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andyram

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  1. andyram
    On Saturday evening, as I headed up to Nottingham to collect my wife from another visit to her mum's, the legendary Queen song that has leant its name to this entry came onto the radio. I could not help but think it was a rather poignant choice. Not only could some of the lyrics rather brutally refer to the fallen soldiers who had been remembered earlier in the day, but the title could also refer to Weston on Trent Model Railway show. After all another one had just bitten the dust. This time it was definitely the show that nearly did not happen - and, more than likely, had been the very last one.
     
    The day had been another epic. I was up at 5am, after precious little sleep, and hastily packed Skaleby West into the car. With welcome help from fellow RMWeb member, Andy Sharpe (leopard), I had avoided the job of putting up road signs on the drive to the school.
    Andy had proved to be a real gem. He also gave up his Friday afternoon to come over to the school and help me set up the hall and clear the classrooms. I was indebted to my new boss for releasing me to go over to the old place during my allotted planning time. The Friday set up proved vital as it helped to iron out a few flaws in the floorpan.
    Since I had left the school the renovations to the building had been completed, and this led to some last minute alterations to my plan. Relocated fire doors, plug sockets and large pieces of furniture all caused some difficulties.
     
    On the Saturday morning I arrived just before 7am and was relieved to see that the old boss was true to his word - the school had been opened up on time, although it was the caretaker who had performed the task rather than the big chief. Unfortunately he had forgotten to unlock the side access gate to the hall. Fortunately I was able to locate the key much quicker than last year and this exhibitors, who had been waiting on the doorstep, could get in to set up.
    Having commandeered the school stage blocks the previous day, I was able to get Skaleby West set up much more quickly. The staging once again provided the support structure instead of the usual trestles. This meant I simply had to sit the layout onto the blocks and connect it up. Once again Andy stepped in to help and fitted the drapes that hang down beneath the layout.
     
    Set up raced by with all layouts ready in plenty of time. There were very few grumbles about the request to move cars to the nearby pub and we were able to get the school car park as clear as possible ready for the public. The only pre-opening issues came from the non-completion of a couple of jobs allocated to the staff earlier in the week. The secretary had failed to print off and envelope up the lunch passes, whilst another staff member had not completed the signs pointing the way to the new classroom. The cleaners had also failed to deal with an unpleasant mess in one of the children's toilets. Ironically my replacement on the staff stepped up to sort out the first two jobs whilst I dealt with the toilet!
     
    The show opened to a small queue at 10.30am and I started to worry. Due to my difficult working situation I had not publicised the show between December and June. Leaflets went out in a rush from the summer and we did what we could to promote the show as much as we could. I worried that it had not been enough. Fortunately the arrival of the 11am service bus brought a mini-rush and things picked up from then on with further mini-rushes brought in by the 12.00 and 1pm buses.
    At 11am the show paused. My hard working helper, Chris, left her kitchen duties to signal the start of the Armistice Day silence by ringing the bell at 11am. Despite the show being sprawled across seven different rooms, the bell brought about a perfect silence. You really could hear a pin drop across the whole school. A big thank you to all the layout owners for quietening their sound fitted locos and the visitors who showed the appropriate respect. As I bowed my head behind Skaleby West, with an Ivatt 2 tank paused in the platform, I have to admit to having a lump in my throat.
     
    The rest of the day flew by. We were never packed, with the classrooms seeming quiet at times. However the main hall always seemed busy and there was a nice buzz about the place. A friend from church was exhibiting a layout too, and their teenage son took a break from duties there to relieve me on my layout. We actually had a bit of banter about who could solve the card generated shunting puzzles the quickest.
     
    The layout ran well and proved enjoyable to operate. Unlike its previous outing at Sheffield, it ran with the river bridge extension. It was further embellished by the addition of an EFE made Barton's bus that had been a gift from the school's parents when I left. It was altered to carry my name and class' name along the sides with the village name added to the destination blind. Sadly very few parents and children from the school were there to see it. This seemed to be the poorest turn out from within the school community in the show's history. The fact that few children seemed to be aware of the show when I visited on Friday may have had something to do with it. It seems the school had not bothered to promote it from within. The show did not even warrant an advert in their latest newsletter!
     
    Despite the lack of school advertising, the numbers through the door were comparable to previous years - maybe slightly less. The combination of ticket sales, refreshments and raffle sales helped to bring in a total profit of £956. This means that in six years the show has raised around £5,500 for school funds.That it something I am very proud of.
     
    And what of the head teacher I hear you ask? The person who I hold solely responsible for my decision to leave, the person who will benefit from most of the money raised had rostered himself to help out for the whole day. He finally arrived at 3.15pm although I did not see him until nearly an hour later when I was in the hall giving out the best in show trophy. The reason for his absence changed from one story to another - I definitely smell a rat.
     
    I am not concerned by the ex-boss' apathy however. I am very proud of what the show team achieved. The ladies in the kitchen excelled themselves again. Their friendly service and the quality of the food received countless praise throughout the day. I am just putting together a compilation of the positive feedback to pass on to them. Many visitors also praised the varied exhibits on display. With a record 25 layouts on display we certainly had something for everyone. One member told me that he felt the show was better than some of the larger exhibitions he had attended. That really is welcome praise. Many said that they hoped that the show would not prove to be the last........
     
    And so what next?
     
    I cannot believe what has happened. Back in February 2012, after visiting a local church show, I had a fledgeling idea that we could stage a model railway show in our school to raise funds. Four days later, whilst visiting the Severn Valley Railway, I allowed the idea to grow and put together a full plan for the show whilst I sat on the train. That "business plan" was shared at a staff meeting and the show was given the go-ahead. The first event used the hall and one classroom. It led to the birth of this blog. Since then the show has grown year on year culminating in this year's event which filled the hall, corridor and six classrooms.
     
    And now it appears to be all over. I have reached the end of the journey.
     
    Six years ago I had no idea how to organise a model railway event. I really did learn "on the job". This blog is a record of that experience. It has been an unforgettable experience and one that I am very proud of. I would dare to say that organising the Weston on Trent show is one of my proudest achievements and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to thank everyone who helped with the show whether they have been exhibitor, trader, visitor or helper. If my time as an exhibition manager is at an end, I will miss it. Thanks to everyone who has read and commented on this blog.
     
    THE END!
  2. andyram

    Under Pressure

    By andyram,

    Several months have passed since my last entry and so much has happened. I left Weston on Trent School in July to a lot of touching comments from the parents and many staff members. I secured a supply post back at the school where my teaching career began and this was made permenant in October. Since the start of the new academic year I have caught up with a few old colleagues and planning for the 2017 show has continued. Meanwhile Queen and Adam Lambert have started their sold out European tour and tickets for their Nottingham show landed on our door mat earlier in the week.
     
    Now there is less than a week to go until the show, that looked like it would never happen, opens the doors to the public. To quote one of the famous tracks from the legendary band I am feeling "Under Pressure".
     
    In a sense things are going well. We have a confirmed line up of 24 layouts - more than we have ever had. It could have been more but, sadly, two layouts have had to pull out due to ill health. Nothing that can be done of course and their withdrawals are perfectly understandable. However, despite the record number of layouts, there are still some gaps to fill. This has become more pressing after one of regular traders also withdrew due to ill health.
     
    The clock is ticking - can I really fill those gaps?
     
    If not, should I let it worry me? After all we already have a record number of layouts.
     
    But - I do have a particular reason for wanting this show to be extra special. It will be my last show as organiser. After six shows I will be bowing out from organising it and, unless someone else takes it on, it will be the last show at this venue.
     
    Simply; I have struggled to motivate myself to organise an event to benefit somewhere where I no longer work. Being on the outside has caused some logistical problems too. I will need to get the show guide completed earlier in order for it to be sent to the school for printing. I will also need to do the same for the exhibitors passes and lunch passes etc. This means less time to complete these jobs and I am struggling to fit it all in - I am definitely "Under Pressure".
     
    I am sure it will all work itself out. I just need to get my head down for a couple of days whilst also ensuring my work for the new place does not suffer. Busy times!
     
    Meanwhile - I have also decided to exhibit Skaleby West at the final show. It seems fitting - after all it was built for the inaugural event back in 2012 and has been there at every show since. The extra space should allow me to use it with the scenic extension again which means a few last minute renovations to get it ready.
     
    Hopefully I will post some updates over the next few days.
     
    Until next time.
  3. andyram
    I cannot believe it has been over a year since I last posted in this blog. The story of the 2016 Weston on Trent Model Railway show has been told in its own thread in the exhibitions section of RMWeb. It was a big success, breaking all records with the most layouts ever in attendance and raising over £1000 for school funds. On that day posters were already up around the school advertising the 2017 event. I was already thinking about layout bookings and was, in my mind, thinking about 2018, 2019 and beyond. Then all went quiet! Why?
     
