The Future Of Model Railway Exhibitions

[298]

  If we don't encourage youngsters into the hobby, in 20 years time model railway exhibitions will begin to look like OAP's meetings!

 

Peter

Although I broadly agree with Crewlisle, there is a risk of ignoring a forgotten generation of modellers who currently don't have the time, money & space due to having young families, but will be able to participate more in the future. One specialist society I was a member of really didn't get that, and thought that chasing junior membership with as vain hope thgeyd stay intetested in the genre was more important than established modellers who were willing to join but often put off by prevailing attitudes.

 

Even then, 20 years seems a bit optimistic, One major show has recently downsized and others will follow due to the current ages of the organizers. There might be a few teenagers and twenty-somethings willing to take up that mantle, but don't forget those in between.

[justin1985]

The original proposal sounds, as others have suggested, exactly like a FREMO meet! I think that's actually a good thing, but as others have said previous efforts to establish modular standards in the UK haven't exactly taken off - I suspect the mindset of following tight rules doesn't appeal when we have a strong tradition of self contained scenic layouts. I believe detailed self contained scenic layouts are sometimes even referred to as an "English style layout" in Germany!

 

Within FREMO there are substandards for different eras, e.g. FREMO-RE for the modern era, based on standard epochs. The standards specify everything down to "seasons" and specific scenic materials.

 

The old "future of the hobby is dying out" one is getting rather boring. I think people have been saying this for as long as the hobby has existed, and certainly for the last 20 years, but I don't see much evidence of it. The age profile seems pretty much constant.

 

As 298 says, people who harbour an interest often come back to it when they have a chance or a prompt. Like having a toddler who is into Thomas, or simply being able to move to a bigger house or flat. But there is a sizeable portion of people's lives now where they don't have the time, space, or cash to get involved in a hobby. Young people now have less disposable income and less security of employment and housing that at any point probably since the 1950s. And remember we are now in a position in the UK where, after housing costs, the average pensioner's disposable income is now higher than the average working age person. It's inevitable that most active modellers will be older rather than younger!

 

I'm 31 and perhaps one of the younger members (but certainly not alone as such) in specialist societies like the 2mm Scale Association, but at my club, the MRC in Kings Cross, there is a very healthy cross section of members - including dedicated layout teams composed of kids (with parental supervision) and of teenagers.

 

One thing that must be encouraging is that the mainstream magazines very clearly cater to a "interested beginner" market. If the model railway market was all established aging modellers, they would surely pitch their content more towards that. But now, more than ever, they are all about inspiration for beginners!

 

Justin

[Colin_McLeod]

Age profile may be a factor of the hobby rather than a symptom of a problem. When the current older modellers die there will be "new" older modellers to take their place.

 

Consider the average age of the people playing a game of bowls on the town's bowling green.

[devondynosoar118]

I built a fully functional exhibition layout "Squeezebelly Lane" in a table that sits by my sofa in my actual living room when not in use. It's been at RMweb members days and Trac as well as several Dorset shows. I don't think size of available space is an issue, you can fit a perfectly interesting layout, even in 4mm, into the space occupied by a large flatscreen TV and stand, which most people manage to fit into their houses.

I think the best shows do show layouts that fit in people's lifestyles, they aren't always centre stage because seeing huge subjects is a large part of the reason people go to shows. I wouldn't get to see Lime Street or Bath Greenpark or all the other beautiful club/group layouts without shows, neither would my kids, who hopefully see there's value in model making.

I agree there's probably a silent majority of magazine consumers and armchair modellers waiting to start something and cameo or micro layouts surely make sense as a way to convert thinking about building something into building something.

It's easy to forget that for many of our older modellers equipment and rolling stock was very expensive in the 50's and 60's and many people thus built smaller layouts with less stock requirements to reduce outlay. Many of those modellers may be enjoying the friuits of their labours now in the form of huge RTR choice but it's worth remembering that the hobby hasn't always existed in a land of plenty.

My father bought railway modeller for years on and off, he never completed a layout, despite considerable modelling skill. He remained one of those who just didn't find the time or inspiration.

Modular layouts- SWAG at Taunton did two years in a row of a modular set up as part of its Members Day, there was lots of great stuff in both.

The solution to me seems clear, equal focus at shows on high quality, small layouts and continuing to make them family friendly. Exe MRC always get that right and the members are superb with all ages. Also Bridport and District MRC have always had a great cross section at their events.

