Geoff Endacott Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 No longer provisional. The dates have been confirmed as well as the venue - the Springfield Community Campus in Corsham. Bentley Model Railway Group Present:TRAINWEST 2016Saturday 9th April 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.Sunday 10th April 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.THE SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY CAMPUS, BEECHFIELD ROAD,CORSHAM, WILTS., SN13 9DN. TOP QUALITY LAYOUTS IN VARIOUS SCALES AND GAUGES Admission: adult £8.00, child (5-17) £5.00, group (2+3) £20.00. Sunday after 1.00pm: adult £5.00, child £2.00, one child free with each paying adult. Advance tickets: adult £6.00, party rate (10+ people) £5.00, child £3.00. Available from Trainwest, The Weighbridge, Old Road, Chippenham, Wilts., SN15 1JA. Send a cheque payable to Trainwest and an s.a.e. Also available to callers at the Springfield Community Campus, Brunel Model Railways in Yatton, Gas Cupboard Models in Trowbridge, Modelmania in Bristol and Weston's Railways in Swindon. Layouts: Acton Parkway (OO): Halifax MRC UK - North West England - Present Day Calderwood (OO): David Kirby & John Dilnot UK – Lancshire & Yorkshire Railway in Yorkshire - 1910 Clutton (P4): Tim Venton UK - BR (WR) - 1952 Dentdale (N): Wayne Webb UK - Settle & Carlisle Railway - 1950-69 and 2000 Dock Green (O): Chaz Harrison UK – BR (ER) in North East London - 1959 Fallgate (OO9): Stephen Little & Matthew Barrett UK - Ashover Light Railway - 1930s Faringdon (P4): Rex Davidson, Stephen Williams & John Sherratt UK - BR in the Vale of the White Horse – 1950s Furtwangen Ost (N): Les Richardson Germany – Black Forest Area – Present Day Glenuig (EM): Gary Hinson UK - BR in Scotland - 1980s Hobbs Warren (O): Terry Cooke & Bernard Watson UK – BR (ER) Locomotive Shed – 1940s - 1970s Marsh Chipping (N): David Westwood UK - BR (WR) in the Cotswolds - Early 1960s Melton Mowbray (North) (N): John Spence & Steve Weston UK – BR (LMR) in Leicestershire - 1948-62 Peafore Yard (OO): Rob Owst UK – BR (WR) in the Bristol Area - 1977 Polpendra (N): Simon Addelsee UK - BR (WR) in North Cornwall - 1958-62 St Ruth (2mm): 2mm Scale Association Midlands Group UK – BR (WR) in Penzance - 1965 Shunting Puzzle (OO): Bill Sheppy & Jim Robinson UK - South of England - c1960 Sidmouth (P4): Richard Harper UK – BR in East Devon - 1959-60 Somerford (OO): Bentley MRG UK - BR(WR) in the West of England - 1970-90 Stromallee (TT): Richard Self Germany - Saxony - 21st Century Sydney Gardens (OO): The Park Keepers UK – BR in Bath - 1940-65 Tennessee Extraction Co (On30/O16.5): Paul Davis USA – Blue Ridge Mountains - 1940-50 The Clydach Railway (OO9): Richard Holder UK - Preserved Tourist Railway in North Wales - 2005 Towcester (OO): George Woodcock UK – BR in Northamptonshire - 1977 Ulvik (HO): Martin Axford Norway - East Coast - Present Day Wadebridge (2mm): John Greenwood UK – SR in North Cornwall - 1935-47 Whitburn Corporation Tramways (OO): Andrew and David Burchell UK – North East of England - 1930s Trade Stands: A M Punshon Andy Lynch Branchlines Brian James Models Brunswick Railways Ceynix Railway Trees Country Park Models Fawn Electronics Finishing Touches Gas Cupboard Models Golden Age Models Golden Arrow Great Central (Model) Railways Hobby Holidays Just in Case Keith's Model Railways Mad About Trains Maple Tree Creations Model Railway Developments Modelmania P&D Marsh Rail-Books.co.uk Railroom Electronics Replica Railways Richard's Railways South Eastern Finecast Squires Model & Craft Tools Sunningwell Command Control Wessex Wagons Weston Models Weston's Railways -- Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted May 28, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 28, 2014 That sounds like quite a good site Geoff - the advantage of a reasonably handy rail link sounds good and the idea of a 'more frequent' shuttle 'bus sounds very attractive as part of that and might lead to more folk coming by train thus helping with parking. The split of halls might be a logistic and stewarding nusiance for you but will I think be better for us punters as there'll be more space and potentially more exhibits/trade which could make an already good show even better - and the walking between them is really only a problem if the weather is bad, but it's only 100 yards. On another front a catering improvement would be welcome, very welcome, as I think it has been the least good feature of Trainwest (alright I know it's a model railway show and not a catering competition but a good cuppa is an essential for me as is a bite to eat when it's a long day). So overall it sounds like a good bet to me especially considering the past difficulty you've encountered in trying to find an alternative to the Christie Miller site - look forward to seeing you there in 2016! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevpeo Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 You could always make a feature of the separate halls Geoff and have 'themes' in them. The main thing is good signage. When we moved venues to a similar school layout, we had one visitor who said the show was rubbish, with hardly any layouts. It turned out he hadn't found the main hall! Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Car parking will be much better. There is a very large playing field next to the main hall. Given the time of year of the show and the now "frequent" flooding in the West Country and traditional rainy day for this event:1) are they going to allow us boy racers to wreck their prize rugby pitches? 2) will tractors be provided to tow vehicles from the ensuing mire? the school's main hall and gymnasium, are on another part of the site about 100 yards away from the sports hall. No problem with that, but can a bus (or miniature railway) be provided between them ? Only part Otherwise sounds good to me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinWales Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 There's almost two years to prepare-or save up for a 4X4! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Parking may also be available on the tennis courts if it is wet. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike morley Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Christie Miller has become well known and well established. Why change a proven, winning formula? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Christie Miller has become well known and well established. Why change a proven, winning formula? The Christie Miller Centre is closing down. They can't yet confirm availability in 2016, let alone 2017. The replacement centre will have little parking and will be half the size. That's why we have to move. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Phil Bullock Posted May 29, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 29, 2014 As a first timer this year I really enjoyed the show Geoff - venue seemed fine, shame to lose it. Looking forwards to bringing Abbotswood - will make sure I have a supply of SWMBO's home made millionaires shortbread next year to feed to the stationmaster when he passes by Cheers Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim V Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 Three halls split over two sites? Put all the trade in one, layouts in the other. Then it won't seem like the exhibition is only half size, should force the visitors to visit the other part. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mike Bellamy Posted June 3, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 3, 2014 Three halls split over two sites? Put all the trade in one, layouts in the other. Then it won't seem like the exhibition is only half size, should force the visitors to visit the other part. Actually that could be quite an interesting experiment as it would show who goes for layouts and who goes for the trade. The O Gauge Guild and Assn Large Scale Modellers run 'Trade' shows and although they may get up to 100 specialist traders, they still include a few layouts. I have often wondered if it would affect their attendance if they dropped the layouts all together. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren01 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Maybe you could have 7.1/4 inch live steam running a shuttle service to and from the two halls Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 should force the visitors to visit the other part. at the point of a gun? Actually that could be quite an interesting experiment as it would show who goes for layouts and who goes for the trade. The O Gauge Guild and Assn Large Scale Modellers run 'Trade' shows and although they may get up to 100 specialist traders, they still include a few layouts. I have often wondered if it would affect their attendance if they dropped the layouts all together.One of the 7mm shows at Reading doesn't include layouts. (or they are well hidden) It always seems to be reasonably crowded with much cash changing hands. But remember that the prices are considerably higher for 7mm stuff and the profit potential is more lucrative. I also believe that most modellers who go to those shows are more dedicated to the hobby than the general public and Mums and dads dragged along to a more general show. Although I attend most shows for trade first and foremost followed by entertainment second Trainwest has never struck me as attracting the "best" in trade. I have no interest in box-shifters and little requirement to purchase from most traders present. So for me Trainwest's appeal is in its diversity of good layouts. Would the Mums and dads even bother to visit a trade hall? Given that would the type of trade that depends more on them be bothered to pay to attend such a show? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted June 4, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 4, 2014 The O Gauge Guild and Assn Large Scale Modellers run 'Trade' shows FFS stop calling them that - people believe you and the #1 interpretation of trade show is that it is for the trade to attend and the public aren't welcome. It might be OK when the "in the know" modellers know what you mean but its a real inhibitor to getting new visitors to attend. Apologies for that little hijack of the TrainWest thread Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Both halls will have layouts and trade stands. Even if I wanted a layouts hall and a trade hall the sizes would not work. Most of the space at Trainwest is given over to layouts, not trade stands, so the only way to make it all fit is to have layouts in both halls. The third hall is much smaller and might be used for something else. Much as I like the idea of a miniature railway linking the halls, it would need to be a rack railway. The sports hall is rather higher than the main school hall. There is wheelchair access, but railways are not very good at coping with the slopes which are acceptable for wheelchairs and buggies. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 The sports hall is rather higher than the main school hall.I'll bring my ropes and pitons then Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 Having spent ages writing about the Sheldon School Sports Hall in Chippenham, I can now announce that the likely venue for Trainwest 2016 is... ...the Springfield Community Campus in Corsham. The original sports hall has been refurbished and now has access from a brand new building. The new building has four new community halls which, together with the sports hall, have access from one central foyer. Adjacent to the foyer is a brand new cafeteria which can seat about 100 people and which serves anything from cold drinks to hot meals. A large outside seating area is also available - weather permitting. The sports hall gives us 6,000 sq ft of space. The four new halls are 3,000 sq ft, 1,500 sq ft and two are 1,000 sq ft each. That's a total of 12,500 sq ft. There is also a lot of space which can be used in the foyer. Our current hall at Christie Miller is 12,900 sq ft. When it is finished (later this year, we hope) there will be two car parks with space for 200+ cars. Parking is free of charge. The only charge comes from the three spaces for electric vehicles which don't seem to be used very often. There may also be parking at the neighbouring school. The building also houses Corsham Library and Corsham Police Station. The latter should be very helpful for traders who are worried about thefts from their stands. During the exhibition, the nearest police officer will normally be about 50 yards away. We don't know how the venue will work for Trainwest so we intend to test it on Saturday 25th July. This is the date for a one-off, one-day, N gauge exhibition which will be held in the largest of the new halls. We organised something similar when we moved Trainwest to Christie Miller and were glad that we did. (We discovered that the hall wasn't the size they said it was.) If all goes well in July we can confirm our booking for Trainwest. If it doesn't, we still have Christie Miller as a fall-back option. So that's how things stand at the moment. As usual, your comments are welcome. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted March 21, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 21, 2015 Geoff, what are your thoughts - if any - about a shuttle bus from Bath as you're looking at a place which is in many respects far less readily accessible from the east than Christie Miller. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 The problem with Bath is its awful traffic. We will be running a shuttle bus from Chippenham which is only ten minutes from Bath by train. Train from Bath to Chippenham and then bus to Corsham is probably quicker than bus from Bath to Corsham. Mind you, when Corsham Railway Station reopens... Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasatcopthorne Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 FFS stop calling them that - people believe you and the #1 interpretation of trade show is that it is for the trade to attend and the public aren't welcome. It might be OK when the "in the know" modellers know what you mean but its a real inhibitor to getting new visitors to attend. Apologies for that little hijack of the TrainWest thread If you're on here, you're probably not Joe Public reading this thread. We know what is meant by 'trade' show in this context. I don't think there's much chance of the term being used where the 'public' are concerned. The show (s) have their own titles. Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
37114 Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 Mind you, when Corsham Railway Station reopens... ... Michelle Donelan will claim to have done it single handedly, her flyers clog up my letter box on a daily basis. I was aware you were looking at Springfield and I am sure it will be a great venue for Trainwest for all of the reason mentioned (Parking, catering size of Halls, quality of the facility) Re the point about access from the East, I would say Corsham is better suited than Melksham in that respect, by car it is closer to the M4, by train it is a 10 minute bus ride. Even Melksham station is a bus ride to Christie Miller. From the South I accept Corsham is more difficult by train as you need to go to Bath or Melksham and bus it. Good luck with the 25th July, I will miss it I am afraid as Peafore Yard is at Barnstaple. I was a little surprised at the date/theme as I thought the Bentley N gauge crew are at Barnstaple with HHC and also the Calne Summer show was poorly attended due to hot weather? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted March 22, 2015 Author Share Posted March 22, 2015 Good luck with the 25th July, I will miss it I am afraid as Peafore Yard is at Barnstaple. I was a little surprised at the date/theme as I thought the Bentley N gauge crew are at Barnstaple with HHC and also the Calne Summer show was poorly attended due to hot weather? Good point. It was the N Gauge crew who chose the date. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted March 24, 2015 Author Share Posted March 24, 2015 It now looks as though the test event at Corsham will be held on 4th July. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Trainwest is moving. Following the test event - and a certain amount of negotiation over the price - I can announce that Trainwest 2016 will be held at: The Springfield Community Campus in Corsham. Details of the venue can be found here: www.springfieldcampus.org.uk . We have decided to move sooner rather than wait for Christie Miller to close (or fall down). The new venue has five rooms, all of which lead from a central atrium. It is modern, light, airy and has a brand new cafeteira for the public. Exhibitors will have the use of a separate kitchen and dining room. There are two car parks and a large playing field next to the venue which we hope to use as an overflow. Corsham is situated on the main A4, is eight miles from M4 Junction 17, is on the main Chippenham to Bath bus route and less than five miles from Chippenham Railway Station which we will continue to serve by free shuttle bus. The new venue also has another big advantage - no seagulls! I will update the first post of this thread in due course with details of the exhibits which have been confirmed so far. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
37114 Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Excellent news Geoff, I will look forward to this even more now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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