    This academic year has been the most difficult of my entire teaching career. A large number of negative circumstances, none of which are my own doing, have made my working life very difficult. This has contributed to excessively long working days, illness and a huge reduction in job satisfaction. To be fair many of these aspects were in place at the time of the last show but I had battled through it. Since December I have been actively seeking new employment whether that be a promotion into school leadership or a teaching post elsewhere. This has meant that I had put the show firmly to the back of my mind. Throughout the early part of this year it was described as "on hold" and "unlikely to happen". In May I took the decision to resign my post and I will officially leave the school at the end of this term. Where am I going? At present I have no idea. I am continuing to seek employment and have signed to a supply teaching agency so that I can continue to earn from September. At present I have a couple of other job irons in the fire. It is a scary time, but also quite exciting. The decision has eased the huge stress that had been mounting up throughout the year and was threatening my health, my well being and my marriage.
     
    But...and this is where the title of this thread comes in. It has nothing to do with my booked tickets to see the mighty Queen and Adam Lambert perform in December. The Show Must Go On!!!
    Once my resignation had been announced to the staff I had a couple of my regular helpers persuade me that we really ought to stick to the advertised 2017 date. They also were keen to do the show again. After all a £1000 a year is not to be sniffed at!!! Despite the money I was surprised that these non-railway modelling ladies wanted to repeat the show, and did not want to take the opportunity of an extra day of pre-Christmas shopping. But they actually enjoy the show and the friendly, pleasant people who frequent our little event. And so their persuasions have worked.
     
    The Show Must Go On!!!
     
    I have agreed (not that I took too much persuading) to organise the event for 2017. Will it be my swansong? My final act for the school? Time will tell. At present I have agreed for this year, and this year only. The future of the event will depend on several factors:
    a) its success this year and the money raised.
    b) how workable it is for me to organise when I am no longer on the staff
    c) my working situation post 2017.
     
    And so I now have a challenge. When the show was originally conceived way back in 2012, I managed to throw it together in just nine months. Then it was brand new, with nothing to live up to. Now we have a reputation, and from what I understand, it is a very good one. I have just 5 months to put together an event that is up there with our previous offerings. No pressure there then!
    So far - all of our traders have agreed to return and we have assembled approximately 10 - 12 layouts. We need more of these. The search is on and not a lot of time to find them. I am therefore throwing myself towards the good people of RMWeb to help. You helped to make this show what it is. At every event over 50% of the layouts have come from the good people of this website. Can anyone help us?
     
    The Show Must Go On!!!!
     
    THE DATE IS
     
    SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
     
    (edited to include the date)
  4. andyram
    Today saw the first day of the Gresley and Wychnor Model Railway Group's two day Easter show. This is more of a club open day than a full scale exhibition as it takes place in the club's own premises. That being said the club have certainly maximised their space to produce a decent event and a visit is well recommended.
    Since my last visit the premises seem to have been extended with a new room, "The Sir Nigel Gresley Room" now open at the front of the venue. In here there were two layouts. Burdale Colliery was a work in progress 0 gauge model in the early stages of development. A sound fitted Pannier tank drew admiring glances from many, including my 4 year old daughter.
    The other layout in this room was "Swad Lane". This modern image 00 gauge model depicts a privately owned maintenance depot to the rear with a passenger branch at the front. This model also used sound fitted stock.
    Also in this room there was one trade stand, carrying a good range of stock. RMWeb member Andy Peters was also providing a weathering demonstration, offering to weather stock for a donation. I was pretty annoyed that I forgot to pick up my models when I left home this morning.
     
    In the main room there was one of the stand out models. The club is home to the impressive 0 gauge Wychnor-on-Trent layout. This has featured in many railway magazines. It is a huge model that begins with a terminus station, runs along one wall before curving around the end of the room to a through station. Trains then disappear into a fiddle yard behind an impressive loco shed scene. There are many other scenes including a brewery (currently being rebuilt), goods yard and a second loco shed. There was an impressive array of stock on view.
    In the centre of the main room were a few tables and chairs for visitors to sit and enjoy snacks and drinks from the kitchen. My daughter and I enjoyed a light dinner whilst observing a procession of trains on the layout. Highlight for me was a superb green liveried "Jubilee" (see picture below).
     
    Upstairs there was the second large layout. "Coopers Dale and Marston" is an impressive 00 gauge model. There is always something running on here either passing through the station on the lower level or passing behind the roof tops on the upper track. On the other side there is a superb viaduct scene. Organisers had carefully place some seats at this viewing point and it was nice to sit and watch the trains pass over this impressive structure. One IPhone snap (below) shows a Crosti 9F at this location.
    I could have sat here for quite some time, but my daughter had other ideas. Sadly she soon decided the attraction of Easter eggs at home was a better option and wanted to head for home. As a result I only got the briefest of views of the other layouts on the upper floor. These included a developing N gauge GWR model, "Princetown", a Thomas 00 gauge layout, a developing Scottish based 0 gauge model called "Dornock", a narrow gauge layout and a 00 gauge shunting layout called "Windmill Road". In addition there was also another demonstration in the upstairs room.
    There was certainly lots to see and the club is blessed with a host of impressive layouts. There is even a large G scale model near the entrance. I would certainly recommend a visit. The members are friendly. I met so many familiar faces who all wanted to stop and chat and I was made to feel very welcome. I could have stayed a lot longer than I did. My daughter was also greeted warmly. She was given a small chocolate egg with her dinner and was offered a sweet lollipop as she left. Certainly the club have the right idea for attracting the next generation.
     
    All in all - a great event, very enjoyable - possibly my favourite of the year so far.
    Here are a couple of pictures.
  5. andyram

    Nottingham 2016

    By andyram,

    After a couple of false starts I made it to the Nottingham show just before mid-day. This year the event has returned to the Harvey Haddon Sports Centre meaning that the show is back to being all in one room, rather than spread out around many rooms in a school. I had thought that this change would make the show extremely crowded as there was less room for the crowd to be dispersed. Certainly my previous experience of shows at Harvey Haddon have been like this, with large crowds in front of the layouts. However this year's show was nothing like that. The hall seemed very quiet. Whether this was down to the generous walkways between the layouts or a lower attendance is debateable. I do hope that, over the weekend, the organisers attract a decent crowd because the show deserves to succeed. The event had a good mix of layouts that were well grouped together. The pick of these were in the modern image area with the much travelled "Farkham" probably being the stand out model with the way part of the line is glimpsed through the tower blocks placed at the front of the scene. A nice little Del Boy and Rodney cameo scene included too.
    Loughborough Midland, London Road and Towcester were also good examples of 00 gauge diesel era. I liked the lighting on Towcester and the long stretch of raised embankment that ran alongside the fields at one end of the layout. This looked extremely realistic.
    In N gauge "Neely" was another impressive modern image layout with very interesting lighting. I was so glad to see it operating well on my second visit as it was fairly static for the whole of my first visit to the model.
    Static layouts did seem to be a bit of a feature during the early part of my visit. The part built 0 gauge layout "Lancaster Green Ayre" never seemed to have anything running on any of my visits. Perhaps I just appeared at the wrong time. The 00 gauge LMS era layout "Ilkeston" also seemed to be pretty quiet in terms of traffic. They did seem to have some running issues, with only the trams at one end of the layout actually running well. I think I am a jinx on this layout as it often seems to run badly when I am there. I hope that they fixed these problems as it is a very good layout indeed.
    There were plenty of other highlights. The procession of trains on the 0 gauge circular layout "Scout Green" made impressive viewing. The passing A4 on the Pullmans and the crimson Jubilee being the stand out models. As a steam era modeller I found "Coton Sidings" of interest. This has two shunting levels in an urban setting. The Western region was well represented by "Farringdon". This layout represents the changeover period from GWR to BR and makes a good job of placing the railway in the scene.
    I enjoyed seeing the narrow gauge layout, "Low Tor". The appearance of the Bachmann model of "Skarloey" in original form, and another which had been converted to Talyllyn. This is a very nice model, and it was nice to see one for the first time.
     
    There were so many good layouts that I cannot mention them all. I did visit the foreign layout section, but as its not my area of interest it was only a brief visit. There was a good mix of trade with plenty of new and specialist items for sale. I went with a shopping list and, sadly, found nothing from it. I did come away with some items including the new Hornby catalogue which is much smaller, and cheaper, than previous years.
     
    Sadly I did not take my camera as the trip was rather last minute. Just one IPhone shot shown below of the Del Boy and Rodney cameo.
     
    BEST LAYOUT
    1. Farkham - impressive the way the railway picks its way through the scenic section. Great cameos.
    2. Towcester - well lit, nice scenic section capped off with sound fitted locomotives.
    3. Faringdon - had to have a steam era layout in there somewhere!
     
    BEST MODEL
    0 gauge Jubilee on Scout Green.
     