Edited June 8, 2017 by devondynosoar118

[john new]

Age profile may be a factor of the hobby rather than a symptom of a problem. When the current older modellers die there will be "new" older modellers to take their place.

 

Consider the average age of the people playing a game of bowls on the town's bowling green.

 

Sadly though across the board in our hobby, both for prototype societies and modelling, although the replacement factor mentioned is occurring those newly engaged appear to be fewer in number than those leaving.

[Chris M]

I don't see modular layouts as being the way forward. Yes they have their place and can be interesting but I don't think they necessarily make more interesting or entertaining layouts. For me exhibitions should have a good mix of large and small layouts covering different eras and scales, unless of course they are a specialist show concentrating on one era or scale. The specialist shows I have been to seem to have been very popular.

 

My view is that exhibition layouts must be designed to entertain paying visitors. There is of course a wide variety of interests and a layout that one person thinks is great might be thought of as of no interest whatsoever to someone else. There are some basics to entertainment - a good presentation of both layout and operators, having something moving most of the time and having someone smiling and keen to talk to the punters come to mind as basics. An explanation of what the layout is about is also important. The last three exhibition layouts I have been involved with have been operated from the side rather than behind as I find this is a great way to encourage chatting to the visitors. On my latest layout I also have added a number of sound effects - trains, animals and a thunderstorm complete with sheet lightning. I play these mainly when youngsters are around and sometimes let them press the buttons. This nearly always raises a smile from the visitors although not from fellow exhibitors! On my previous two layouts I often let youngsters have a drive and found that at least 90% of children were very careful drivers. I keep my finger over the off switch for the other 10%. All of this helps to provide a memorable and enjoyable visit for both the youngsters and their parents. The future of exhibitions has to be to entertain the paying visitors. There are too many layouts that display some fine modelling but where not much happens, there is no explanation as to what it is about and nobody to talk to. Rather oddly the number of trains running seems to be inversely proportional to the number of operators standing behind the layout.

[Reorte]

Jim,

 

Look at any exhibition these days whether it be exhibitors or visitors, the average age looks about 50+ ( including my self being well over that age!) which does not auger well for the future of the hobby.  As exhibitions are the showcase for our hobby, we must use them to encourage more youngsters to take up railway modelling.  What do the youngsters see?  A lot of stern faced older men behind layouts, 'Do not touch' signs and youngsters and families unable to ask questions because of the 'layout' barrier or unable to attract an operator's attention to ask questions.  Act like proper PR men for your hobby; lighten up and show you enjoy your hobby; don't take it so seriously.

Get the kids involved if you can! Let them shunt a bit perhaps. One thing that sticks in my mind was a small crowded O gauge layout, which made it quite a shunting puzzle, and two children (aged maybe 8?), one at the controls, another waving him on, on, "Stop!" They seemed completely engrossed with it even though it was taking them quite some time to figure out the puzzle.

 

On the modular front if you've got a collection of similar layouts (as in era and region) and stock then you could join them together virtually, so when the train runs off one end of one it starts moving on the next layout. With a bit of thought the same controller might be able to do all of them too. Has anyone done DCC over the internet? I wasn't really thinking about exhibitions but the same concept could be used there too. Come to think of it there's no reason to even need the same era and area, just roughly similar sorts of trains (which will admittedly cause some problems if you're running current scene on one layout and pre-grouping on the next).

[hayfield]

 

 

Look at any exhibition these days whether it be exhibitors or visitors, the average age looks about 50+ ( including my self being well over that age!) which does not auger well for the future of the hobby.  As exhibitions are the showcase for our hobby, we must use them to encourage more youngsters to take up railway modelling.  What do the youngsters see?  A lot of stern faced older men behind layouts, 'Do not touch' signs and youngsters and families unable to ask questions because of the 'layout' barrier or unable to attract an operator's attention to ask questions.  Act like proper PR men for your hobby; lighten up and show you enjoy your hobby; don't take it so seriously.

