Great Electric Train Show 2018

[Pete the Elaner]

The bad news is that anyone from Bristol, South Wales or the South West have extra travelling time due to having to use 'A' roads when leaving the M4 at Swindon

Don't leave the M4 at Swindon. That's a horrible route. A better alternative is to continue east towards Newbury & take the A34 north (which is dual all the way), then M40 for 1 junction, then the A421 which passes very close to the stadium.

 

The closest station is actually Fenny Stratford, but this is on the Bedford-Bletchley line so no the most convenient for many to get to.

 

I saw a mention of no pavements. MK had redways instead, the difference being that they are set back a little from the road to separate pedestrians from road traffic & cycles are officially allowed on them. The network of redways is quite comprehensive but not mapped out very well so they sometimes veer off from where you want to go.

MK also has Boris bikes. There are loads of these at the MK Central station but I am not sure where they can be docked near the stadium. I have never used them but have been told that they are not maintained as well as London's Boris bikes.

 

I sort of agree with the comment that the area can be congested times. In MK terms, this can be a busy area but MK is far less congested with traffic than any other town of similar size I have visited.

It is a bit like saying a class 90 is slow...because you are comparing it to a Pendolino.

[Scottish-Exile]

Just got this months Hornby Mag (who are the main sponsors of the show). They say there'll be a free shuttle bus from MK Central to the hall each day.

[Davexoc]

 

There are footpaths from the station into the town, and the bus station. The red dashed lines are the redway (cycle/footpaths), but as an alternative, turn right outside the station and at the top of the map there is a footbridge (marked 157) over the WCML into the industrial area opposite. Strangely, map won't show right way up......

 

Dave

[melmerby]

If you use Google Maps you can work out the route that Dave has suggested above quite easily

There is a fair bit of walking through between buildings but it looks fairly straightforward and probably shorter.

 

This is the footbridge on Spenlows Road

https://goo.gl/maps/vPTtck7g1Zs

 

Keith

[7013]

The stadium area is quite easy to access by car, i am not sure where the free parking is unless they are referring to the general carparks by the stadium/retail park, there are a lot of spaces there but they are shared by shoppers too. The motor museum was a 15minute drive for me but the venue has always been too crowded and warm and viewing was a naightmare. Hopefully the bigger venue will address those problems. I live about an hour from the venue so not too bad.

[Davexoc]

The stadium area is quite easy to access by car, i am not sure where the free parking is unless they are referring to the general carparks by the stadium/retail park, there are a lot of spaces there but they are shared by shoppers too. The motor museum was a 15minute drive for me but the venue has always been too crowded and warm and viewing was a naightmare. Hopefully the bigger venue will address those problems. I live about an hour from the venue so not too bad.

The guide to parking with my tickets says not to use some of the car parks due to the use of ANPR cameras. I think the stadium car parks are right next to it on both sides, but should be stewarded, and MK Dons are playing away on Saturday fortunately.

A word of warning for anyone coming down the M40, don't come off at Banbury for the A422, as the Brackley road is closed at Farthinghoe due to bridge failure (long term, as Norhants council don't know what to do with it yet, and they are broke anyway).

 

Dave

[Derek Russan]

I see a lot of discussion about access to the show, but very little if anything about the content of the show.

 

Apart from the obvious attraction of the Motor Museum, the show at Gaydon was well balanced and certainly a good enough show to overcome the limitations of the size and layout of the venue. Bursting at the seams in all ways, exhibition space and visitor space.

 

With the move the organisers have declared an intention to increase the number of Layouts, which is very laudable. They also delcared an intention to limit the number of traders, and within that focus on manufacturers rather than having too many Box Shifters. Again all quite laudable.

 

They have indeed invited a number of smaller specialist manufacturers and that should set a direction for the show. Again a good thing.

 

They have also invited a fairly large number of Box shifters, including those not present or regulars at Gaydon.

 

However, despite regular support for the show at Gaydon, neither Eileens Emporium nor Precision Paints have been invited to MK. I have tried to establish why but have repeatedly been given the run around and told they are focussing on manufacturers and that Eileens Emporium is not on the invite list. I understand similar is true for Precision Paints. The evidence seems to indicate it is more base on magazine advertisers than their declared intent. Emails have been ignored, and we have now given up. Why they do not see either Eileens Emporium or Precision Paints as manufacturers, but do see Hattons as one beggars belief.

 

All show managers and most visitors realise that a good show is a delicate balance of Exhibits, Demonstrations and Trade. I wish the organisers good luck with the balance thay have chosen, I am looking forward to seeing the post show comments.

