Ha ha! When I went to SMW the weather was rather good, except for the day we went to the RAF museum at Cosford. The day started out cloudy, got drizzly when we got off the train, then came down in buckets while we were walking to the museum. It’s a fair distance, and we ended up getting soaked to our skivvies! The rain never let up that day, so on our way out we bought some hideously overpriced “Red Arrows” umbrellas from the gift shop (or is that gift shoppe?). But yeah the umbrella has become a cherished souvenir, and it gets regular use warding off Hawaii rain! The fog the following morning was also an experience, as it was so thick, I had to follow the sidewalk edge to get to the show!
I would love to go to SMW again, but with something to throw into the contest. No going “tebura” (i.e. empty handed) next time!
The gift shop pricing was not a put-off, since admission to the museum was free. That was an awesome value! My friend and I put £20 in the collection box. We did the same at Hendon. (Airfix please LIDAR that Sunderland for a new kit!)
Speaking of free, for those who hold IPMS membership anywhere in the world, not only do you get into SMW without charge, you get in an hour before the paying public.