 

Peter

 

 

Peter

 

I see where you are coming from as if you look at the demographics at shows like Expo, Scaleforum and Railex, The audience is mainly male 40+ though there are exceptions

 

Go to smaller local shows, especially the 1 day ones then the vast majority are families

 

I do attend 3 or 4 specialist shows a year helping a friend who is a trader out, as well as dad starting a train set/layout out for his child/children, there is now a growing trend of granddads doing this for their grandchildren. I have also noticed both on here and at shows more people saying they are coming back to the hobby after x years (after the children have grown up and have time to do something)  

[hayfield]

Rather than answer a specific reply but the original question these are my thoughts on what I see and personally I think shows fall into 3 groups

 

 

1/  Larger wide interest shows, Warley and the Model Railway club, where there is both the large manufacturer support + smaller suppliers + larger RTR sellers

 

These shows tend to attract modellers of all types plus families

 

2/  Specialist shows, Expo, Scaleforum/Railex

 

Caters for the more serious modellers

 

3/  Local shows both one and two day shows

 

These do attract lots of the public, both families with children and older returners to the hobby. The public love them and the income they receive keeps the clubs going. Better still generates interest for new modellers. If they look at layouts like Lime Street, they marvel at them but could never aspire to reach these standards. However a layout using standard RTR stock and track wets their appetite to have a go themselves.

 

I do enjoy shows like Alley Pally and Railex for the shear enjoyment and inspiration I get from the layouts, at local shows I see those who are not hardened modellers get the same enjoyment and inspiration from local less detailed layouts using items that come out of a box from the local model shop.

 

These local shows to my mind is where the future lies in our hobby, in what is basically an introduction to the hobby which a newcomer can relate/aspire to. The owners of these layouts do far more recruiting to the hobby than the finescale brigade do, who in my mind take existing modellers on to develop their skills and ambitions and set their sights higher, but there is nothing wrong in not going this next step. Each to their own  

[Torper]

I'm a keen railway modeller, but in spite of that I've basically stopped going to model railway shows because, with a few honourable exceptions, I tend to find them, well, boring.  Maybe it's the same old formula that has become tedious - enter show, go round a number of fairly average layouts all too often operated in a far from prototypical manner, find that the trade is basically a box shifter or two, a book stand selling at prices well above what you can find on the internet, maybe someone selling tools etc (Squires if you're lucky), a couple of local model shops that have taken stands, and the inevitable and often utterly ghastly second hand stalls.  The niche suppliers, which is where my interests tend to lie, are absent, perfectly understandably, but unfortunately its their goods that tend to interest me most.

 

OK, I appreciate that these show are meant to interest families and to boost club coffers, but I'm afraid that i've even begun to find some of the more niche society shows a bit formulaic.  I do wonder for just how long model railway exhibitions can continue to entertain and amuse in an increasingly media conscious 21st century without upping theiir game to a considerable extent.

 

In spite of all the above I'll be going along to the Perth show later this month.  It's one of the better ones and I anticipate I'll probably enjoy it!

 

DT

Edited June 11, 2017 by Torper

[cal.n]

 I do wonder for just how long model railway exhibitions can continue to entertain and amuse in an increasingly media conscious 21st century without upping theiir game to a considerable extent.

 

You make good points about how niche suppliers cannot really work outside of a specialist exhibition, but (without wanting to sound rude) what would you suggest exhibitions do? 

[Clive Mortimore]

As an exhibitor, I attend to show people what I do as a railway modeller. I am not there to entertain, it is a model hobby exhibition. If people enjoy what they see, great. If they don't feel they have been entertained then tough.

 

 

Me and my mates warming up for a EXHIBITION.

[Tim R-T-C]

 

OK, I appreciate that these show are meant to interest families and to boost club coffers, but I'm afraid that i've even begun to find some of the more niche society shows a bit formulaic.  I do wonder for just how long model railway exhibitions can continue to entertain and amuse in an increasingly media conscious 21st century without upping theiir game to a considerable extent.

 

What do you suggest? Exhibitions are limited by the quality of layouts and traders available that will come to them. The formula is limited by the definition of an exhibition. Most events in the world have a set formula and run to it - heritage railway galas, motor racing weekends, historical re-enactment events etc. etc. The ones that try and 'mix it up' by incorporating different ideas and trying to cross-over between genres are often the ones that fail.

 

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by media conscious? There are plenty of websites (like this one), youtube channels etc. devoted to model layouts, but none beats seeing them in person.

[Chris M]

As a railway modeller I know what railway modellers do. I want to be entertained by layouts when I pay to visit an exhibition. This means interesting models or scenery and plenty of movement. Also it means an explanation of what the model is trying to represent.

[PaulRhB]

Strange when they are in trouble that we have steadily increased numbers in recent years with using a bit of advertising on forums

I think there are a few shows jumping on the bandwagon and not really taking a risk financially, using too many local and familiar layouts, in the first place to establish a decent reputation and they don't see people return as a result.

We've also seen a trader fill in the alternate year to our show at the same venue and had a lot of comments that our last show, which was actually his, was a bit too focused on BR steam! That can affect perceptions.