 

Please do not complain to me about our not being there, such complaints should be directed to the show organisers.

[Chris M]

Interesting comment about trade exhibitors. If you have to advertise in Hornby magazine to be allowed into the show then that is a shame and harsh on some but the policy on who to invite is entirely up to the organisers. It may be that they are over subscribed and have a waiting list for trade exhibitors so they have to find a way to choose who to have. If this is the case then it is a nice problem for the organisers but a difficult one for the many small traders who need to be at major exhibitions in order to keep the business afloat. I think Hornby magazine would be justified in not saying much about whether they are oversubscribed or not for trade exhibitors as I would see this information as being commercially confidential. No doubt the organisers of Warners exhibitions will be carefully watching what Hornby Magazine are doing and vice versa. I'm sure both organisations want to have the most popular show in the country and are also keen to get a good return for the time and money invested in putting on an exhibition.  

 

Not wishing to criticise but I see that Squires will not be there which almost certainly leaves a gap on tools and bits & pieces. Also no Dapol, Peco or Bachmann presence - maybe this is because of the Hornby name - I would have expected a big show to have some or all of these.

 

Being situated fairly close to the wealthy and most populous part of the country I expect this exhibition will be a fantastic success. I wish Hornby Magazine all the best in this venture while also thinking its a shame that so many exhibitions these days are commercial rather than club ventures.  Given the costs and time involved in putting on a large exhibition maybe that's the way it has to be.

[St. Simon]

Hi,

 

Looking forward to the show, I'll be helping Hornby Magazine out on Grosvenor Square for the weekend.

 

Looks like some very nice layouts lined up!

 

Simon

[arran]

Interesting comment about trade exhibitors. If you have to advertise in Hornby magazine to be allowed into the show then that is a shame and harsh on some but the policy on who to invite is entirely up to the organisers. It may be that they are over subscribed and have a waiting list for trade exhibitors so they have to find a way to choose who to have. If this is the case then it is a nice problem for the organisers but a difficult one for the many small traders who need to be at major exhibitions in order to keep the business afloat. I think Hornby magazine would be justified in not saying much about whether they are oversubscribed or not for trade exhibitors as I would see this information as being commercially confidential. No doubt the organisers of Warners exhibitions will be carefully watching what Hornby Magazine are doing and vice versa. I'm sure both organisations want to have the most popular show in the country and are also keen to get a good return for the time and money invested in putting on an exhibition.  

 

Not wishing to criticise but I see that Squires will not be there which almost certainly leaves a gap on tools and bits & pieces. Also no Dapol, Peco or Bachmann presence - maybe this is because of the Hornby name - I would have expected a big show to have some or all of these.

 

Being situated fairly close to the wealthy and most populous part of the country I expect this exhibition will be a fantastic success. I wish Hornby Magazine all the best in this venture while also thinking its a shame that so many exhibitions these days are commercial rather than club ventures.  Given the costs and time involved in putting on a large exhibition maybe that's the way it has to be.

HI All

 

I suppose it depends on what the ethos of the Exhibition is , EG make money and promote the Mag and the hobby or Promote the hobby the mag  and cover your costs . 

 

Regards Arran

[ba14eagle]

Post removed - due to me being a muppet!

Edited September 22, 2018 by ba14eagle

[St. Simon]

Hi,

 

its now just over a week to the Great Electric Train Show, it looks like it's going to be a really good show with some very nice layouts!

 

I'll be on Grosvenor Square with Hornby Magazine, hope to see some RMWebbers there!

 

Simon

[Dunmar]

As part of the Scottish contingent I shall be there with my colleagues exhibiting 'Glenfinnan'. Please drop by and say hello!

Bill.

[modelsha]

Looking forward to this one. I've got myself a VIP ticket. It will be my first visit to this event as MK is a lot more convenient for me.
 

[SteveC32]

‘Readham’ has had a few more enhancements (a layout is never finished) ready for GETS, had its pre-exhibition testing this week (a good excuse to drive some trains) and it’s now all racked up in the garage ready for Friday. An expensive mistake (I shorted one of my Loksound chips and well and truly ‘cooked’ it) means that only one of my IETs will have sound for the exhibition (but both will have sound for its next exhibition).

 

Team Readham are really looking forward to GETS, please introduce yourselves to us, we’re a friendly bunch and more than happy to talk Trains

[AGR Model Store]

AGR will be at the show this weekend with a trade stand, come say hello 

Edited October 9, 2018 by AGR Model Store

[bart2day]

When would people say is the quietest time on either during the weekend? This will be my first show for a long time and I have a fear of large crowds.