    THINGS TO MAKE YOU SMILE.
    Bachmann "Talyllyn" and Skarloey on Low Tor (2 of my favourite locos from my childhood....yes I want one!)
    Del and Rodney cameo on "Farkham"
  6. andyram

    Trowell 2016

    By andyram,

    Last week I had an enjoyable visit to the Sileby model railway show. Due to a busy working week I have been unable to find time to write a blog entry for that particular event. Today saw me head to the Ilkeston Woodside Railway Club's annual exhibition which takes place at nearby Trowell.
    The show is always a small and friendly event that attracts a decent crowd. Today's event was no different as the hall was very busy when I arrived shortly after the 10am opening time, and remained busy throughout my visit. The hall is not the biggest venue and so it can get a bit cramped at times. That said it was never uncomfortable (unlike some parts of last week's Sileby show).
    On entering the hall, visitors were greeted by David Westwood's N gauge layout "Marsh Chipping". This is a wonderful model of the Western region in the 1960's. There was plenty of passing trains to hold the attention of young and old.
    N gauge seemed to dominate the main floor with Marsh Chipping one of 4 N gauge models amongst the 6 main floor exhibits. The other three were all more modern image with Dave Harrison's "Glenellen Castle" making its exhibition debut. This was a stunning depiction of BR blue diesels in Scotland, with a well modelled castle scene, superb river bridge and plenty of flashing lights amongst the motor vehicles on display. It was a stunning model and attracted plenty of favourable comments.
    Next to Glenellen Castle was Stephen Sims' model of "Loughborough Derby Road". This layout is a "might have been" depiction of how the former LNWR branch from Coalville to Loughborough may have looked had it survived into the modern era. Those who travel into the town via the A6 will recognise "The Station" public house which is well modelled in its appropriate location. This is another excellent layout and has been out and about a lot on the show circuit over the last few years. It appeared at Sileby only last week and was a visitor to our own Weston event two years ago.
    The final N gauge model was another modern image one. "Barton Hill" was a much smaller layout and depicted a Rail Express servicing depot alongside a small portion of passing main line. There were some nice effects on here, especially the attempt to use card pictures built up in a decoupage style to create a 3D back scene in such a small space.
    The remaining two layouts in the main hall were both 00 gauge. One of these, Annesley Woodhouse, also fell into the modern image category. This depicted a Robin Hood line station and was also making its exhibition debut.
    There was more modern image in the form of 00 gauge "Elveden Road". This featured a modern servicing facility and was situated in the small side room.
    Steam era modellers had not been forgotten. In addition to "Marsh Chipping" there was "Ashbrook Dale" which was based on the LMS in 1930' Derbyshire. This is another layout that has appeared at many local shows in recent years. Each time I see it the scenics seem to have been further improved. Now the whole layout has been enhanced with its own lighting rig. The lack of lighting has hampered the model due to some unfortunate locations at some previous shows.
    The pick of the steam era layouts was "Ripley", built by another club member. This is a very nice model indeed and another that has developed a lot since its exhibition debut last year. The model was located on the stage, which seemed to be a better organised display than last year. There were less exhibits on the stage and this gave much more room to move around. Last year things were just too cramped.
    There was a diverse number of traders with stalls selling scenic items and electricals. The societies own members stand had a good and varied stock of second hand stuff and seemed to be doing a good trade. Regular model traders were Malcs Models and Brickyard Models. Sadly only the latter stocked any new items so the variety of new r-t-r was very limited. Usually you expect to be able to buy new items from Malcs Models too, but today their stall seemed to resemble a car boot sale with various rummage boxes of second hand carriages etc. This was my only disappointment from what was another superb show. As I mentioned previously, it is always very friendly and I bumped into many familiar faces and ended up spending much more time at the show than I intended.
     
    And so to finish - here are my "light hearted" awards.
     
    BEST IN SHOW:
    Glenellen Castle - a truly stunning model.
     
    BEST MODEL
    Jim Read's card Y7 model on the "Moxley" 0 gauge layout.
     
    Finally here are some pictures from the show:
    (starting with two shots of Glenellen Castle, followed by Annesley Woodhouse, Ashbrook Dale, Marsh Chipping and Ripley)
  7. andyram

    And so we go on...

    By andyram,

    We are now half way through the current academic year and 3 months on from the fourth Weston on Trent show. Skaleby West and the troublesome extension are back in situ in the spare room and, apart from the occasional loco test, it has hardly been used. Some small work has been carried out on the next project, Skaleby Quay, but the creative modelling juices have been but a trickle of late. There is a very good reason for that of course. Staff changes at school have taken up a lot of additional time and there is an assignment for my leadership qualification still hanging around my neck. Work has certainly been busy and that is before family life is also taken into account. Juggling everything has been very difficult and I am not exaggerating when I claim to have had many sleepless nights recently. My average sleep is down to four hours per night although daughters and cats can be blamed for some disturbed nights.
    We are currently in the midst of the February half term when it hit me. I have another show to organise. Yes, after the success of last year, we are doing it all again. To be fair, after raising over £1000 last year, I really do not have much choice. The Weston on Trent Model Railway Show has become the school's third biggest fundraiser after the traditional Christmas and summer fairs. In fact the only reason they outdo the show is due to the revenue generated by two large raffles held during those events.
     
    But the fact is there is to be a fifth Weston event. The date is confirmed as Saturday 12th November. I really need to get my finger out and do something!
    To be fair, although I have neglected the show, I have not ignored it completely. Whilst out and about I have been chatting to different people. Three of our stall holders from last year have all but guaranteed that they will return so that is one less worry.
    On the final day of term I managed to print off a good supply of the 2016 leaflets. These should be out and about at some upcoming local shows - look out for them at Sileby and Trowell in the next few weeks.
     
    What about the layouts? I always worry About whether I can scrape together enough exhibits to make the show work. Last year we hit the magic 20 mark and I will feel that I have failed if we don't reach that again. Tonight I have sent out a multitude of emails to previous exhibitors who have expressed an interest in returning with something else. I also have contacted the owners whose details have been kept on file after they were unable to attend last year. I do have a couple of others still to contact as their details are saved on my RMWeb message box and the site decided to go offline at the time I was on my email. I will contact those people later in the week. If all come back positively then I will have made a good start. I do have a couple of other "target" exhibits and those layout owners may find a surprise message dropping into their inbox before the week is out. Hopefully I can bring some positive news in the next blog entry.
     
    As for my contribution, there is no decision. For the last four shows Skaleby West has been displayed in various guises. Although the extension board needs finishing there is other repair work to do if I want to make it presentable for Weston 2016. Then there is the question of whether I want to do so. I am not sure the layout will warrant a fifth successive outing. If I get the extension board finished and I complete the various repairs then it is a possibility I could justify showing it again.
    Right now I feel that having Skaleby West at Weston 2016 would be a show too far. I think it has outstayed its welcome and needs a break from the event. I don't want people to think our event is becoming "samey" and I don't want people to be bored by the event or my layout. It was noticeable that the layout attracted less attention last year, even with the extension board. So that is a sign that the visitors are tired of seeing it.
    So that means something new. At present there is no chance of layout number 2, "Skaleby Quay," being ready for November. It is just too much of a complicated build. So that means a different project. Thinking cap is now on!
     
    Until next time.....
  8. andyram

    Stafford 2016

    By andyram,

    After a busy weekend I have finally managed to settle down to pen / type my thoughts about this year's Stafford Show. After missing last year's event I was very much looking forward to this year's show. Firstly I have to say it did not disappoint. Once again it featured three large halls of layouts in various gauges and a multitude of trade stands. All of this for £9.00 admission - representing very good value in my opinion, especially when combined with free parking and a free bus service to and from the station.
    We all know the issues the venue has with car parking and there is little the show organisers can do about this. With another large event on at the same time it was always going to put a strain on the car park, which was hampered by some very wet and boggy areas.
     
    Arriving at 10.45 we did not have to queue outside in the rain which was a blessing. Once inside we visited hall 3 first to beat the crush in the opening room. It also gave us a chance to view the club stand. Nothing to tempt me there though.
    There were some great layouts in this hall including Crimson Road and the O gauge shunting layouts Pinkpurse Yard and Chard's Creamery. The stand out layouts in this hall were two larger O gauge layouts, 82G is a fantastic MPD and featured some lovely steam locomotive models - the pick being the Jubilee (can't beat those wonderful locos in my opinion).
    Broom Junction was another superb O gauge model with a procession of passing London Midland trains. The only slight criticism would be that the operators seemed more intent on moving a small video camera around the scenic section to film passing trains. Ok, I know it is their layout and they can do with it what they like, but wouldn't it be better to do such filming before or after the show - it does spoil the illusion somewhat when the big hand from the sky appears to pick up or dump a camera onto the layout!
    Another layout that caught my eye was the Warley club's N gauge offering "The Ridgeacre branch". This managed to fit an entire operating branch line into a very small space. It was also good to see the layout owner hand over the controller to a youngster who was viewing the action. Great credit to him for that!
     
    In the middle hall there were more great layouts. For me one of the picks of the show was the Scottish based layout "Crinan". As someone who is building a coastal / quayside layout it provided great inspiration. The extended section featuring the river and rail over bridge was superb. The water was especially realistic. This layout almost won my best in show award - but was pipped by some in the first hall.
     