 

Variety appeals to some, specialist focus to others. I don't think there's a major problem for most shows but there may be small groups struggling for ideas.

[Pacific231G]

As a railway modeller I know what railway modellers do. I want to be entertained by layouts when I pay to visit an exhibition. This means interesting models or scenery and plenty of movement. Also it means an explanation of what the model is trying to represent.

I also know what railway modellers do but what I mainly get out of exhibitions is the chance to see what others are doing, discuss it with them, and seek ideas and inspiration that I might be able to use myself.  For me, that's more about scenery, especially buildings, and interesting track plans. I'd prefer to see an interesting piece of operation than a sequence of trains passing by but agree about models representing something.  There are a few layouts that I can just lose myself in like Pempoul where the trains passing through are almost a bonus or Bradfield Gloucester Square where it's the authentic working of a main line terminus that fascinates.

 

We're all different in our expectations of course but for me inspiration and technique are more important than direct relevance. I model French railways in H0 but one of my favourite exhibitions is ExpEM. In theory there should be nothing there for me but in practice I always find plenty to inspire and interest me and most importantly that sort of specialist show generally provides far more opportunity for disussion and picking of brains.

 

The sign that always irritates me is the one pointing towards another hall  saying "More Trains" as if our hobby is just about model trains; there is far more to railway modelling than that. 

Edited June 11, 2017 by Pacific231G

[Reorte]

As a railway modeller I know what railway modellers do. I want to be entertained by layouts when I pay to visit an exhibition. This means interesting models or scenery and plenty of movement. Also it means an explanation of what the model is trying to represent.

I want to be entertained at an exhibition. I also want to learn something, and have had some good chats with the operators / builders of some layouts, whether it's about the modelling or the prototype. I usually get more inspiration from that then I get from just looking at the layout on its own.

Edited June 11, 2017 by Reorte

[Pacific231G]

After visiting a few model railways recently I find there is a lot variations in with layouts in terms of era, gauges and countries the layouts are set in. I find myself skipping many layouts which are not of interest to me which got me thinking. Could we have exhibitions based on set era's,  gauges and countries. Even further could we join up layouts to create a model rail network.

 

For example say a exhibition is organized which is specific to modern image (2010+) all in 00 gauge based in the UK. Then all the layouts are put together strategically to mimic that of the UK network or at-least a small area of the network. For example we have layouts based on Derby, Belper, Chesterfield & Sheffield. Each layout can then be connected to each other to form a model rail network. Trains can then pass between all the layouts to simulate the real life journey. Obviously the transition sections between the layouts would have to made by someone and returning loops could be added where required. 

 

I understand this would give challenges in terms of stock used and the electronics of it all but I feel these could be overcome with a little organization.

 

Model trainspotting could even become a thing where you have to spot all the trains running on that day throughout the layouts. (maybe even giving a prize to the person who can capture them all on the layouts - maybe a way of getting more people through the exhibition doors. People love prizes).

 

I drew up a quick diagram on how it could work. see attached

 

What are peoples thoughts and could you see it working? Has this been done before? 

 

I understand its a far from perfect idea.

You might find this interesting.http://forums.e-train.fr/trains/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=31785&start=8190

This is page 547 of the "Paris a la Mer" thread that's been running in the loco-revue forum (roughly equivalent to RMWeb) since 2009. 

Essentially this is a collaborative project in which individual modellers from all over the country create a string of layouts (or sometimes just modules)  that can be joined together in umpteen configurations representing an imaginary  journey between Paris Montparnasse and the old Cherbourg Maritime station in the period between 1900 and 1930 The collaboration seems to have happened mainly via the forum and some of the results so far were on display at the Trainsmania exhibition in Lille at the end of April. The common theme is to model the Etat railway in its glory days and the project has been driven by Roland Arzul, a member of the Dieppe MRC "Littorail 76" who has a website dedicated to the Etat.  http://roland.arzul.pagesperso-orange.fr/

 

At 556 pages (and growing) The entire Paris a la Mer thread is a bit daunting but pages 547 and 548 are largely about what was exhibited at the Lille show. If your French is up to it or you don't find the auto-translation too hilarious it's probably worth a good delve. What I saw at Lille was a very ambitious model of the old Gare Montparnasse complete with trams and a metro station, a model of the old Cherbourg Gare Maritme and a few intermediate sections.   