Edited October 11, 2018 by bart2day

[Phil Bullock]

‘Readham’ has had a few more enhancements (a layout is never finished) ready for GETS, had its pre-exhibition testing this week (a good excuse to drive some trains) and it’s now all racked up in the garage ready for Friday. An expensive mistake (I shorted one of my Loksound chips and well and truly ‘cooked’ it) means that only one of my IETs will have sound for the exhibition (but both will have sound for its next exhibition).

 

Team Readham are really looking forward to GETS, please introduce yourselves to us, we’re a friendly bunch and more than happy to talk Trains

 

And I am part of Team Readham for Sunday only - professional conference in Nottingham on Saturday but down in time for supper Saturday evening to plague the evening social with bad jokes and Wurzel songs......

 

Thanks for the invite Steve

 

Phil

[Davexoc]

When would people say is the quietest time on either during the weekend? This will be my first show for a long time and I have a fear of large crowds.

I would say Sunday afternoon, but it is a new venue which is now called 'Marshall Arena' as a nod to the amplifier manufacturers across the road.

 

Dave

[bart2day]

I would say Sunday afternoon, but it is a new venue which is now called 'Marshall Arena' as a nod to the amplifier manufacturers across the road.

 

Dave

Thanks. That's helpful.

[dasatcopthorne]

Been today.

 

Quite good show. Very easy to park.

 

A couple of gripes that the organisers should be familiar with from previous shows;

 

Too few seats around lunch time,

Queues far too long for food and drink. They have multiple Bars/Serveries but only one with staff,

Nowhere to refill a water bottle to cut plastic waste,

Too many Box Shifters, (cut one and find a Tool supplier)

No tool stand,

No one selling paints or raw materials,

Too any DCC supply stands.(cut one out and insert Eileens Emp)

 

If you want to buy something specific, check the Traders list before you go.

 

Long queue for Advanced Ticket holders at 9.30 but they got them in really quickly. If it's raining you will get wet in the queue.

 

The slant is definitely towards buying RTR trains and not for Model makers. That's funny because most of the layouts were obviously build using materials etc. that could not be purchased at the show.

 

Would I go again? Yes if the Trader list is sorted out.

 

 

Lastly, favourite Layout?   Newhaven Harbour. Of course!

 

Dave

Edited October 13, 2018 by dasatcopthorne

[gwrrob]

Totally agree and the lighting was poor too. It will be interesting if there's a football match clash with next years show. Also no obvious clue where to catch the shuttle bus from when arriving at MK Central station.

[ELTEL]

Totally agree and the lighting was poor too. It will be interesting if there's a football match clash with next years show. Also no obvious clue where to catch the shuttle bus from when arriving at MK Central station.

Sorry

 

Strange I knew in advance that the bus went from stand Z6 as in was on the Hornby Exhibition Website

 

Plus you if looked at the Bus information board, this also Special Model Show Bus Z6

 

Eltel

[50030]

Really enjoyed the show today, I arrived at 09.30 and parked easily enough, the long pre purchase queue seemed to get inside very quick due to the wrist band system. Agree about the lighting being poor, it did seem dark in places. Standard and mix of layouts was great, trade and demo’s were good. Can’t comment on the food and drink experience as I was able to eat my sandwiches in my car outside thanks to the wristband in and out convenience and parking close to the front door. A few of the layouts from Saturday here.....

[ELTEL]

Been today.

 

Quite good show. Very easy to park.

 

A couple of gripes that the organisers should be familiar with from previous shows;

 

Too few seats around lunch time, PERSONALLY I FOUND A SEAT EVERY TIME I NEEDED IT

Queues far too long for food and drink. They have multiple Bars/Serveries but only one with staff, I AGREE HENCE I TOOK MY OWN

Nowhere to refill a water bottle to cut plastic waste, I AGREE

Too many Box Shifters, (cut one and find a Tool supplier) I THOUGHT FOR THE SIZE OF SHOW ABOUT RIGHT

No tool stand, I AGREE

No one selling paints or raw materials, I AGREE

Too any DCC supply stands.(cut one out and insert Eileens Emp) DONT AGREE

 

If you want to buy something specific, check the Traders list before you go.

 

Long queue for Advanced Ticket holders at 9.30 but they got them in really quickly. If it's raining you will get wet in the queue.

 

The slant is definitely towards buying RTR trains and not for Model makers. That's funny because most of the layouts were obviously build using materials etc. that could not be purchased at the show.

 

Would I go again? Yes if the Trader list is sorted out. YES

 

 

Lastly, favourite Layout?   Newhaven Harbour. Of course! YES

 

Eltel

 

Dave