    Hall 1 featured Grantham which has moved on so much since I last viewed it. The GWR layout "Much Murkle" was a brilliant layout, and well lit too. Stackton Tressel provided a more urban scene with plenty of passing trains. It looked great, but a few unfinished areas did detract a little from the view - I think the owners are in the process of installing signals and the connections for these were in clear view.
    Without doubt Old Elms Road was the best layout for action. Not only was there a procession of passing Southern and Western region trains, but there was a large operating roadway too. The scenics were superb too and it kept my attention the longest. However the highlight of the show for me was "Freshwater". As someone who loves the Isle of Wight and its railways it was always going to be a favourite of mine. Yes it is undergoing renovation and needs more work, but its operation is a real tribute to the late Fred Shilton. Congratulations must go to the Stafford Railway Circle for their work on this layout. It does capture the feel of the island lines.
     
    All in all a brilliant show. I purchased a few bits from Langley Models for my developing Skaleby Quay layout and a Metcalfe platform kit for the same project. It was great to see the Oxford Rail Adams Radial on sale and I was very tempted - but resisted...just!
     
    Congrats to the organisers - I really enjoyed the event. It is definitely one of the best of the year.
     
    So here are my "light-hearted awards"
     
    BEST LAYOUT:
    1 FRESHWATER - as a fan of the Isle of Wight railways it had to be this.
    2 OLD ELMS ROAD - constant action and thoroughly entertaining. Was probably the best in show but for my I-O-W bias!
    3 CRINAN - a layout that has provided great inspiration for me.
     
    BEST MODEL:
    The O gauge model of a Jubilee on 82G.
     
    And the worst:
    Shunting manoeuvres on one layout. A train suddenly changing direction without any pause always spoils an illusion in my book. One O gauge layout in hall 2 did this constantly.
     
    The moment to make you smile!
    The operator of the "Ridgeacre Branch" handing over the controller to a young viewer and teaching him how to operate the trains. Good on him - it probably made the lad's day.
     
    And finally:
    Great to catch up with so many faces. I have tried to post some pictures on this blog but my laptop does not seem to be playing. I have noticed four have uploaded I will add some more tomorrow.
  9. andyram
    My blogs of my 2015 show visits never really got off the ground last year. Although I visited many events throughout the year I often did not get around to writing my comments. Perhaps some people are quite pleased about that!
    Anyway I am hoping to be a bit more consistent with my blogging this year.
     
     
    My show visits got off to an early start this year as I made my first ever visit to the 7mm Narrow Gauge event at the Mickleover Community Centre. Although this is advertised more as a club get together, it is open to all and on payment of a reasonable £3 entry fee. The event was held in the three rooms of the community centre that is also used for the October club show. It featured plenty of trade - although it was naturally geared towards 7mm NG modellers. For those looking for a bargain there was plenty of boxes to rummage in for bargains.
    Amongst the layouts there were a few gems including Port Wynstay Quay, Up the Line and Coxheath Sidings. Without doubt "Up the Line" was the stand out model. It is becoming an exhibition regular, winning best in show at our Weston 2014 event and being a close runner up the following year. I know Kevin has collected plenty of other awards along the way and they are well deserved. The quality of modelling is excellent with the bomb damaged buildings and excellent photo back scene being especially impressive. The scenics are supported by the sound fitted locos and the WW1 sound effects in the background. That being said, I did not hear much of the background sounds today - I wonder if they had been turned off.
    If you have not seen Up the Line yet, you should check out the layout blog here on RMWeb.
     
    It was also good to see another RMWeb featured layout - Dava's "Coxheath Sidings". This minimum space 0 gauge model uses a foam board baseboard. It has plenty of nice cameo scenes and shows you do not have to have lots of space to model in this scale.
     
    I didn't spend long at the show due to other commitments, but thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Congrats to the organisers. Here are my "light hearted" awards.
     
    BEST LAYOUT - "Up the Line" - without doubt the stand out model in the entire show.
    BEST MODEL - 0 gauge Terrier "Bodium" on Coxheath Sidings - excellently detailed and weathered by Dava!
  10. andyram

    Mixed feelings

    By andyram,

    I think the title of this entry fairly sums up my feelings towards the fourth Weston on Trent Model Railway Exhibition. Throughout the show's short history this year's event has been the hardest to organise. A plethora of layout withdrawals throughout the year resulted in the exhibit list having to be redrawn time and time again. In the months prior to the show we lost both Tom's Shed and Poundland due to the illness of their owners. We also lost Myrton because it had been double booked and an un-named shunting layout due to its owner's work pattern changing. All of these were understandable and unavoidable reasons for withdrawing. Added to these were the loss of three regular traders.
    I had just started to think I had covered these when I heard of Frank Collins' illness resulting in the withdrawal of "Steam on the Cambrian" in the week leading up to the show. No complaints there either and I am pleased to hear Frank is out of hospital and recovering at home. Hopefully we will see him next year.
    Then there was the layout that withdrew on Thursday night - don't get me started on that one! I have lost a lot of respect for that particular gentleman.
    The preparation of Skaleby West for its outing at the show was also fraught with problems. Scenic items never turned up on time and the signal box, purchased from EBay, was sent to my old house because I had forgotten to change my details.
     
    With so many issues it was no wonder I was feeling a little sick with nerves when I awoke at 5am on the Saturday morning. I skipped breakfast, loaded the car, and was on the road within 45 minutes. This year I had delegated most of the road signs to the school caretaker so there were less for me to do on the way. As a result I was able to open the school by 6.30am and had Skaleby West unloaded and in-situ before the official 7am opening up time.
    Still the problems arose. As I went to open the side gate that leads to the back entrance to the main hall I realised I no longer had a key. The school secretary had borrowed it a few months ago when hers broke. I only use mine once a year so no wonder I forgot! A frantic search and mad few minutes trying various keys finally got the padlock undone. Surely that was the end of the problems. No! Clearly the caretaker had been lax on his gardening duties. The gateway was blocked by several low lying branches from a nearby tree. So my next task was some ad-hoc branch trimming.
    At least it was all done for just after 7am when the kitchen staff started to arrive. They brought news that some of the signs were not yet up. Maybe that explained why no one else was there! In the last three years I have had people waiting on the doorstep for me. This year nothing! It was a nervy half hour before people started to arrive. At least they brought news that the signs were finally up!
    Skaleby West was the next to cause problems. During the set up I had to re-glue the cottage, garden roller, platform detail and remove some tree foliage which had been lost during the drive to the school. Then as I took the controller out of the bag I found it had lost its wires - and I had left the screw drivers at home. Thanks to Kev Hughes (Up the Line) for the loan of his tools. Once reconnected the extension lead blew a fuse so a replacement was sourced from school stock. This was not helping the stress levels!
     
    From then on things did seem to go smoothly. Everyone turned up and were set up on time, with only one layout in the corridor cutting it fine. There were one or two mumblings about our insistence that all cars were moved to an off-site car park before the doors opened, but all responded to the request eventually.
    My layout set up was made easier thanks to the offer of help from RMWeb member Andy Sharpe (leopard) who came along before the doors opened. He was a real help and cleaned the track and stocked the layout whilst I distributed lunch passes etc. He then insisted on paying his entry fee (I told him not to!) and went off to look around the show, heading off without having an operating turn - we must sort that next year!!
     
    I did manage to have a brief walk around before the doors opened. I must admit I started to feel a lot better. The layouts looked great. After the ups and downs of the week there were 20 layouts - helped by the very late addition, Werrington Road. The owner contacted me on Friday night to offer to come and cover for the lost layouts. I am very appreciative of this.
    Down at the entrance hall the raffle was well stocked with plenty of prizes, aided by Denise Hughes (wife of exhibitor Malcolm) who donated two large bags of prizes and a gift for my three year old daughter. The support and kindness of so many people really did take the stress away.
     
    As for the show itself - it flew by. We were busy in the morning, slackened off at lunch, with a brief revival in the afternoon. We sold out of bacon cobs, lunches and raffle tickets. I hear the ladies on the door developed a raffle ticket sales pitch which would not have been out of place on an episode of The Apprentice. I knew we must have done well by the steady stream of staff handing over piles of cash to "look after". At one point I had £500 in my back pocket - but I did not consider running away - honest!
    As I operated Skaleby West I was busy with so many people coming to say hello and have a chat. It was great. There were many kind words about the show which was nice to hear. The traders all seemed to do well too.
     
    In the end we raised £1050 for stocking the school library. This is our best total ever. And so, despite my initial concerns and worries, I can say that it has definitely been worthwhile. I feel very satisfied. But of course it would not be possible without all the staff who worked so tirelessly all day, the exhibitors and traders who supported us this year - some exhibitors even handed back their expenses at the end of the day which was unexpected. Thanks go to all who played their part - I am so appreciative.
     
    And so to next year - SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2016.
  11. andyram

    10 days to go!

