London Festival of Railway Modelling, Alexandra Palace, 25/26 March 2017

[Ravenser]

There was also a Canadian one that went to London and Windsor, amongst other places

1280px-Niagara_rail_2.jpg

 

Is that the current route from Toronto to Niagara Falls or something else? (And did they really run trains over a suspension bridge??)

 

The day Nick Freezer manages to book a NSWGR layout for Ally Pally I shall be hanging over the barrier watching  (even if it's the usual developmental branchline from beyond the Black Stump to Back o'Bourke). NZR in Sn3.5 or NZ120???  Would anyone be so churlish as to spurn Pempoul?

 

While US modelling is not my thing, I noted that the standard of structure work appeared to be high on Essex Belt lines , and the modelling had a crispness to it. Although it did seem very fresh - a bright summer's day with all the houses newly painted

 

A show of the size of Ally Pally has the opportunity to include examples of various niches within the hobby , not just the standard "BR steam rural railway in OO" which dominates the hobby. Variety is said to be the spice of life - although the flipside of having something for all tastes is that not everything there will be to your own taste. With a 40 layout show "something for everybody" is a better policy than "everything for somebody"

 

[Apologies for missing the excellent Towcester off my earlier list of modern image layouts at the show, as I did see it. Unfortunately I was running on about 2 hrs sleep yesterday and very tired by the time I got back - hence brain-fade]

[BrushVeteran]

Good show as usual and a thoroughly pleasant day out with all transport connections reliably good......................... the beer was also very good in the Southampton Arms!

[5050]

I passed over the East Coast Main Line at least 6 times over the course of the weekend  - AND DIDN'T SEE ONE TRAIN RUNNING!!  With all the taxes I have paid over the years to fund the railway system in this country I expect to see trains running (at speed) whenever I am in the vicinity of a railway line. I will be writing a stiff letter (on Bristol Board) to my MP once I have calmed down sufficiently to find my quill.

 

And to all the negative commentators - I assume that we will be seeing your British Themed layouts operating faultlessly and continuously at exhibitions throughout the length and breadth of the UK over the coming months (and years)?

[nickwood]

I'm surprised that we didn't get comments about the frequency of our running on Much Murkle. It certainly isn't typical of a small GWR branch terminus. It is rare to find more than 10 seconds when something doesn't move and I suspect that we could rival London Bridge's timetable. 

 

I really do think that sometimes a small section of people in the hobby go out of their way to have a miserable day and find fault. Perhaps that's what they find so enjoyable about it.

 

Thanks to The Model Railway Club and Warners for putting on a great show, one we shall remember as exhibitors for a long time.

Edited March 27, 2017 by nickwood

[sb67]

Thought I'd post a few pics;

 

Canada Street - The warehouse is just stunning!

 

 

 

Masons Lane

 

Minories

 

Victoria

 

My favourite of the day, North Bridge

 

 

[Signalist]

Hi

 

I just thought that I as chief dispatcher would add my 2p worth as I have a bit more insight than most as to what activity you see on the Essex Belt lines.

 

The first thing that needs to be noted is that despite its size compared to other layouts it is still big compromise on scale. Real freight trains are two miles long, and the biggest we could fit in the staging yard was only one scale mile in length, and even that was big enough to break the drive on a pair of very expensive locos that caused a bit of outage while we found some more traction for the train.

 

The setup we had at the show was a scale five miles or so end to end. That is quite a lot of distance and some of the trains took over an hour to get from one end to the other. Chances are that you might look at one part of the layout and not see anything happening, but there will be something happening somewhere! Maybe on the main line, maybe on the coal branch, perhaps on the Freemo branch.

 

The layout consisted of two key parts representing different types of line, there was the busy class 1 single track main line at the front consisting of Thamesiders' spec main line modules, central traffic controlled with full prototypical Union Pacific signalling, and a density of traffic well in excess of that on the prototype (due to our much shorter than prototype block length). There was also the long branch line at the back operated as dark territory with no signalling made partly from Thamesiders' branch line spec modules and Freemo modules. As with the prototype, different types of trains had different priorities. The branch line trains often had to wait for a while before going on to the main line because mainline freights had priority, and as with any single track line after a train has gone one way it has to be 'looped' in order for another train to come the other way - and there is never going to be much to see while that is happening unless you want to listen to the turbine idling or look at some of the excellent scenery (we have some very talented scenic modellers in the club). At times there were five trains out on the CTC controlled part of the layout, so it did get very busy at times - that is without what was running on the branches.