 

P.S. I think Paris a la Mer used the FFMF modular standard between layouts though there was some discussion about that. There was never an intention to have a continuous run (the clue is in the name)  so module lengths would have been irrelevant. The old joke that "I like standards, there are so many to choose from" definitely applies to model railway modules. In H0 alone there were at least three represented at the Lille show and in the specification for their own Littorail 3000 standard (which is for visually separated proscenium "box" modules) the Dieppe Club,compare it with no less than five other H0 standards- NMRA, Module FFMF,  Module 3000, Module Junior, Fremo 87  none of them completely compatible with one another and even the double track separation varies (45mm for Littorail, 46mm for FFMF and 50.8mm for NMRA).

Edited June 11, 2017 by Pacific231G

[Clive Mortimore]

As a railway modeller I know what railway modellers do. I want to be entertained by layouts when I pay to visit an exhibition. This means interesting models or scenery and plenty of movement. Also it means an explanation of what the model is trying to represent.

Hi Chris

 

Do you exhibit a layout yourself?

 

We have had these debates in the past, and us, the exhibitors, have been told what layout types to build to entertain the public. Sorry most shows have a good number of modellers who come to see modelling not to see trains rushing round on train sets. That is why it is called a model railway exhibition.

 

Last weekend I was stewarding and operating at DEMU's showcase, the layouts I enjoyed the most were the ones that had little movement, less cameos, no noise but were well modelled.

[hayfield]

I'm a keen railway modeller, but in spite of that I've basically stopped going to model railway shows because, with a few honourable exceptions, I tend to find them, well, boring.  Maybe it's the same old formula that has become tedious - enter show, go round a number of fairly average layouts all too often operated in a far from prototypical manner, find that the trade is basically a box shifter or two, a book stand selling at prices well above what you can find on the internet, maybe someone selling tools etc (Squires if you're lucky), a couple of local model shops that have taken stands, and the inevitable and often utterly ghastly second hand stalls.  The niche suppliers, which is where my interests tend to lie, are absent, perfectly understandably, but unfortunately its their goods that tend to interest me most.

 

OK, I appreciate that these show are meant to interest families and to boost club coffers, but I'm afraid that i've even begun to find some of the more niche society shows a bit formulaic.  I do wonder for just how long model railway exhibitions can continue to entertain and amuse in an increasingly media conscious 21st century without upping theiir game to a considerable extent.

 

In spite of all the above I'll be going along to the Perth show later this month.  It's one of the better ones and I anticipate I'll probably enjoy it!

 

DT

Torper

 

I view shows slightly differently, inspiration from layouts normally is from the larger specialist shows, certainly they are the opportunity to buy or research items from the specialist traders. Agree about the overpriced s/h traders at these shows (though I did buy 3 unused MRRC 5 pole motors for £10 this year) the society/club stands are very useful

 

As for smaller shows, we can all learn/be inspired even from basic layouts and there are also some very good layouts at these shows. But some of the local s/h traders are quite a good sauce of reasonably priced parts, mostly as their customers look for RTR items, As for box shifters its the paying public who love them,  both of whom pay good money to keep the clubs afloat  

 

I also agree with a previous poster, I pay little notice to the movement of trains, but concentrate on how the layout was built and presented. As for the same format, well sometimes if its not broke then don't try and mend it. Perhaps next time look for the things you like/enjoy and disregard things you dislike 

 

But as per usual you do have valid points which show managers would do well to consider

[Chris M]

Hi Chris

 

Do you exhibit a layout yourself?

 

We have had these debates in the past, and us, the exhibitors, have been told what layout types to build to entertain the public. Sorry most shows have a good number of modellers who come to see modelling not to see trains rushing round on train sets. That is why it is called a model railway exhibition.

 

Last weekend I was stewarding and operating at DEMU's showcase, the layouts I enjoyed the most were the ones that had little movement, less cameos, no noise but were well modelled.

Yes I do exhibit and I concentrate on good modelling with plenty of movement. I also ensure plenty of interaction with visitors. My layouts will never be voted best in show but many paying visitors enjoy them and are enthusiastic about the work I have done. I see lots of smiling faces watching my layouts and that is important to me.

 

I went to DEMU showcase. My favourite layout was Lymebrook Yard because it had been so very carefully thought out and crafted to get a very good model in a small space. There was also plenty of movement and the owner standing by the side of the layout chatting to punters.

[hayfield]

Yes I do exhibit and I concentrate on good modelling with plenty of movement. I also ensure plenty of interaction with visitors. My layouts will never be voted best in show but many paying visitors enjoy them and are enthusiastic about the work I have done. I see lots of smiling faces watching my layouts and that is important to me.