    By andyram,

    As I wrote the date on the board in the classroom this morning I realised that there are only 10 days to go until the Weston on Trent show. A slight panic set in. There is still lots to do before the day. At least it is not just me flying around like a maniac though. A fellow staff member seemed to appear at my door every five minutes today to discuss the rota for the day. There is the kitchen to organise, ensuring we have enough people to cook the food for the public, lunch for the exhibitors and serve the hungry masses. Then there is the washing up to do and also the door and car park duties to organise. Trying to get enough people can become a bit of a job at times. Thankfully it looks like there are plenty of people willing to help out this year. Once again members of the Ilkeston Woodside group will help out with the car park and we are very thankful to them for that.
    This evening I have completed the draft floor plan and have made some progress on the show guide. After sending the confirmation letters out I have received some replies further confirming the attendance of the layouts. One reply came from my one major doubt. With that layout confirmed I feel confident that we will have 21 layouts. That is a record for the show. A full layout list now appears on the show's RMWeb thread. Amongst those layouts there are some I am really looking forward to seeing. Last year's best in show winner "Up the Line" is always worth a look and I can't wait to see it in its extended form. I am also looking forward to seeing the developments on Foster Street, as well as counting the number of Jubilees that Paul has managed to sneak onto the roster. I didn't get enough chance to view this layout last year so I will make an extra effort this time around. Both of these layouts are exhibited by RMWeb members.
    Other RMWeb member layouts look set to be show highlights. Steam on the Cambrian is an outstanding model and one I was so pleased to add to the show line up. I was so impressed when I saw it at Butterley last year. I can't wait to see it again.
    The one layout I really want to see is "Victoria Bridge". It is one of the smallest models in this year's show, but after following the blog for the model, it is one that I eagerly anticipate seeing.
    Of course I hope these, and other layouts, bring enjoyment to our visitors. I hope we will have plenty of people through the door. This is the time my fingers start to cross that our publicity has drawn enough people in. Have we reached enough people? Time will tell. But, as one person has already told me, a £3.50 entry fee for 21 layouts is pretty good value for money.
     
    More updates soon...
  12. andyram

    Keeping people happy

    By andyram,

    Earlier this week I read a blog by one of our exhibitors. Kev, builder and owner of the fabulous World War One layout "Up the Line" was discussing his preparation for an upcoming event. In his post he had a self confessed rant about the amount of time it took him to get ready for the event. He stated that he hoped his efforts were appreciated by exhibition managers. He then mentioned that he had it all to do again for the Weston show on the 14th November.
    Far from being offended by Kev's comments, I actually agree with them - and they got me thinking. I am sure that there is not an exhibition manager anywhere in the country who does not appreciate the efforts of the exhibitors who help to make their shows a success. The question is, do they do enough to show that appreciation?
    That is a question I really cannot answer. Apart from our own show, I have only exhibited at one other event - this was the Belper event back in March. On this occasion I would say that the organisers did show their appreciation. I was warmly welcomed upon arrival, offered help throughout the set up and was verbally thanked at the end of the event. I was also given an acceptable sandwich meal and four free drink vouchers. My exhibitors pack also included a dated badge to put on the layout to record its attendance. Is all this the norm? I do not know.
    As a show organiser I feel indebted to all of our exhibitors and their efforts. Without them the Weston show would not have been going for as long as it has. In recognition of this I do try and ensure I show our gratitude. I ensure all exhibitors are given full details in advance of the event, clearly explaining the day's arrangements. I ensure any expenses are paid on time. Our ladies in the kitchen pride themselves in delivering a good hot meal for all operators and we give out free drinks to them all day. Not sure on the menu for this year yet, but jacket spuds, salad and pasta were being discussed the other day!
    Finally I make sure that I email all exhibitors after the event to thank them for their attendance. I hope that this is enough!
     
    This year's show is now coming together. The current layout count has grown to 21. There are some fantastic layouts amongst them. Kev's newly extended "Up the Line" is back this year, defending its best in show title. It will certainly be one of the front runners for this year's award, but there is some good competition.
    My layout is making slow progress, see the Skaleby a West blog for details. I doubt the extension will be finished in time, but it can be shown as a work in progress on 14th November.
    At least the raffle is coming together. In the last week we have received generous donations of prizes from some local attractions. Step forward and take a bow Crich Tramway, Peak Rail, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and the Donington Collection.
     
    Hope to see you on the 14th November.
  13. andyram

    Advice? Me? Really?

    By andyram,

    The countdown to the 2015 Weston show is very much on. We have now entered the final month and the show has even started to creep up the events bar on the main forum page. The hurdles continue to be placed in front of me. A very busy work situation has prevented me from measuring up those newly altered classrooms and has meant I am still to complete the floor plan. With next week being half term I know that I will really have to get things sorted during my time away from the classroom. Two parents evenings this week does restrict my time for carrying out the task, but I will get there - I have to!
    The ladies in the office have worked tirelessly to send out requests for raffle prizes. As yet the responses have been slow, but stand up and take a bow the Crich Tramway Village who have kindly donated some tickets. We have a couple of DVD's, some chocolates and the usual offers of wine so we will not be short.
    At the weekend I was out and about at the Wirksworth show ensuring a plentiful supply of leaflets were distributed. Requests have been sent off to three of the main model publications for show guide listings and the UK Model Shop entry has been updated. Over half term I plan to place a list of layouts on the show's RMWeb thread. I have hung back on this thus far due to the ever changing nature of this year's line up.
     
    This week has brought an interesting development, namely an email from a fellow show manager asking me for advice. I was happy to help the person in question and passed on as much as I could, but it did strike me as a rather interesting development. It does not seem that long ago that I was begging people for help and advice when starting to organise our first Weston event. Do I really fall into the experienced organiser category now??
  14. andyram

    Mixed fortunes

    By andyram,

    As regular readers of this blog will know, this year sees the fourth Weston on Trent Model Railway Show. I have had the honour of being the exhibition manager for the whole of that time, having originally come up with the idea for the show back in 2012. This show proved to be a success and, with the help of fellow RMWeb members and school staff, the event has continued to be successful throughout the past three years. It has raised over £2,700 for school funds, with the £900+ raised last year being invested in IPads for use in the classes. The three previous years have been very enjoyable and relatively stress free. Even the inaugural event, thrown together in just 9 months, was a very happy experience.
    I suppose it had to happen! This year's show has simply not gone smoothly. Every month there seems to have been one set back or another. In my previous entry I mentioned the problem of traders withdrawing due to being double booked or due to their decision to cut back on the number of events they were doing. Now the problem seems to have spread to layouts. Since my last entry I have lost two layouts from the show roster. One exhibitor has had to pull out due to work commitments, whilst another withdrew because his wife was having an operation in the week leading up to the event. Both thoroughly legitimate reasons for withdrawing, and both exhibitors have promised to attend in 2016. However it does not help my stress levels! I think I am finally beginning to experience the negative side of show management!
    Thankfully, as the title for this entry suggests, it is not all bad. The outstanding confirmation forms have started to drift in and more layouts have now been confirmed for the event. Another bonus came via one of our regular visitors. He contacted me with details of a layout he really likes and, after contacting the owner, this was promptly booked for this year's show. It may even bolster the planned "interactive room" which suffered as a result of one of the withdrawals.
     
    And so with a month to go it is time to take a deep breath and take stock.
    Currently the show has 16 layouts confirmed. I am waiting on another 4 or 5 layouts to send back their confirmations - but it does look like we are close to reaching my target of 20 layouts. With good luck and a following wind we may even exceed that total.
    We have replaced the missing traders - but are still hoping to secure one more. They just seem to be very quiet at present and I am not taking that as a good sign. The demonstrations are gradually coming together too.
    As I look more calmly at things it does look like we have a cracking show line up for 2015. There are old favourites returning in improved form and plenty of brand new layouts for the show too. Also there is a massive RMWeb turn out. I reckon that there will be at least 9, possibly 10, RMWeb members amongst the exhibitors - and it could be more... I am still trying to convince one more member to join us. This could be our biggest RMWeb turn out yet!
     
    So come and join us on Saturday 14th November from 10.30am. This year's event is helping to raise funds to stock our new library space!
     
    More news soon.
  15. andyram
    I think the title of the blog sums things up at the moment. It does not seem that long ago that I was breaking up for the six week summer holiday and looking forward to a family break on the South coast. Now I am back at work, installed as part of the school's leadership team, and suddenly realising that the fourth Weston on Trent Model Railway show is now only a few weeks away. That is quite a frightening thought! In truth the show has been taking a back seat in my thoughts of late due to some building work taking place at the school. Due to an increase in school numbers the two large junior classrooms have had their sizes reduced so that the middle break out room can be made into a classroom. This has made three equal sized, but smaller, rooms. Whilst this work does not reduce the actual size available for the show, it does mean the footprint changes slightly. Until the building work was completed and the rooms fitted out I could not complete the floor plan to ensure everything fits. This will need to be done in the next couple of weeks.
    At present there are 13 layouts confirmed, with another 6 or 7 still to return their confirmation sheets. We should have a 20 layout show by the time it all comes together. This year one of the rooms will be billed as the "interactive room" and will feature layouts that are available for the general public to try if they wish. I am not sure if there are many other shows that give over a whole room in this way, but hopefully it will prove to be a success.
     