 

If you can't see anything going on it is always worth asking one of the team because we are a very approachable lot and we can always run a special, and most of the time the drivers were operating from outside the layout 'Captain Peacock' style so they could see the signals (often using phones as throttles, they were not texting!). There were two screens set up outside the barrier with some information so you could see where the trains were in real time on the CTC parts of the layout and see the CTC panel operating just like in an operating tower (signal box), and as with the prototype seeing the signals change as the dispatcher sets a route gives you an indication that a train is imminent. A few people must have been interested in watching the signals because all my big pile of handouts explaining the signal aspects went - unlike in the UK with simple 4-aspect signalling, the UP has around 24 aspects that can be shown on some of the masts so it can be quite interesting at times for the drivers.

 

Something a bit unfamiliar from an easy going part of the world might not be everyone's cup of tea, but despite a few teething troubles like the little hiccup on Saturday with the cab bus wiring, the odd delay trying to roster a driver or find a controller for the driver, we kept people entertained most of the time with probably 90% or more utilisation of the single track main line section. It was nice to be invited and to be able to provide what was probably a unique exhibit that has not been seen before in the UK on such a scale with full prototype North American signalling on a modular layout (did you notice it was all modular?). I think the signalling worked because there was not one collision or head-on meet on the CTC controlled parts of the layout all weekend!

 

Paul

 

.

[EmporiaSub]

I hadn't been to Ally Pally for a few years now, work getting in the way. The last time I went it snowed.... This time I got blown up the hill from the AP station!

I enjoy the mix of layouts, though some don't really interest me, especially the earlier eras. However, I did enjoy Leysdown!

The Minories layouts also fascinated me too, along with the County Donegal and the Continental layouts! Talk about a variety of liking layouts.

Gripes, well, yes, one or two layouts were a little too close to each other, but maybe that is me, as I like to stand a couple of feet away from a layout and watch.

I'm not commenting on the Essex Belt lines, as I am a US modeller anyway, and that sort of thing is my scene!

However, I am also modelling German HO, and could say I was disappointed at the lack of a German layout, but I won't, as firstly, I knew there weren't any there, and secondly, I prefer to go to specialist shows for that.

Next year, maybe, though I do often give big shows a miss every other year, unless there is something I really want to see.

And finally, I enjoy Ally Pally for one other reason, the building!!

Thanks to all who made it a good show!

[5050]

I passed over the East Coast Main Line at least 6 times over the course of the weekend  - AND DIDN'T SEE ONE TRAIN RUNNING!!  With all the taxes I have paid over the years to fund the railway system in this country I expect to see trains running (at speed) whenever I am in the vicinity of a railway line. I will be writing a stiff letter (on Bristol Board) to my MP once I have calmed down sufficiently to find my quill.

And to add insult to injury it has been brought to my attention that, had I actually seen a moving train, it would have been British outline and MODERN IMAGE!!

 

As I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in either of these subjects I shall be asking for - nay, demanding - a refund of my contributions.  To reinforce this, my letter will be sent to Mr Gladstone (or whichever gentleman is the current incumbent) with comments pertinent to my complaint..

 

So there!!

[Trainshed Terry]

I went on Sunday. I felt there was something missing, but I could not put my finger on what it was, there was a good selection of traders new and second hand. as the specialist traders, or lack of, but now I have time to think about it, the venue and the demographic of the show and it is location the for the show is more geared to family's not just the modeller. 

 

Where as "Doncaster" is geared to the modellers of model railways, that goes along with "Peterborough" as well. The "Warley" event is also geared for family's not just the modellers. 

 

The selection of layouts was balanced this year, but I did like the small "operation Iraq" layout inspiring as it was something different to look at.

 

 

For those people that have a moaned about the number of layouts with few trains running, it is the decision of the operators on how they run the layout to give the best entertainment value, Unfortunately most large layouts have to have a time table to work to keep the public entertained.

 

I still give the organisers of the show credit for what is going to get harder as there is going to come a point where all the exhibition layouts are going to get harder to source. as the exhibition manger will have been through all the ones that are currently on the circuit.