 

I went to DEMU showcase. My favourite layout was Lymebrook Yard because it had been so very carefully thought out and crafted to get a very good model in a small space. There was also plenty of movement and the owner standing by the side of the layout chatting to punters.

 

 

Chris 

 

You are so correct in that the paying public (as against serious modellers) do like seeing trains move, that's why they have gone to a show, to be quite honest serious modellers also like seeing trains move, but also may look for other things as well.

 

Its all too easy to criticise, and as you say great advert for the hobby if the paying public have smiles on their faces

[Chris M]

I'm sure my layouts are criticised  by a fair few and that's fine because we all have different preferences. It would be a dull world if we all thought the same.

 

I do think the question that everyone exhibiting should ask themselves is "what am I doing to provide interest and entertainment to those who have paid to come to the show". This applies to trade exhibitors, demonstrators and societies just as much as it applies to layouts. In today's world it isn't enough to just turn up; you have to do what you are trying to do well and understand how that will provide a good experience for visitors. That I believe is the way to ensure the future of model railway exhibitions.

Edited June 12, 2017 by Chris M

[Torper]

You make good points about how niche suppliers cannot really work outside of a specialist exhibition, but (without wanting to sound rude) what would you suggest exhibitions do? 

 

A good question.  Please note that I live in Scotland where there is an implicit deal among model railway clubs that they will ivite each other's layouts to their exhibitions.  This means that there are likely to be few if any privately built layouts at many exhibitions up here (Perth is an honourable exception).  This also means that to a considerable extent there is likely to be a "dumbing down" of exhibits as I don't know of any model railway club in Scotland (please correct me if I'm wrong) that builds layouts that do not accommodate RTR stock.  Thus no P4, EM, Scale7 or 2mm finescale.  I model in what purports to be "finescale" and a diet of club built largely 00 and N layouts, with some H0 and 0 thrown into the mix, doesn't really appeal.  I am aware that in England that does not necessarily apply.

 

So first, at least up here, I want a bit more variety and a bit more ambition as the type of layouts exhibited.  I also think that exhibition layouts should always be of a better quality than the "average modeller" might be expected to achieve - sadly, not always the case - both to inspire other modellers and to show the public that we're not just playing with toy trains.

 

I also want more information and purpose as to train running.  Yes, there should be a lot of movement as it's essential that the visitors are entertained (sorry, Clive).  However, that should not be mere random movements as seems often to happen ("What you going to send me down next, Bill?").  I think that there should not only be a timetable, even if unprototypically condensed, but that the public should also be made aware of what is going on, whether by flip boards, monitor, or even verbal.  Thus when a train arrives it's nice to know that it's the 10.15  stopping train arrival from wherever, and it's also nice to know that, for example, the shunting going on in the yard is to make up the pick-up goods due to depart at 11.20, that the loco is a former GE J15, and so on.  Layouts that provide that information always hold my attention.

 

Operators - or at least one at every layout - should be happy to speak to the public and make it clear that they welcome questions.  Often one sees layouts where the operators have their heads down, or are exchanging in-jokes with their colleagues.  Not everyone likes chatting to the public at large, but there should always be someone who not only does it, but encourages it, even if it means that the clock has to be stopped and timetable put on temporary hold.

 

At most shows it would also be nice to see at least one person demonstrating, ideally building things, whether locos, stock, buildings or scenery.  That could help bring it home to the public that railway modelling isn't only buying stuff and running trains, but that there are other aspects to it.  Electronics could fall into this category - some younger people might not be too interested in a Hornby loco, but you can bet their interest will be mightily increased when they see that they can work it from their phone.

 

Anyway, there;s a few comments (I'm bound to think of more after I've posted this!)

 

DT

[Reorte]

I also want more information and purpose as to train running.  Yes, there should be a lot of movement as it's essential that the visitors are entertained (sorry, Clive).  However, that should not be mere random movements as seems often to happen ("What you going to send me down next, Bill?").  I think that there should not only be a timetable, even if unprototypically condensed, but that the public should also be made aware of what is going on, whether by flip boards, monitor, or even verbal.  Thus when a train arrives it's nice to know that it's the 10.15  stopping train arrival from wherever, and it's also nice to know that, for example, the shunting going on in the yard is to make up the pick-up goods due to depart at 11.20, that the loco is a former GE J15, and so on.  Layouts that provide that information always hold my attention.

There's a layout (wish I could remember what it was called) that had a typical station VDU for what was going on. I don't recall what, if anything, was done for freight.