expoEM Autumn 2019

[4630]

Overall I feel that it was an excellent expoEM.

 

Good quality modelling with, in the main, good operation on view.   Even though some of the layouts 'aren't my era or subject of interest', I did come away from each one with ideas that I could and will try out.

 

As always, some good trade support too.  Happy to say that I made some purchases which will help with a couple of future projects.    

 

 

Edited September 8, 2019 by 4630

[Leander]

We open again in less than three hours time. Yesterday was very successful, although not without the teething troubles you get in a new venue but there was nothing we can't fix next year, and the attendance was well up on last year at Partington.

 

The move over the Pennines appears to have proved successful and we got many positive comments regarding the venue, the show and, of course, the catering. In fact the Croc Sisters are getting a bit carried away with the celebrity status they seem to have achieved on here!!!

[mark axlecounter]

I went yesterday as a visitor and what a show, well worth a visit. 

Both martin and Pete said I will be there next year with my weathering demo even if I’m kicking and screaming ha ha. 

I couldn’t do it this year because of work commitments. 

 

[Reorte]

4 hours ago, Leander said:

We open again in less than three hours time. Yesterday was very successful, although not without the teething troubles you get in a new venue but there was nothing we can't fix next year, and the attendance was well up on last year at Partington.

Rather further for me to travel personally but I much prefer the venue speaking as a visitor. It still felt a bit quiet to me although I was fairly late in the day, sadly I've often felt this about this show despite it definitely being a don't miss event.

 

Quote

The move over the Pennines appears to have proved successful and we got many positive comments regarding the venue, the show and, of course, the catering. In fact the Croc Sisters are getting a bit carried away with the celebrity status they seem to have achieved on here!!!

I'd intended to just have a late sandwich but they'd run out after already having sent out for more they said, which probably puts my "still a bit quiet" feeling into perspective!

[jollysmart]

2 hours ago, Reorte said:

Rather further for me to travel personally but I much prefer the venue speaking as a visitor. It still felt a bit quiet to me although I was fairly late in the day, sadly I've often felt this about this show despite it definitely being a don't miss event.

 

I'd intended to just have a late sandwich but they'd run out after already having sent out for more they said, which probably puts my "still a bit quiet" feeling into perspective!

 

 

They still had cake late in the day though.

 

Most specialist exhibitions seem to be quiet later on, Scalefour north was quiet after 3:30 as many people seem to arrive early and leave after lunch. personally I prefer it as it makes it easier to see the exhibits, to get to the trade stands and to talk to their owners. I like to arrive after 3 when it is thinning out but that is my choice. Enjoyed it though and will be back next year good venue and easy access.

[dhjgreen]

Just got back, went the scenic route, same time as the motorway, 20 miles shorter from here.  There was a complaint from a fellow CRAG member that the traders and exhibitors had eaten all the breakfasts before the opening at 10!

 

It was reported that there were more people through the door yesterday than both days last year.  South Pelaw was often nearly a scrum but it sadly suffered a fair amount of "digital" operation and there were lengthy gaps with the main activity being in the fiddle yard which was interesting in itself,  brilliant scenics though.

 

I got more than I expected from the traders including one trader recommending another with a successful purchase resulting.  Couldn't get near Lanarkshire MS for the fan club 

[MarkC]

Just home. Great show. Some fabulous modelling on display. Agree with the previous comments about no bacon butties being left at 1005, and some running issues. Trade support was great - although my wallet would disagree - and had some good conversations with various folk as well.

 

An excellent venue for access, but there was a lack of signs from the M1. Thank goodness for Sat Nag...

 

Well done all.

 

Mark

[mike morley]

A 275 mile round trip for me and worth every yard.  I never thought Partington was as bad as some made out but this venue is undeniably and considerably better (and rather more convenient for the M1 than Partington was for the M6).  One comment re the catering that I don't think has already been made concerns the generous size of the portions.  Every plate I saw had enough to feed two on it!  Could this be why some dishes ran out early?