    Talking of the word "success" - I really hope the show proves to be so. The last three events have all been successful and well attended. They have also been a joy to organise. I have benefitted from so much goodwill and help. This has been the case again, with so many RMWeb members bringing their layouts and offering support. I really appreciate this help and support. Unfortunately there have been plenty of "speed bumps" along the way. No less than three traders have pulled out. All have been long serving supporters and their loss has made things difficult. One trader told me a while ago they were cutting down on the number of shows they were attending and ours, as a one day show, was part of the cull. This was disappointing, but understandable. The other two had double booked themselves which is very annoying, but happens I suppose. One of these traders decided to inform me of this decision by sending a message via my parents which offended me a little.
    Thankfully I have managed to replace two of the missing traders and I am close to agreeing a third new trader which will give us a full compliment. I am just waiting for this trader to get back to me. It is a frustrating wait, especially as they promised to contact me over a week ago. I do seem to have spent a while awaiting replies and chasing people up this year. I have also been let down a lot, and I am pretty certain one layout owner is going to pull out due to ill health - we lost another due to illness earlier in the year.
     
    I am sure many exhibition manager has had similar experiences over the years - this is my first experience of such hassles and problems. Hopefully I can bring things together in time. There is still so much to do, and my layout still needs a lot of work. I still need to find another layout, especially if my suspicions about the exhibitor prove to be correct.
     
    More updates soon!
  16. andyram

    More ups and downs

    By andyram,

    Well another week and yet more ups and downs. First the good news. The layout forms are starting to come back in greater numbers. At present the confirmed layouts have hit double figures which is pleasing. I know of a couple more that are definitely coming but are yet to confirm their forms and two that are awaiting confirmation from me.
    The progress has seen me come up with a plan for a new feature at the show. Two of our exhibits have confirmed that they will be made available for visitors to use. Therefore I have hit upon a plan of creating an "interactive" room which will be solely made up of layouts that visitors can try. Not sure whether this is a new idea or not, but it will be new for us. It does mean I will need to find one or two more models that can be exhibited in this way. It is possible I will turn to a local model railway group for help in this matter - but if anyone else is willing to exhibit in this way then please get in touch!
    I mentioned in a previous post that a couple of traders had let me down. I think I have got one replacement, but my search for a second has thus far proved unsuccessful. Sadly a further trader has "double booked" themselves and will not be attending. That is another blow so I will have to redouble my efforts to find replacements.
  17. andyram
    I have not posted in this blog since the end of the Weston 2014 event. The new head teacher was so happy with the money raised that he gave the green light to the 2015 show. It seems we are here to stay. Planning has been underway for many months, and there are already many layouts booked. I am pleased that a couple of my top targets have agreed to attend this year's event, and I have various layout plans bubbling along for my own exhibit. Hopefully we will reach the heights of previous years.
     
    Sadly there have been a few down moments. Family health issues have caused me to be deflected away from organising the event for a month or two which has resulted in a slowing of layout bookings. We have also lost a couple of long term exhibitors. Our Meccano man sadly passed away just before Christmas and will be very much missed. A further layout owner has since pulled out due to ill health, whilst another double booked himself and has also pulled out. This has been added to by a long term trader who also double booked himself and has pulled out whilst another has cut down the number of events he is to attend and cut us from his programme.
     
    All this has left a few holes to fill. If anyone is interested in filling those gaps they will be most welcome.
  18. andyram

    Allestree 2015

    By andyram,

    It has been a bit of a late start to my show visits for 2015. Sadly, due to my wife and daughter being ill, I missed the much anticipated Stafford show at the start of the month. As a result my visits for the year began with a much smaller show. This Allestree event has been around a long time having been organised by members of the church to raise money for church funds. Last year the event was taken over by the Famous Trains charity although, as I understand, the proceeds still go to the church.
    This event is always a very friendly and intimate event. It often features a number of displays of heritage model railway stock and displays by some local amateur modellers as well as those more experienced exhibitors.
    This year's event was much the same with a couple of older Hornby 00 gauge models. Alongside this there was a table top Thomas layout and a Hornby Track Mat style layout. Malcolm Hughes had a good display of older, boxed models alongside his N gauge suitcase layout.
    In the main hall there was a small 00 gauge shunting puzzle which invited visitors to have a go for themselves. This, like all of the other models, succeeded in keeping things moving all the time which certainly entertains the younger visitors. All of the models were achievable by all and may just provide inspiration to some of the visitors to start their own project.
    The Famous Trains group have succeeded in extending this event into a second room. This second area featured some more recognisable and more established show layouts. The Lenton Model Railway group brought their excellent Greenacre Sidings and their sound fitted Linden Halt which featured B.R blue and green diesel models. Two N gauge layouts completed the scene including Laurie's Lair which has appeared at a few shows recently. Each time I see this model more and more scenic features have been added. I wonder what it will look like by the time it appears at the Weston show in November.
    The trade was limited to a couple of model railway stalls, with one quite sparsely populated. There was nothing to really tempt me to part with my cash. The Railway Bookshop was present too.
    As always the event features excellent catering, at very good value. The bacon cob was very nice and the cost of that, a mug of coffee, a cheese sandwich and a glass of squash for my daughter totalled just £4.00. Some shows could take heed from such prices!
     
    All in all a very enjoyable local show that once again manages to achieve its objectives. There was a good crowd so I hope it makes money for the church once again.
     
    Here are my "light-hearted awards:
     
    Best Layout:
    Greenacre Sidings - an excellent shunting layout which is well lit.
     
    Best model:
    David Wright's scenic treatment of the Hornby disused cottage. Inspiration for my own modelling.
     
     
    Disclaimer!
    I thought long and hard about whether to write this post. Last year I took some, rather harsh, stick from some members of this site when I made some constructive comments about some shows I visited last year. Remember these views are my own opinions!
  19. andyram
    I suppose it is fitting that the 50th post in this blog marks the end of another show! The third Weston on Trent show is now behind us. In the previous two years I have followed up the event by posting a blog entry that suggested that the day of the show felt like the longest day. Without doubt this year's event can claim to be the longest of longest days. Here is the true story of Weston 2014!
     
    The final preparation for the event did not go well. A hectic week at school with leadership courses, parents meetings and student visits added to my growing work load. Then my beloved wife, Sarah, decided to go down with the flu! Ironically she had only had the flu jab the previous Thursday, but by Monday she was confined to bed! So my evenings became a time for looking after our young daughter and trying to do as much as I could for Sarah whilst trying to stay on top of my workload. Predictably the show preparation took a back seat. All of the jobs I normally am so on top of were left to the very last minute - final confirmation e-mails, exhibitors passes, lunch passes and show guide were all completed at the very last minute. In the case of the latter it certainly showed as there were a couple of glaring mistakes that slipped through the net.
    I had hoped to do so much to Skaleby West too. Sadly my exhibition layout saw very little work although I did manage to replace the goods shed and refresh the goods yard - more on the layout's own thread!
     
    The morning of the show did not have the best of starts. At just 2am my daughter Amber woke up and decided to join us in bed. Nothing odd in that as it is par for the course these days. But she then inexplicably woke up at 3am, 4am and just before my 5am alarm. Once she drifted back off to sleep after the last of these I got up, bleary eyed, to begin the preparation. I did manage to avoid waking her again as I loaded the car with the layout and stock, and she was still asleep when I left at just before 6am.
    The journey to school was interrupted by the need to put up road signs. Our attempts to do this the night before had been scuppered by a argumentative member of a local parish council - lessons learned for future years there! The signs did not go up smoothly. The first was no trouble, the second did not seem to want to play. The cable ties I had bought did not seem to be up to the job and I wrecked several in the battle that followed. At one point whilst trying to adjust the sign I got up and smacked my head on the underneath of the sign above and so started the day by seeing stars. Fortunately a small cut and a bump were the only outcomes!
    Once that sign was up the rest played along nicely and I arrived at school well before my 7am opening time. At least the security firm had unlocked early so I could get straight in. That was lucky as two stall holders were sat on the doorstep! As soon as they were inside and all the rooms were opened up, lights switched on and water heater up and running I was able to start unloading Skaleby West. My plans had placed me in a different classroom, but a last minute moment of doubt had me change things around again and I was back in the same place as last year.
    Things went smoothly from then on as I set up the layout in breaks between guiding other exhibitors and traders to their pitch. A number of exhibitors needed help with lifting and carrying and I was only too happy to oblige. By 8.30am Skaleby West was ready. I plugged it in and placed my trusty old Jinty on the track and held my breath. The layout had not run since the week following the 2013 show and had suffered two house moves and several location changes. Surely it would not work! It did though - with no issues aside from some track cleaning.
    By 9am I was free to stroll around the show and take some pictures. Things seemed to be coming together well, but there were still 3 missing layouts and 1 missing trader. Time was ticking and I was starting to worry. Thankfully all turned up within a few minutes of each other.
    The new head teacher was around and he was deployed to act as car park marshall, encouraging those who had set up to move their vehicles to the nearby pub car park. Last year a number (including school staff) did not and this led to a packed car park and some visitors turning for home without stopping. This year it seemed most answered our pleas and there were less cars left in the car park by the time the public started to drive in.
    The official opening was listed as 10.30, but the cold temperatures saw the ladies on the door take the decision to let some people in twenty minutes early. Fortunately all exhibitors had (just about) set up in time!
    Things seemed to go well. There was a good crowd throughout the morning and lots of positive comments about the show and the layouts. Quite a few people said some nice things about Skaleby West which was flattering.
    I did have one heart sink moment when one of the girls from the door approached me at 10.35am stating that she had had the "first complaint". I held my breath and waited for the onslaught. Thankfully it was a gentleman who won a raffle prize last year and had never received it. In the hectic year of house moves it had slipped my mind, but fortunately I had the prize put to one side in case he turned up and was able to hand it over straight away. And that was it! The only negative comment all day. Lots of seemingly happy punters amongst a big crowd during the morning. Loads of nice comments from people as they went out! They did seem to be impressed with our collection of layouts and once again the battle for the "Best in Show" prize was hard fought. One of RMWeb's own "Up the Line" was the winner, and deservedly so.
    The crowd thinned out spectacularly at lunch time and the afternoon had only a brief revival. On the face of it we thought attendance must have been down, but on closer inspection it can't have been. Unlike last year we ran out of show guides. We also matched our takings on the door and raffle. Once we added the profit from the kitchen we had pretty much matched last year's total - making just under £1000 profit!
    The new head teacher was extremely happy and by the afternoon was taking down details of people who stated they would like to exhibit next year! Yes - next year! I had hedged my bets about 2015. Would our new boss want us to continue? The answer is an absolute yes. The date has been set for Saturday 14th November. And so I am starting all over again! Some layout owners have already agreed to return with some of their other layouts - but I need more. So here is the challenge!!
     
