For over 30 years organizes the NAMAC six times per year a swapmeeting for scalemodels, books and leaflets. "Houten" (as it is called named after the town where the meeting is held) covers more than one kilometer long tables and is with more than 4000 visitors the largest in Europe. Attracting dealers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic and some other European countries are present here, so something for every collector to find. The fair is open from 10.00 am to 15.00 pm.  

In addition, the NAMAC releases six times a year, the full color magazine of the NAMAC, "Auto in Miniatuur". Every issue contains a number of regular columns, where the news miniature car area being treated. Furthermore, more and focus on another specific area of the hobby, such as collecting certain car brands, types and building descriptions. Naturally completed with all the latest news in detail. "Auto in Miniatuur" is also available from bookshops and in the kiosk.

 Of course, the NAMAC runs its own NAMAC Facebook group, and since last year the members weekly on Saturday and Sunday again and again are stimulated to actively participate and share pictures of the scale models in their collection in line with the weekend theme.  

Saturday, December 2 is the last fair of 2023 and, true to tradition, the "December" fair is always the busiest and best-attended fair. There are also proportionately more foreign sellers. The chance to score that long-sought scale model before the coming holidays......

Dan Models

For me the opportunity to visit the stand of D-Models aka Dan Models,  from Romania, and personally pick up two of his latest custom scale models that I had ordered. Today's loot: the Caterpillar D8D (cable system) Dozer and the Dodge D500 truck in Caterpillar "Old Highway Yellow" and equipped with a Hyster winch as cargo. Hand built resin models in scale 1:50th. Now looking for a nice logo to turn it into a Caterpillar dealer truck. Do you have any ideas or examples? I am very grateful for your response.

Laster & Bagger

During my tour of the fair, the Banner of Laster & Bagger appeared, and I saw that there was the option to obtain a sample copy and take out a subscription.

Laster & Bagger is THE full color magazine for collectors of Trucks (Laster) & construction (Bagger) machine models, cranes, Trucks and heavy haulage. The magazine is written in German. Detailed English translations of the main sections and features for every issue are available on the website and off course also available as App (both iPhone and Android) for your tablet, computer or smartphone.     

Learn more about this full color magazine for collectors? Take a look at Laster & Bagger Or even better, Follow my choice: Yes, I want to subscribe to Laster & Bagger!

JUST DO IT!

MiniMovers

I also came across a Caterpillar 245 Excavator from NZG that will serve as the basis for the custom Caterpillar 245D Excavator. I also found a Caterpillar 725 Articulated truck from Norscot that will serve as the basis for a Fuel & Oil Articulated truck. The 3D printed parts for this special version arrived in Houten simultaneously from Brazil and via Limburg (thanks Gertjan). Finally, the Caterpillar D400 Articulated Truck from Conrad that I couldn't pass up and will always come in handy. These models are also all in scale 1:50. With these acquisitions I can start a number of beautiful Making-of projects that will be placed on the MiniMovers website. @HOMEWORK!

The visit ended with a nice meeting with a number of (Caterpillar scale model) friends. In short, a successful day!

Wouter 

You are also very welcome in 2024!