Whilst visiting this years Warwick show on Sunday, I remembered that last year the Vintage Model Boat Company had on display a Sportsman kit which "might" be produced this year. I've visited their web site regularly over the year but there has never been any mention of it. However, I was pleased to see at this years show that they had a kit on sale for a "show price" of £84.00.
I hummed and arhed, thought about it for ages, then decided to buy one as I've always admired the lines of this model.
Upon asking to buy the kit, I was told that it was out of stock but, that I could order one to be posted to me.
I hesitated, then the guy on the stand said that they would honour the "show price", including postage, so I agreed to buy one.
I wasn't expecting to receive anything in the post for weeks or even months but, I received a text from APC on Tuesday 13th Nov informing me that my parcel would be delivered that day. Only two days after ordering it at the show. Which i think is remarkably good. Unfortunately, no one was home on Tuesday to take delivery, and as no card was put through the letter box, I had no idea whether they attempted to deliver it or not.
I waited for a couple of days and when it hadn't arrived, I visited the APC web site to track my parcel. It indicated that a card had been posted through my door and, as it hadn't been, I gave them a ring. I was told that my parcel was waiting at the depot in Birmingham, I could either arrange a new delivery date or collect it in person. I decided to collect it in person, which I did today at 4.30 pm. I thought that I may have problems as I didn't have a missed delivery card but, I did take my passport and they accepted that.
So, I now have my Sportsman 2 kit at home, five days after ordering it at the show, which, I still think is brilliant.
Now, I'm not sure when I'm going to start building this kit as I already have a Diva (Aeronaut) and a Thames Police Launch and a Sea Breeze (Both Vintage Model Boats) to build first.
I think I'm in danger of becoming a kit buyer and not a kit builder and I've also bought numerous plans of boats to build "one day"
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