    This year there were SEVEN representatives from this website. A special thanks to the owners of Wheelock Mill, Werrington Road, Muckton Bottom, Thomas, Foster Street and Up the Line which joined my own Skaleby West. My classroom was a total RMWeb zone. And so the question is - can we do it again? Is there anybody out there who would like to try and help us top the seven RMWeb layout total from this year? Come on we can do it!!
     
    Finally I would like to thank all of the exhibitors, traders and visitors for making our show such a success. Of course the school staff deserve a real pat on the back and they will get their thanks and reward tomorrow.
     
    Until next time....
  20. andyram

    Burton 2014

    By andyram,

    Today was the day of the annual Burton Model Railex, the exhibition organised by members of the Burton Railway Society. For the third year the event was held at the National Brewery Centre (former Bass Museum) site. The show is split between the museum's event marquee and the Worthington Suite in one of the buildings. The admission price also allows visitors access to the museum which includes heavy horses, fire brigade vehicles and some full size railway exhibits. If thirsty there is also the "Brewery Tap" bar on site which sells a selection of real ales. With so much to see the £4.00 admission price is a real bargain.
     
    The show itself is usually of a high standard and today's event did not disappoint with a good range of layouts, trade stands and other static exhibits and demonstrations. Amongst the 15 working layouts there were some real gems with very few falling below exhibition standards and others displaying some excellent modelling. In the marquee there was the atmospheric "Tom's Shed" a tiny OO gauge shed scene which crammed so much detail into such a small space. How he managed to get the Garratt model in there I do not know. Displayed at a low level it was the perfect height for children to see although it did mean the older visitors may have had some creaking bones to squat down to get a true ground level view of the scene.
    Broadwater Junction is the Warley Model Railway club's N gauge model. This featured in the latest issue of the Hornby Magazine and had a good procession of passing trains. A nice touch was the stabling of a model of a Burton Brewery loco on the branch line. This layout really captures a main line scene well with gradual curves through sweeping scenery. Excellent.
    Glen Uig is operated by one of RMWeb's own. I have seen this blue diesel era layout on many occasions. Although I am not a diesel fan I cannot fail to be impressed by the detail in the Distillery and the quayside. The sound fitted locos add to the scene and the layout is beautifully lit. The moving seagulls are a wonderfully different and clever touch.
    I mentioned "lighting" and this seemed to be a theme throughout the marquee with some wonderful lighting effects on several of the layouts. Glen Uig and Broadwater both fall into this category for me. The third well lit layout was "Worcester South Quay". This O gauge layout represented a GWR scene. The sound fitted Pannier tank was a wonderful model and the detailed buildings would have kept some people interested for quite a while.
    Remaining on the topic of "lighting" for a moment - I was pleased to see much improved lighting in the Worthington Suite compared to recent years when some layouts were difficult to see. This room featured more impressive layouts including the On30 model "Karolina Falls" which stands out due to its working real waterfall.
    The 009 layout "Old Mineral Line" showed just what could be achieved in a small space whilst the largest layout in the room "Rolleston-on-Dove" was an impressive EM gauge depiction of the station in 1948. This is a beautiful model which has been built after a lot of research.
     
    The static displays included some of John Fownes' cardboard 0 gauge locos. These detailed working models are very impressive and are often displayed on some of the Woodthorpe MRC's working layouts. I did like the model of the Great Central's red 8F although I am sure the purists would sniff at this. Just as impressive was P.R Marshall's large scale models, many also produced in cardboard. The model of Braunton in Barry Island condition was stunning.
     
    There was a good range of trade stands to tempt visitors from their cash including my Dad who was selling his model buses and did quite well by all accounts. The railway based stands provided a good range of used and new models and I did purchase a Bachmann weathered "Small Prairie".
     
    In the past there has been some negative comments from myself and others about the catering at some shows. The food today was very nice although the choice was a little limited. No complaints though; a generous helping of stew with stuffing and roll for £5.95 or a well crammed Pork roll for £3.00 was value for money and was better than some shows I have attended this year, although more expensive than others.
     
    All in all the Burton show lived up to its high standards and congratulations go to the organisers for another excellent event.
     
    Now the light-hearted awards:
     
    Best layout:
    A very tough choice this one as Glen Uig, Broadwater Junction, Tom's Shed, Rolleston on Dove and Worcester South Quay could all have a genuine claim on the title. My winner is going to be Glen Uig for its excellent scenics, sound fitted locos, perfect lighting and moving seagulls!
     
    Best model:
    Again a few contenders including the O gauge cardboard locos and the sound fitted Pannier. But my winner is the cardboard large scale model of Braunton in scrapyard condition. It really had to be seen!!
     
    Best scenic feature:
    For pure detail - Tom's Shed.
     
    And the others:
    The funniest: - My father in law lifting up a "do not touch" sign (written in comedy German) to read it more clearly and knocking it on the floor!
     
    The not so good: I can't really pick too much wrong with this event to be honest.
  21. andyram

    Wirksworth 2014

    By andyram,

    It has been a fair few months since I have added an entry to this blog. That is not because of a lack of show visits. I have visited several over the last few months including Derby, Mickleover, Butterley, Bakewall and more. Many of my comments have been posted on the show's own pages. Sadly some of my comments have led to some criticism from some of the argumentative members of this site! As a result I would like to issue a safety warning. The views on here are my opinions only, and any criticisms are meant as constructive comments!!!
     
    And so to today. I like the Wirksworth event - it is rather unique in having three different sites spread across the town. The short walk between them breaks up the event and there are some nice little shops to look at whilst en-route. There is also the Ecclesborne Valley Railway to ride on as well if you so wish with DMU's on the main route and steam on the short incline branch.
     
    Back to the show and there was a good mix of layouts. I know that the organisers had had some problems with booked layouts dropping out, but they had done well to put on a decent show. The Ilkeston group had provided three layouts with the pick being "Fenby Quay" which is becoming a real show regular. Meanwhile their "Elveden Road" was a recently completed project showing a modern day servicing depot.
    The third Ilkeston model was "Woodside Lane Stabling Point". This small layout has also been seen at many shows over the years and has visited this show on at least one previous occasion.
    For 0 gauge enthusiasts there were two models - Catley Chemicals and Woodthorpe Shed. The latter showing some outstanding models. For someone who is a 00 gauge steam enthusiast there was very little. The only model to fit the bill was Derek Gelsthorpe's "Sutton Junction". I have seen this on many occasions and really like the model. It is a nicely sized terminus layout and there is always something happening. However one thing that, in my opinion, lets it down is how the model is operated. When shunting stock locos are allowed to change direction in an instant without any kind of pause. To me that spoils any sort of realism the model portrays. This may be a personal preference as I have seen similar practice on another of Derek's layouts - "Idle Way".
     
    The second room had another good mix of layouts. It was good to catch up with some Mickleover Club members and see one of their layouts for the first time. There was a lot of modern image here again, diesel layouts seem to be in the majority at this year's event. There was also a trio of foreign layouts. Those who admire the continental modelling could not fail to be impressed by the sizeable "L'Etoile de Chevineaux" a lengthy HO gauge French inspired model. Sadly I do not find these kind of models of interest.
     
