Dortmund show was a mixed bag this year due to the recession which seems to be hitting Germany rather hard. The number of trade stands were down, especially the smaller dealers from eastern europe who allways have the most interests products. On the three days I was there the number of public attending also seamed to be down. Nevertheless it was a superb show and well worth the visit.
There werent many new paddler models there. What caught my eye were two Graupner Glasgow paddle tugs both fitted with steam and little or no heat shielding on the plastic hulls. Also a quite nice JOHN H AMOS paddle tug I think converted from a Glasgow kit. After thr three days at the show, our coach load went to Rotterdam for the day- a paradise for ship lovers! On the river front we found a pub (opposit the river bus and SPIDO river tour terminal). This was stuffed full of models, ship pictures and memorabilia and the beer wasnt bad!. Above the pub is an hotel the foyer of which is accesible from the pub . in the foyer is a very large beatifuly built large model of a paddle steamer. Pictures of all the above are in the photo album.
I also got aboard the large Dutch paddler DE MAJESTEIT which is moored in the river. (See photos). I will caption the pictures as soon as possible. Regards, Walter.