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The Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show is celebrating four years since its’ inception. Now firmly established as the premier dedicated farm toy and model show in Ireland the organisers Keith and Alastair are looking forward to what promises to be an excellent event for all farm model enthusiasts from throughout Northern and Southern Ireland.

The Show is located one hour’s drive north of Belfast. Visitors from further afield will be most welcome to Portrush where they can enjoy a very reasonably priced short break. Hotels and guest houses on www.nationalminitrac.com Attractions in the area include world class golf links, the Giants Causeway and mile upon mile of deserted sandy beaches.

Visitor numbers have risen steadily over the years to this twice yearly event which is firmly ensconced in the farm model collectors’ calendar. The Show is once again being held at Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush in County Antrim. Taking place from 2.00pm on Friday 27th November the organisers look forward to welcoming their many farm model collecting friends to this exceptional event which offers an unrivalled setting and atmosphere for collectors along with their friends and families to enjoy their hobby and meet with fellow enthusiasts.

On offer will be farm models in 1:87, 1:32 and 1:16 scales. Britains, Universal Hobbies, SIKU, ROS, Wiking, Schuco and others will be available at this one stop model tractor mecca. DBPModel Tractors one of Europe’s leading model makers will be attending the Portrush Show. DBP are renowned for their phenomenal models including County and Roadless tractors as well their superb 1:32 scale Massey Ferguson models which will be available at Portrush. The event also offers lorries by Corgi, Tekno, WSI and model cars to include rally cars and American muscle cars. Local farm diversification businesses also attend the event offering some of their local craft merchandise. One such business; Millwood Crafts will be in attendance with their extensive range of highly acclaimed wooden farmyards.

An essential aspect of the Show is to promote local businesses and Charity. The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund will benefit from prize draws and a model tractor auction during the event. The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is a totally voluntary organisation which exists to support research and treatment of kidney disease directly for the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland. The Show organisers fully support the work of this deserving charity which has impacted so many people throughout Northern Ireland

Running alongside the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show will be the inaugural Northern Ireland ActivTRAC Show www.activtrac.net offering a comprehensive range of pedal, battery and petrol powered fun, leisure and business vehicles. These will include pedal go karts and tractors, Segways, quads and mini tractors. Visitors to this Show will be able to race to win a Scalextric and try other fun activities for all the family. Also on offer will be the opportunity to try out local active experiences.

Further details regarding this two for one family extravaganza can be obtained by phoning Keith 0776 271 9494 or Alastair on 0773 2266 502 or 02870 824 323.

6th Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show

The 6th Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show on 21st March 2008 at Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush proved to be a resounding success.

Visitor numbers refelected the continued strong local interest in farm toys and models. Traders reported brisk business throughout the event. The 1:32 scale Wiking Fendt 936 and Weise Toys Fendt 515c proved to be amongst the most popular model tractors at this Show.

Show Sponsor and exhibitor John McElderry (M&T) Ltd also had an impressive display of Massey Ferguson quads and ride on lawnmowers.

John McElderry of John McElderry (M&T)Ltd presenting sponsorship to Alastair for the 6th Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show on Good Friday.

Photos from the show...

The 5th Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show.
BC Plant are proud to be associated with the 5th Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show. Visitors to the event will be able to view real JCB machines and purchase JCB gifts and merchandise.

BC Plant Ltd commenced trading in November 1971, and became the sole distributors for the full JCB product range in Northern Ireland and County Donegal in 1978. Resulting in 100% total dedication to Sales, Parts and Service backup for all JCB Machines. JCB have been building machines for 60 years, with 6 factories in Staffordshire, England, and a further four around the globe including India, South America and with China currently under construction. The extensive product range includes Telescopic Loadalls, Fastracs, Wheeled Loaders, Tracked Excavators, Mini Excavators, Rough Terrain Forklifts and Teletruk Industrial Forklifts.

Here at BC Plant we offer our customers quality products, with over thirty years experience and a proven track record, backed up by the highest standard of Parts and Service support, we provide the best possible investment value for money for the customer.

We aim to keep JCB products at the forefront of the market through superior customer care, and by providing a first class service in all areas promoting customer lifetime loyalty.

BC Plant, Unit 2, Windyhill Retail Park, Windyhill Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 ORA.

Tel (028) 7776 6999 Fax (028) 7776 5675 [website]

Photos from the 5th Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show

New portal for tractor collectors and enthusiasts
National Minitrac is the exciting new portal for tractor collectors and enthusiasts. Formerly the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Sale this rapidly growing venture has seen unprecedented year on growth in the farm enthusiasts and collectors market.

It was in the summer of 2005 that Northern Ireland model tractor entrepreneurs; Keith and Alastair combined to create the first ever Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Sale. This was a first for farm model enthusiasts on the entire island of Ireland. The inaugural event on the 20th November 2005 took place at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine and attracted around 500 visitors.

Building on this success a second show was held at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine on the 14th April 2006. This time there were in the region of 700 visitors in attendance. At this stage Keith, Leslie and Alastair accepted that this event was here to stay and had potential for further growth. The third sale took place at the same venue on Friday 10th November when this tractor extravaganza had an over threefold increase in the number of exhibitors and a doubling of visitor numbers to over 1400 adults.

Owing to pressure for space the event has now been relocated and will take place at the Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush between 2.00 and 10.00pm on Friday 6th April 2006.

National MiniTrac organisers Keith and Alastair
National MiniTrac organisers Keith and Alastair are joined by Lorna Wilmont and fellow volunteers of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke at the premises of Basil Knipe Electrical, Ballymoney.

Official Press Launch
Official Press Launch The official press launch for the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Sale took place in October 2006.

Press Officer Alastair commented on the rapid growth in popularity of this event and the cross-community support which it attracted. Mayor of Coleraine William King spoke of the widespread interest in farming activities and commended the organisers on their success with the event.

Roy Dixon on behalf of Lindasy Ford, Coleraine remarked how Lindsay Ford were pleased to be associated with the Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Sale.

Included in picture are Noel January of Activity Toys, Richard Lyons of Model Farmer,Lily from Rural Support, the Mayor of Coleraine; Mr William King and Mrs King and Finbar McGarry of McGarry Custom Cabinets Front row from left to right: Alastair, Barry Moffatt, Keith, Roy Dixon and Leslie Stevenson.