 

 

Well that how I think the show was for this year. But the show was what it was, for it was a day to relax a take photographs of some the layouts. 

 

Terry.        

[railroadbill]

That might make two of us subject to confirmation.

 

This year was our Czech layout and yes we didn't have as many viewers as UK outline layouts at times with no one watching but other times we had viewers all along the barrier line.

 

Wouldn't the hobby be boring if shows only had UK outline tail chasers but luckily ther is plenty of interest in US modelling as there are more US only shows than other foreign only rail shows in the U.K.

 

Ally Pally is still a very good show to visit or exhibit at despite the hassle of getting there then in and out to set up and dismantle.

I enjoyed seeing this layout, it was of an unusual subject and was well modelled. It certainly ran well.  One point I'd like to make was that there was a very good description in the guide of why this subject was chosen, and the technical details of the layout.  That was very engaging with your viewers. 

[EmporiaSub]

 

For those people that have a moaned about the number of layouts with few trains running, it is the decision of the operators on how they run the layout to give the best entertainment value, Unfortunately most large layouts have to have a time table to work to keep the public entertained.

 

Terry.

 

Not only large layouts.

I timed a typical 'day' on my German branch line layout, of four passenger trains and a freight train.

Took about 30 minutes to run through the sequence, and the only breaks were me remarshalling the trains in the Fiddle Yard.

Otherwise it was continuous, so hardly realistic but what is the alternative?

[jetmorgan]

Some photos of Staindrop 

[roundhouse]

I enjoyed seeing this layout, it was of an unusual subject and was well modelled. It certainly ran well.  One point I'd like to make was that there was a very good description in the guide of why this subject was chosen, and the technical details of the layout.  That was very engaging with your viewers. 

Thanks

 

Not many people actually read it and its one area that I want to improve but any larger display would make it hard to fit in the car along with the layout and up to 4 of us.

[PaulRhB]

Thanks

 

Not many people actually read it and its one area that I want to improve but any larger display would make it hard to fit in the car along with the layout and up to 4 of us.

A roller banner or just a flat sheet of ply or mdf painted and laminate up some sheets Ian. It can just slide in a narrow space then.

[emt_911]

Having read many negative comments, I thought that I would counter them with my thoughts.

 

1. As I drive to the show and know the area well, the directional signage was far better than any other show that I've attended in the last few years.

 

2. My main reason for attending was to gain some technical information from various suppliers so that I could make informed decisions.

 

3. Personally, I don't mind if there is nothing running for a period of time as it gives me the chance to observe some of the smaller details and cameos without distraction.

 

4. The range of layouts of all nationalities has given me ideas that I wouldn't have even considered.

 

5. It was good to see a layout as a work in progress (Lancaster Green Ayre) which shows the level of research that some people go to give a proper representation

 

6. The only down side that I found was not taking my own food and having to buy something there. I should have known better.

 

Finally, thanks to all on the organising teams, layout crews and traders whose hard work made for an excellent show.

[sharris]

Changing tack a little bit...

 

Is there any chance of making the show guide, or at least the floor plan available as a downloadable document?

 

I've pretty much given up buying them now as I usually lose them putting them down on the first trade stand I visit while juggling a handful of bits and my credit card, and forgetting to pick them up again afterwards!

Edited March 27, 2017 by sharris

[polybear]

Moving away from the ongoing wailing and nashing of teeth for a moment, there was a chap with a stand near to the Hornby stand selling some rather nice looking laser cut bridge girders etc.

 

The guide doesn't seem to show this stand so I wondered if anyone had a name/website for him please?

Certainly sir, that'll be:

 

Torri Laser Ltd.

(Adrian Walker)

01492 - 544617

 

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/torri-laser

 

HTH

Brian

[Paul Cram]

Was this another Dakota Dibden presents event?

[Andy Y]

Was this another Dakota Dibden presents event?

What is the relevance/purpose/intent of this comment?

[black and decker boy]

Changing tack a little bit...

 

Is there any chance of making the show guide, or at least the floor plan available as a downloadable document?

 

I've pretty much given up buying them now as I usually lose them putting them down on the first trade stand I visit while juggling a handful of bits and my credit card, and forgetting to pick them up again afterwards!

The floor plans were downloadable as pdfs from the Warners website as that was how we found out where we would be in the hall.

