Railex North East 2018 - 28th & 29th July @ John Spence Community High School North Shields NE29 9PU

[Two_sugars]

Cracking show chaps. . . I didn't try the catering . .  but some truly cracking layouts. .  

 

 

John

[North Eastern]

I liked the North Eastern theme, and enjoyed something similar at Redcar a couple of years ago, though I was a little disappointed that this time the strap line "From Pre-Grouping ... " was not lived up to.  I struggled to find anything older than about 1930, there being just two small (but very good) Grouping layouts.  At Redcar I saw Marske (7mm) and Danby (4mm).  I assume, given the flyer, the lack of layouts set in an earlier period was not a deliberate decision, and I wondered if the organisers were simply unable to find anyone able to attend with such a layout?

Unfortunately pre-grouping layouts are a bit thin on the ground. I did want 'Runswick Bay' from the Keighley club but it has being sold to a private owner.

 

I went today, long drive. Excellent layouts, variable trade, awful ( truely dreadful) catering.

 

I went yesterday, by train from Edinburgh, then by Metro.  I'd have to agree with PenrithBeacon about the outdoor catering - comfort food perhaps, but not in line with today's healthy eating messages. Fortunately it was sunny when I lunched, but not ideal if it had been raining.  That apart, it was well worth the trip, particularly with Leeman Road, Fence Houses, Blackgill and the wonderful South Pelaw (which got my vote).  Would definitely attend again, but might bring my sandwiches next time....

 

Alasdair

 

As a 'sausage inna bun', it it would still beat anything Mr Dibbler could provide but as an exhibition cafe it was one of the worst I've ever come across, about 8 chairs and not a lot else.

 

Cracking show chaps. . . I didn't try the catering . .  but some truly cracking layouts. .  

 

 

John

 Apologies for the catering but it's what we are stuck with unfortunately.

As the sports hall does not have it's own catering facilities we are limited to what catering we can provide. We have tried to get a more up market caterer but they don't want to come as there isn't enough in it for them.

We could look for alternative venues that have catering but the hire cost for the venue would be double what are paying now(Which is £1500) so it wouldn't make it financially viable.

We had hoped to get a marquee from a local scout group for an indoor seating area for the public to eat their food but it didn't materialise.

We will keep trying to improve these facilities and thank you all for your kind comments about the layouts.

As for the traders again we are limited to which ones will come as more and more traders are seeing a drop in takings at shows all fuelled by increasing sales via the internet (Their words not mine).

This will be apparent at most shows, so if you want traders to continue to go to shows you need to spend money with them.

 

Regards

 

Chris

[Tangoman69]

Had a cracking time on Saturday afternoon,

 

If that was potentially the last outing for Blackgill it was a sad day, but the debutant South Pelaw has set a new standard for a model of the Tyne Dock - Consett line.

 

Montage Field was a very atmospheric layout that kept me captivated for a while, well there were a few that managed that, Fencehouses and Northallerton to name a couple.

 

Didn’t try the catering as we were of to Tynemouth for a birthday meal

 

It was the best show I’ve been to for a long time, thanks for putting it on!

[lippy]

I had this on my calendar but work have decided I'm stuck in Lanarkshire instead. Shame as I really wanted to see how ed orwin is getting on with my old home station.

Slowly is the answer

[lippy]

I can't remember a show in the north east that I've enjoyed better. 

The layouts were fantastic.

My planned shopping requirements were very limited and all was satisfied.

However, there seemed to be a lack opportunity for impulsive purchases.

It might be difficult to attract specialist trade to our corner of this sceptred isle but with a large proportion of layouts being high end finescale railways, it might be worth giving one or two of them a poke.

Keep up the good work.

Bob  

Correct Finescale Traders aren't interested in coming up to our Patch. We've asked them. 

[lippy]

Show itself was great, some real top notch layouts and good trade support too. I think the RTC layout won the day for me, the variety of stock kept drawing me back for another look and the APT is really something in the flesh.

 

Only thing to improve is the staffing arrangements in the car park - despite the number of attendants some tool managed to park blocking the entrance to the bottom car park leading to a bit of a wait while the numpty was found in the absence of a PA system.

That Unfortunately is the General Public for you. Why do we have Traffic Wardens cos numpties park where they like. I had 4 people on the Car Park and still he decided to ignore them. We are Volunteers! Yes need a PA or something. 

[Edwardian]

Unfortunately pre-grouping layouts are a bit thin on the ground. I did want 'Runswick Bay' from the Keighley club but it has being sold to a private owner.

 

 

 

Thanks for the explanation.

 

I am sorry that Runswick Bay is no longer on public display, as I should have liked to have seen it.

 

It is good to know that, should pre-Grouping layouts come to light, they would be considered.

