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Press Releases
October 1, 2007
Press Release
The 4th annual IMCATS (International Model Construction and Truck Show) was held
September 15 & 16, 2007. The show takes place annually in Clarence, NY
and draws people from all over the USA, Canada and overseas. The show is like
Discovery Channels Mega Machines, but in miniature. The show gives collectors
and enthusiasts the opportunity to meet and talk with model industry manufacturer’s
representatives, see new releases and prototypes, and hear about planned models.
Attendees are also able to see a large array of customized and scratch built models,
fill in their collections, and most importantly, make new friends, meet old friends
and catch up on what is happening in the construction and truck hobby world.
A number of new model releases were announced and shown. John Moore and Milo
Weiss of Towsley’s Collectibles brought the final prototypes of the new Bucyrus
International 49-R blast hole drills used in mining operations and the Manitowoc
4100 crane. Also on exhibit was the Manitowoc 16000 crane, the 1:50 scale
model of the cranes erecting windmills in Bliss, NY. Attendees had the opportunity
to watch as the Manitowoc was built and rigged. They also displayed prototype 1:50
scale models of Oshkosh H-Series snowblowers and sweepers used at airports, Pierce
fire trucks, and the HEMTT, the Heavy Expanded Modular Transport Truck that
is supporting our brave men in uniform in Iraq. The exclusive distributor
for the Oshkosh models is Buffalo Road Imports of Clarence, NY. EMD, the model
producing arm of Buffalo Road Imports, previewed the prototype model of the Bucyrus-Erie
22B shovel. Some of these shovels can still be seen around the area in abandoned
quarries. First Gear displayed their new Mack Granite semis with Talbert lowboy
and the 1:25 scale model of the Allis-Chalmers HD-41 bulldozer which was the largest
bulldozer of its time.
There were many great custom and one of a kind models on display. The highlight
of the show was a fully motorized and operational radio controlled 1:16 scale model
of a Grove truck crane erecting a cell tower in the hall. When fully rigged,
the handbuilt model reaches 21 feet into the air. There were also many custom
built static models including cranes, excavators, trucks and dozers in various scales
from 1:87 to 1:25 scale. In the custom model competition, prizes were awarded
for the following categories: diorama - 1st prize diorama to Kevin Skinner
of Syracuse, NY for a 1:50 scale quarry and road construction scene, best custom
model for the under 16 age group – 1st prize to Greg Ferguson for a 1:50
scale Link Belt 8000 excavator, 1st prize for adult custom model went
to Jason Vogler of Churchill, NY.
A broad range of dealers from all across the US were present, and collectors had
the opportunity to add to their collections with a vast array of old, rare, discontinued,
custom and current models and memorabilia for sale. Also available were parts
and decals for those into customizing. During the show, Tim Twichell
provided even more entertainment by showing videos of mining equipment, cranes,
heavy haulage, and other construction equipment videos from his personal collection.
Saturday night was a relaxing evening where many of the attendees went out for dinner
and to talk things over.
The date for the 5th annual IMCATS show has not been set yet but will
be announced on the IMCATS home page at www.imcats.com.
The web site includes pictures from this year’s show along with pictures from previous
shows. IMCATS is hosted by Buffalo Road Imports and EMD of Clarence, NY.
High resolution pictures of the show are available on the IMCATS web site.
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