[exet1095]

I went on Sunday. I felt there was something missing, but I could not put my finger on what it was, there was a good selection of traders new and second hand. as the specialist traders, or lack of, but now I have time to think about it, the venue and the demographic of the show and it is location the for the show is more geared to family's not just the modeller.

 

Where as "Doncaster" is geared to the modellers of model railways, that goes along with "Peterborough" as well. The "Warley" event is also geared for family's not just the modellers.

 

The selection of layouts was balanced this year, but I did like the small "operation Iraq" layout inspiring as it was something different to look at.

 

 

IMG_2164.JPG

For those people that have a moaned about the number of layouts with few trains running, it is the decision of the operators on how they run the layout to give the best entertainment value, Unfortunately most large layouts have to have a time table to work to keep the public entertained.

 

I still give the organisers of the show credit for what is going to get harder as there is going to come a point where all the exhibition layouts are going to get harder to source. as the exhibition manger will have been through all the ones that are currently on the circuit.

 

IMG_2183edit.jpg

Well that how I think the show was for this year. But the show was what it was, for it was a day to relax a take photographs of some the layouts.

 

Terry.

That JNBCR Fuchs was put in our Squadron when we moved to peace support. We never leaguered up with a Warrior, but it was very handy for tow-starting our Sultan which had a broken starter-motor... It also had air conditioning!

[Trainshed Terry]

That JNBCR Fuchs was put in our Squadron when we moved to peace support. We never leaguered up with a Warrior, but it was very handy for tow-starting our Sultan which had a broken starter-motor... It also had air conditioning!

 

You have just lost me with that statement.

 

Terry.

[enginelane]

Interesting comments and debate regarding running and not running again at exhibitions. Have posted before that feel as an exhibitor you are putting in a show for which a member of the public has paid a fee to come and see your layout and therefore something is happening. However I do feel some visitors lack an understanding on how these layouts get there - taken out of storage, packed away, loaded into vans and trucks, bumped out of trucks, carried out, erected and expect they always work first time out of the box so to speak. Cables get snagged, alignment of tracks ever so slightly out, point mech just not wanting to go and the frustration of a dry joint is something that afflicts all layouts at some time. So a bit of give or take on both sides I think is the way to go. If you visit a layout 3 times and 3 operators at the back having a chat then fair play - post nothing happening!

[sharris]

The floor plans were downloadable as pdfs from the Warners website as that was how we found out where we would be in the hall.

Missed that - must look harder next time!

[Guest]

well I found it quite disappointing compared to pervious shows. Whilst there were some lovely layouts (for example, Towcester, Leysdown, Fen Drove, Blackwells Brewery, North Bridge, Kirkmellington, Kettlewell and others) there were some pretty crude and wasteful ones. Some layouts needed no introduction - Copenhagen Fields and Canada Road.

 

I don't do continental stuff much but since there was so much of it, I had a look. Chelma Canyon and Prospect Point were very nicely modeled and were running well.

 

I will get shot down on here but Crewelisle isn't a premier league exhibition layout but in fariness, it was running trains which some others seemed to struggle with.

 

The Freemo American layout was a total waste of time, probably 150ft of running line and if you were lucky, you might see one train moving and a switcher dithering. Simply not good enough and the lack of spectators watching it all day tells its own story. I overhead one of the operators telling a member of the public that they had been robbed of 2ft of space by BRM/MRC and they didn't have enough operators to run it!!! Blinking Heck, it was the biggest layout in the show and to blame a missing 2ft board is ridiculous. If they can't get operators then why are they turning up to a major show where people pay a huge sum to see trains run.

 

Lancaster Green Ayre looked like it was built by school kids in a class project, and not sure that would grace the conference league, scenery was unfinished, some places already showing signs of wear and damage and the station building had a 10 degree list. The less said about the catenary the better.

 

Binns Road isn't my cup of tea but it drew a decent crowd and worked which some of the above should take lessons from.

 

Come on MRC, your standards are usually so much higher.

 

On the plus side, the weather was great and sitting outside in the sun with a pint whilst looking down over little London village and its pointy topped buildings was very relaxing.

 

Thank you so much for your comments... you've made it absolutely crystal clear in my head that I made the right decision not to ever have any exhibition aspirations. I mean, all that hard work by folk exhibiting, the travelling, setting up etc etc... all to be dismissed in a few sentences. I do wonder why anyone bothers...