 

I appreciate that most people will have been entirely happy, not just with the quality of the layouts on display, which was first rate, but with eras they represent, but variety and something for everyone are things to bear in mind. 

[lippy]

It is a USE IT OR LOSE time for this Exhibition. Numbers down again, we cannot change the Car Park it is the way the School have it.

 

We do have use of Morrisons car Park Which Does NOT Charge.

 

Catering as North Eastern Has said above, If we move venue we lose attendence and increase costs. 

 

We did have a large area inside set out with tables and chairs specifically for people to sit and eat at, it was shown on the plan and in the Programme. 

 

Traders have to compete with www. so they are fussy about shows they attend on cost grounds. 

 

We had people travel from Manchester, Liverpool, Cumbria, Humberside, West Yorkshire, West of Scotland and Central Belt. So we must be doing something right yet the numbers keep on falling year on year. 

 

I would also like to set the Record Straight after reading comments elsewhere about the Name RAILEX NE

 

Blyth & Tyne Model Railway Society use this as a name to Promote their annual Exhibitioin. We are NOT a business that makes money from Model Railway Exhibitions. 

 

Exhibition Manager

[lippy]

Thanks for the explanation.

 

I am sorry that Runswick Bay is no longer on public display, as I should have liked to have seen it.

 

It is good to know that, should pre-Grouping layouts come to light, they would be considered.

 

I appreciate that most people will have been entirely happy, not just with the quality of the layouts on display, which was first rate, but with eras they represent, but variety and something for everyone are things to bear in mind. 

Easier said than done, If you have an Pre-Grouping layouts you know about send me there details. Last years comments where not enough American layouts!

[johndon]

My first show as an operator rather than a visitor so I didn't get too much time to have a look around but I had a whale of a time...

[5BarVT]

Apologies for the catering but it's what we are stuck with unfortunately.

As the sports hall does not have it's own catering facilities we are limited to what catering we can provide. We have tried to get a more up market caterer but they don't want to come as there isn't enough in it for them.

We could look for alternative venues that have catering but the hire cost for the venue would be double what are paying now(Which is £1500) so it wouldn't make it financially viable.

Chris

Just a suggestion, and I appreciate your difficulties, could you put something on the advertising indicating the ‘limitations’ of the catering? Obviously needs to be more positively worded that I have! May be by saying what you will be able to provide and emphasising seating for those bringing their own food (but that might further discourage your existing caterer).

Paul.

[Brit70053]

Had an enjoyable visit on Sunday Morning, really pleased to view South Pelaw, Black Gill and Fencehouses layouts under one roof, and managed to order a needed part from Dave Alexander.

Also enjoyed the banter between my neighbour and another native of Penshaw, as they almost 'talked themselves related' - having attended the same school but a generation apart. All of this reminiscence was inspired by the Fencehouses layout.

 

Didn't explore the catering as we needed to leave by lunchtime and we had no problems with car parking.

 

Thanks to the team responsible for putting on a very good exhibition.

 

I wonder if the weather and the clash of dates with the much curtailed Sunderland International Air Show might have impacted on attendance ?

 

Regards,

                 John

[Ragtag]

That Unfortunately is the General Public for you. Why do we have Traffic Wardens cos numpties park where they like. I had 4 people on the Car Park and still he decided to ignore them. We are Volunteers! Yes need a PA or something. 

 

Don't get me wrong, the driver was clearly at fault and I doubt there are many school sports halls with PA systems in fairness. Perhaps as was suggested on the day by another visitor a sign strapped to the gate/fence clearly identifying the entrance/exit may prevent a reoccurrence.

 

Personally I would have thought the fact that it was the only gap in the security fence would have been sign enough, but apparently not for some...

[Mad McCann]

Catering was still better than the arrangements at Expo EM North by a long chalk.

 

Davy.

[Edwardian]

Easier said than done, If you have an Pre-Grouping layouts you know about send me there details. Last years comments where not enough American layouts!

 

I have no doubt that it is easier said than done!

 

If I come across anything of use, I'll let you know!

[Alcanman]

As we have come to expect, a great exhibiton with quality layouts and good trade support.

 

I was surprised at how quiet it was on Saturday afternoon. I wonder if this time of the year when it is the peak holiday season is partly the reason for numbers being down.

[Paul Cram]

I went along on the Saturday and was directed to the Morrisons car park which is just the other side of the roundabout so not too far to walk. I thought the catering was ok and enjoyed my hot beef bun. Managed to get a chair but a table would hev been nice.

 

The layouts were great and South Pelaw is really impressive. It was a pity that the operators on Blackgill didn't seem to know how tto operate it. I saw on a couple of occaisions a loco pull up only to suddenly reverse at high speed and have to be stopped and returned to it position. On other occaiomns they couldn't get a loco to move having not switche the power on ot the section in question.

