Skegness Meccano Magic.
Featuring Meccano models displayed at Skegex 2003.
VHS Video. 625 line PAL colour.
Aspect ratio 4:3.
VHS Hi-Fi Stereo soundtrack.
Running time approx 45 minutes.
Phil's Films. Philip Dean: Presenter and Producer. Production: Valerie Simmonds.
£12 (inc. p&p to UK residents).
Available from http://www.philsfilms.co.uk
Many readers will recall the video Phil's Films produced about the WLMS Meccano Centenary Show at St Albans.
Deservedly, that production has sold very well, so the team was encouraged enough to have a shot at Skegex this year.
The WLMS Centenary video was marked out for being by far the most professional Meccano Show video we have seen, and an excellent introduction to the adult hobby by the way.
This latest offering is longer and more ambitious than its predecessor.
Of course, Skegex itself is far larger and grander than the WLMS show, so to that extent the subject matter determines the flavour of the report.
But Phil Dean has clearly taken the time, and listened to the feedback from the first video, in order to improve his approach to our hobby.
As a result, this account of the highlight of many Meccano enthusiasts' calendars, comes over from a much more knowledgeable position.
We are taken through the show to meet an amazingly high proportion of the exhibitors, considering the tight time constraints.
We even get a brief introduction to the delights of the town and an account of the goings on at the Exhibitors' dinner on the Saturday night.
As with all good things, one is left wanting more; but the feelings of elation and of recharging of the "Meccano batteries", experienced by so many participants at Skegex, is very well captured here.
The production standards are high - certainly on a par with any professional - and the video can be watched time and again with continued pleasure.
Technically, you cannot fault it. Phil is a professional broadcast engineer, and it shows. You can buy with confidence and most certainly enjoy at leisure.