    The modelling quality was varied in this room with one layout which, in my opinion, did not reach exhibition standard. Model buildings that were not well fixed together, exposed polystyrene formers, ill fitting building and tunnel fronts that exposed the constructions behind all spoilt a very busy and unique model. There was little operational interest either. I am sure some found the various cameo scenes impressive but for me the very poor workmanship spoilt it all.
     
    The third room mainly featured trade but there was a large display of Twix Twin and two small layouts including the N gauge layout Bitsand which had lots of passing trains.
     
    All in all an enjoyable show. Here are my light hearted awards.
     
    Best layout:
    3rd: Elveden Road - only completed in the week leading up to the show. A good looking modern day layout.
    2nd: L'Etoile de Cehvineaux - the largest model in the show. An impressive HO gauge French layout.
    1st: Fenby Quay - for the scenic and sound fitted locos it gets my vote.
     
    Best model loco:
    An 0 gauge "Crab" on Woodthorpe Shed caught my eye.
     
    The humorous:
    The inaccuracies of one visitor's monologue on the production "Deltic" which seemed to bore one of the operators.
     
    The worst:
    The poor workmanship on one layout in the second room despite displaying some "best in show" trophies! If it was "work in progress" model I could understand its appearance, but it wasn't.
  22. andyram

    Decisions, decisions.

    By andyram,

    Right now I am sat with one of those well known modelling problems, not sure which way to turn. At the start of this year I had two 00 gauge model railways. Skaleby was my 11ft long shelf layout that was permanently erected in our spare room and its little brother, Skaleby West, a 4ft x 1ft micro layout, built for exhibitions was stored alongside it. The latter was considered complete with just the usual maintenance being required, whilst the former was an ongoing project.
    Recently we moved into our new build property. Sadly Skaleby cannot be accommodated into the spare room and has been consigned to the garage. The two moves this year has really taken its toll. The track, laid on ballasted foam underlay, has started to lift and needs relaying, probably on cork with new ballast. With such major surgery needed I am unsure whether to rip it up and start again or leave as a long term project for the summer months.
    Skaleby West is in the spare room. However in order to join the scenic board to the fiddle yard a short extra board will be needed to allow the layout to fit around the corner of the room. This will also mean the part constructed 4ft extension board cannot be accommodated in the house and could only be used at exhibitions.
     
    So what to do?
     
    Do I concentrate on the maintenance of Skaleby West alongside building the short extension piece to allow me to run the layout at home?
     
    Do I use Skaleby West as a shunting layout, minus the fiddle yards, whilst concentrating on overhauling the layout's goods shed and adjacent area (those who have seen the layout will know what I mean!)?
     
    Or do I start something new?
     
    After all, I do have a 4ft x 1ft baseboard all but complete that is sat doing nothing! During my recent holiday in Norfolk the old grey matter has been ticking over and I rather fancy a small coastal terminus model to include a small station and some sort of goods / harbour area for the movement of fish traffic. I have purchased several of the Hornby and Bachmann fish wagons and a low relief Bachmann hotel building in recent months so I do have something to start with.
     
    Decisions, decisions!
     
    Oh and there is still the planning permission passed for the small G scale layout in our new garden, providing Thomas features somewhere!!!
  23. andyram

    Day 2

    By andyram,

    There was drama in the courtroom today as the defendant broke his self imposed silence with a verbal attack on the council for the prosecution. It came after the lawyer continued to outline evidence of negligence dating back to the 1940’s. Mr Beeching QC presented exhibit B to the jury in the form of a mangled and charred wooden brake block. This item had been loaned to the prosecution lawyer by the Island of Sodor museum. It had, according to Mr Beeching, been recovered from N.W locomotive number 5, James, following an accident shortly after its arrival on the island’s railway system. Whilst hauling a freight train down the steep gradient, known locally as Gordon’s Hill, the engine had “run away” derailing into a field of cows at the bottom of the hill.
    According to the lawyer; staff at Tidmouth Sheds had alerted the railway’s management to their concerns about the locomotives wooden brake blocks, declaring them as “no good” the moment the locomotive had arrived on the railway.
    Addressing the defendant Mr Beeching stated that he had “purchased the locomotive and put it into service despite knowing the brakes were of insufficient quality”. He continued that this showed a “flagrant disregard for the safety of passengers and crew and that it was a miracle that the crew had not been seriously injured in the accident”.
    It was at this point that the defendant, Sir Topham Hatt, rose from his seat and broke his silence. Pointing a finger at the lawyer he stated that Mr Beeching should “get his facts straight before trying to build a decent case”. Sir Hatt stated that the engine in question had not been newly purchased at the time of the accident. In fact it had been purchased a couple of years previously. Staring straight at the lawyer the defendant stated that “should the council look back at photographs from N.W number 3 (Henry’s) tunnel incident, number 5 can clearly be identified as the locomotive which hauled the carriages away.”
    Mr Beeching interjected that this was not possible as press cuttings linked to the previous incident referred to the engine by the name Eagle. He also stated that this particular engine was painted in a red livery, whilst James had been black at the time of the crash.
    With a big sigh, and speaking to the lawyer as a teacher may speak to a difficult child, the defendant stated that following purchase N.W number 5 had suffered from a number of mechanical problems shortly after its arrival. It was subsequently returned it to the main land for repair before it had been officially named. It was during this time away, stated Sir Hatt, that the wooden brake blocks had been fitted and this action had been against the railway’s wishes. The engine had returned painted in a black undercoat and was carrying this livery when it crashed during a test run. The red livery was restored after the locomotive had been repaired, with improved brakes, following the accident.
     
    This was not the end of Sir Hatt’s attack on the prosecution however. He then asked the lawyer why he felt it pertinent to use, as evidence, events from so long ago. After all, stated Sir Hatt, he was not even running the railway at the time – it was his father who was in charge during the 1940’s when all of these events had taken place!
     
    This led to the judge calling for the trial to be adjourned! The case will resume shortly..
  24. andyram

    Day 1

    By andyram,

    A big crowd gathered inside the court today for the opening day of the trial of Sir Topham Hatt aka "The Fat Controller". The charges read out related to the negligent running of a public railway and the endangering of human life on many counts.
     
    Mr R.Beeching QC - appearing for the prosecution, began to state his case by showing the jury exhibit A. This was a strange collection of used bricks. Mr Beeching addressed the accused stating he had shown a disregard for public safety as far back as 1945. The prosecution referred to a documented incident where the North Western Railway locomotive number 3 failed with excessive water in the cylinders. The lawyer stated that the accused decided, instead of repairing the said locomotive, to leave it deserted in a single bore tunnel with the portal partly bricked up using the bricks shown.
    Mr Beeching went on to say that the defendant then cut a brand new tunnel, adjacent to the original, with work completed in a matter of days. The lawyer stated that proper safety procedures could not have been followed in such a short space of time.
     
    When questioned about the above matter Mr Topham Hatt declined to comment - stating that his doctor had "forbidden him to speak". Mr Beeching stated that the defendant's silence was "a sure sign of guilt".
     
    Continuing the prosecution, Mr Beeching stated that Mr Topham Hatt showed a further disregard to the safety of the passengers just a few weeks later. An incident was recounted where N.W.R number 4 suffered a failed safety valve near to the tunnel. Due to a lack of available engines N.W.R number 3 was brought out of the tunnel to take the train. The prosecution stated that the locomotive had not passed any fitness to run exam, had not been oiled and was not given enough time to be brought to working pressure.The fact the train made it safely to its destination, assisted by N.W.R number 2, was a miracle.
    Mr Beeching went on to state that the quick return to service may have been a contributing factor to the engine suffering steaming problems and requiring a major rebuild in subsequent years.
     
    In defence Mr Awdry QC stated that the water in the cylinders incident was a complete fabrication of the truth. In fact the engine simply "refused" to leave the tunnel because it did not want to get his paint dirty. The cutting of a new tunnel was, in fact, well under way before this incident and photographs of the incident clearly show a second tunnel portal with track already in situ.
    Mr Awdry stated that no time has been officially recorded to state the duration between the fire being lit and number 3 returning to service at the head of train.
     
    The trial continues.....
  25. andyram
    With the month of January, and with it the new year, now in full swing my mind has turned towards my possible modelling projects for 2014. Due to the house moves planned for this year, developments on both my layouts are on hold until next month at least.
    In the short term I have thought about embarking on one small project which I have had at the "back of mind" for some time. I have a Skaledale model of a terraced shop, which bares a little resemblance to Arkwright's store from the famous BBC sitcom "Open All Hours". It is my long held plan to use this model to replicate the shop complete with shop bike, Arkwright and Granville and a few other items to depict a scene from the show.
     
    This project may become my stop gap project for the next month or so. The trouble is, I need figures to represent the main characters. A quick look through the internet last night has, as yet, failed to produce anything suitable. I am sure there won't be actual 00 gauge models of these characters produced but can anyone suggest figures which may suffice??
     
    Am I seeking the impossible??
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