 

Sadly from a trade perspective there were lots of tool suppliers but very few kits. What do people do with the tools they buy? I know high Level were there last yeat but didn't attend this year as it wasn't financilly viable. With the number of finescale layouts on view it is somewhat surprising that there aren't more people prepared to make things attending the exhibition.

[kipford]

Lippy

As you are well aware, members of the SHMRC supported the show with three layouts. No idea if Gary has told you and I cannot remember if one layout has already been, but the SHMRC also have three pre-grouping layouts, two L&Y Eastwood (due for completion early next year) and Ogden Fold, both in P4 and a LNWR/GWR Joint Hope under Dinmore in EM. As a member of the Hope team we would be interested in the show, but unfortunately the last week end in July is always a no no for us due to annual holiday commitments with a major rolling stock provider (50%) for the layout.

[Craig Watson]

We had a great time with West Pickering, as usual the hospitality from Lippy and his team was first class.

 

It was clear that a lot of effort had been put in to the organising of the show, the layouts were great, I also thought the trade was good, although being involved in the organisation of two shows I understand the frustrations in getting traders to come along in the first place, the internet being a massive factor in this, it's far easier for many traders to sit at home and deal with online orders than possibly have to hire a van, spend three days away from home (and the business) to support a show, so the ones who do make the effort should be applauded all the more for doing so.

 

Thanks again for the invite and we'll hopefully see you again next year.

 

Craig & James

 

[Mad McCann]

I went on the Sunday and the turnout seemed perfectly healthy.

Keep the show at this level of quality and layout/trader balance and I’ll bang the drum for it every time.

It’s certainly given my enthusiasm a boost again.

 

Davy.

[Edwardian]

Lippy

As you are well aware, members of the SHMRC supported the show with three layouts. No idea if Gary has told you and I cannot remember if one layout has already been, but the SHMRC also have three pre-grouping layouts, two L&Y Eastwood (due for completion early next year) and Ogden Fold, both in P4 and a LNWR/GWR Joint Hope under Dinmore in EM. As a member of the Hope team we would be interested in the show, but unfortunately the last week end in July is always a no no for us due to annual holiday commitments with a major rolling stock provider (50%) for the layout.

 

Would love the chance to see Hope under Dinmore and Eastwood, when it's finished.

 

I have seen Ogden Fold, but only once, and in Peterborough, so would welcome seeing it again.

 

York generally manages one Pre-Grouping layout - this year London Road (4mm - LNWR) and last year Eaton Gomery (4mm - Cambrian/GW/MR/LNWR) - Redcar 2016 had Marske (7mm) and Danby (4mm), both NER, Thirsk had Seahouses (7mm - NER), also in 2016.

[MarkC]

Fortunately I am presently on leave, so a visit was called for . I visited on Sunday at lunchtime. There seemed to be a steady flow of visitors, and the hall was comfortably busy, rather than packed. A good selection of layouts were present - good work on the part of the organisers. It was nice to meet up with some familiar faces too, particularly traders Dave Alexander and Peter Stanger, with whom I had very pleasant chats. It was nice to finally meet some FB friends in real life as well

 

Traders - a reasonable selection, but as others have commented, little in the way of general fine scale purchasing opportunities. I think that this is a common issue these days, though.

 

Catering - yes, limited, but already well explained by the Exhibition Manager.

 

Car parking - I had no issues, but I can certainly see how one muppet abandoning their vehicle in an inappropriate place could cause mayhem.

 

All in all, the show was well worth a visit. Thanks to all involved.

 

Mark

[Norm81]

Some good coverage on the local news, I do wonder if the clash with the Airshow on the Saturday when it was good weather played a part. I almost came back on the Sunday. The only problem I had with the traders is I didn't have any cash to spend!

 

In terms of catering is it not possible to get the school to open up the canteen? Or is it too far through the school etc? Those complaining what did you want that they didn't have?

 

Catering will always be subjective, places like York Racecourse where they are used to, set up for and regularly cater for large numbers wanting food will always have an advantage. Those not in venues with incumbent facilities will always be at a disadvantage. Having said that, we walked all the way the centre of Glasgow and back rather than eat at the SEC this year.

[waggy]

I am not familiar with the area but parking at Morrisons was mentioned earlier, do they have a cafe ?

[norwesterner]

Had a great time with Edge Hill this weekend, many thanks Lippy and to all involved in putting on the show.  We are only a tiddler compared to your star attractions, but still had lots of interest and kind comments from those who remembered the full size place in real life, as well as several interested in dipping their toes into fine scale modelling, etc.

 

Thought the overall show was spot on - good balance of different scales, steam/ modern image and superb finescale layouts, big and small.

 

Shame we don't live closer or we'd be back every year!

 

A couple of piccy's from the show.