hotel telephone number is 0044 (0) 2870 823 507.

Hi Everyone. I hope this finds you well and continuing to enjoy our shared hobby of model tractor collecting. The great thing about model tractors is that they provide such a positive opportunity not only for model tractor fans to indulge themselve. They also provide a fantatsic platform for people from all backgrounds to enjoy each others company socially. The world of model tractors really is such a friendly place isn't it. Every one gets on so well and offers each other support and encouragement at every possible opportunity. I think that that is one of the core aspects of our hobby. The ability to club together and try to make things better for each other. There are hard times out there for many and it may be that the grass roots of future business empires are being nurtured and developed right here in model tractor land. One day we may all look back and be glad that we took the opportunity when it presented itself to help or encourage someone. It costs nothing and can have a long lasting positive benefit. Anyway. Coming up on this superb island we have our next show on Good Friday 22nd April. All the details are on the poster. For this show we have a new Show tractor which is a John Deere 8295R. It looks real good even with it being muddied. The use of local imagery and individually numbered certificates help to set the tractors off very well. This big Deere entitled 'Kingdom of Mourne' can be viewed and pre-ordered at www.nationalminitrac.com There are also limed effect Massey Fergusons and New Hollands available now. On Saturday 23rd There is the North West Vintage tractor road-run taking place nearby which makes for a great weekend for tractors fans of all ages. Stay positive and thankyou to you all for your continued support. Warmest regards to everyone ! Big Al.

Dave has done it again.. another superb model. Thanks for sharing the pictures BOR. I see there's a very rare yellow DBP machine on the bay at present. Could be interesting as well.

BOR, many thanks for your kind comments. It's always nice to get feedback... especially positive feedback. Glad to hear this show went well for you. We tried some new things with the timing, title, location, marketing and incorporation of a new angle or too. Until things are tried you never know how they will turn out. On that note; if any FTF folks are contemplating getting on with new things in the world of model farming or other ventures in the outside world... don't just think about it.. do it. From out of the midst of the FTF may come one dynamo who creates or produces major economic or social change. Whoever you are... don't hide... you too could be a Harry Ferguson.

Yesterday.... all my troubles seemed so far away Now I'm home and don't know what to say Except, I sure remember yesterday. Thanks everyone for the great time on my inaugural visit... be prepared... I'll be back !

Thankyou everyone for your very encouraging messages. They are greatly appreciated. The work of an event organiser is not an easy one. To get so many messages of encouragement both during and after the event has been a humbling experience. Before, during and after the show has been phsically and mentally demanding. When you put practically all you have got into something like this it is the words of support and appreciation that help one to keep going. Pictures of the Show will follow as soon as I can catch up with our photographer. All being well, the next Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show will take place on Friday 26th November 2010 at Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush. We will be delighted to see you there. In the meantime if any are looking for a great place to chill out this year, next month we have the Northwest 200 motorcycle road races. Here on the north coast the surfs great, the grass is green, the beaches are golden and the scenery is splendid. Plenty of Massey Fergusons, Fendt and John Deeres in the area as well.

Thanks for putting on the pictures of our first ever Show Tractor which is also probably the first ever Show Tractor produced for a farm model, agricultural or vintage show on the island of Ireland. This is as close as a lot of people are likely to ever get to this particular model. Sorry to those of you who couldn't get one of these exceptional model tractors produced by the genius model makers; DBP Models. Congratulations to those of you who will collect your models at Spalding. I am sure you will be delighted with your tractors. The inset picture might even encourage you to visit the north coast and enjoy a very special part of the World. The Show on Good Friday went incredibly well, surpassing our expectations. Thankyou so much to our many FTF friends who attended. Hopefully we will see you again in the not too distant future. Maybe next time some may find the distance to travel a somewhat lesser challenge..... no snow to worry about.

Be good to see you. Forgot to mention earlier that Millwood Crafts the leading local manufacturer of superior wooden farm sets is launching new items to their range at the Show. TV footage of their business can be viewed on their site www.millwoodcrafts.co.uk .