With regard to the layouts, all were as superb as is to be expected of an ExpoEM.  For me, South Pelaw stole the show.  I knew it was going to be big and a friend who visited on Saturday messaged me with the words "Its Huge!" but even so, I was still unprepared for the sheer size of the thing!  Quality modelling on a (literally as well as figuratively!) grand scale.

Edited September 8, 2019 by mike morley

[gr.king]

I felt everything about the show deserved positive comment, with the exception of one point that is nothing to do with the railway modelling side of the event: I found it baffling that only moments after a show steward announced quite loudly the availability of bacon sandwiches / buns / baps rolls or whatever you want to call them, my enquiry at the catering counter was met with an apology to the effect that they had sold out somewhat earlier.

 

Communication???

 

Given the relatively small numbers of visitors in the show at that stage I was forced to wonder whether the caterers had provided anything like enough in the first place, and indeed whether the available supply had all gone to exhibitors before the paying public got anywhere near.

 

At least the mid-day meals were good.

[jollysmart]

56 minutes ago, gr.king said:

I felt everything about the show deserved positive comment, with the exception of one point that is nothing to do with the railway modelling side of the event: I found it baffling that only moments after a show steward announced quite loudly the availability of bacon sandwiches / buns / baps rolls or whatever you want to call them, my enquiry at the catering counter was met with an apology to the effect that they had sold out somewhat earlier.

 

Communication???

 

Given the relatively small numbers of visitors in the show at that stage I was forced to wonder whether the caterers had provided anything like enough in the first place, and indeed whether the available supply had all gone to exhibitors before the paying public got anywhere near.

 

At least the mid-day meals were good.

 

 

I wonder if the catering was organised based on previous attendances at the show and from the report I got the numbers through the door on the Saturday almost equalled the total number last year for both days. Obviously the caterers have to try and feed everyone without being left with  an unusable excess.

 

Anyway it was still a good show and with the experience from this year I have no doubt it will be even better next year.

[ullypug]

Went up for the weekend and spent most of the time behind the member's sales stand.

The 450 mile return trip from Somerset was worth the effort though. The show was busier than last year and there was a noticeable buzz. Yes, some things need tweaking for next year and I'm sure the organising committee will review all the comments on here as well as those made directly. I came away feeling I'd made some new friends and had a great time. The 'best gig/worst gig you've ever been to' conversation in the pub was very revealing...

I'd like to thank everybody involved for a really enjoyable weekend. I even managed to look at the layouts!

[robertcwp]

I made the almost 400 mile round trip to the show today and it was a very good day out. All layouts were top quality.

 

The photos in magazines and elsewhere do not convey the sheer scale of South Pelaw, which is very impressive at 38' long. The signals are superb if somewhat baffling if you don't know NER signalling practice. They had a few minor issues with running and with the layout but nothing that can't be sorted out for future shows.

 

Over five hours to drive home though, including a short stop at the 'wonderful' Leicester Services, and going via Mark54's house to drop him off.

 

The venue seemed fine. On arrival, I did not see any indication of where the parking was so parked on a nearby road. Some better signs would help in future, although I would not normally go to Expo EM (or Salefour) North - I go to the South versions of both shows pretty much every year. I made an exception this year to see South Pelaw.

[MartinWales]

12 hours ago, mark axlecounter said:

I went yesterday as a visitor and what a show, well worth a visit. 

Both martin and Pete said I will be there next year with my weathering demo even if I’m kicking and screaming ha ha. 

I couldn’t do it this year because of work commitments. 

 

Don't you worry Mark! We'll collect you kicking and screaming from work if necessary!!

[MartinWales]

2 hours ago, gr.king said:

I felt everything about the show deserved positive comment, with the exception of one point that is nothing to do with the railway modelling side of the event: I found it baffling that only moments after a show steward announced quite loudly the availability of bacon sandwiches / buns / baps rolls or whatever you want to call them, my enquiry at the catering counter was met with an apology to the effect that they had sold out somewhat earlier.

 

Communication???

 

Given the relatively small numbers of visitors in the show at that stage I was forced to wonder whether the caterers had provided anything like enough in the first place, and indeed whether the available supply had all gone to exhibitors before the paying public got anywhere near.

 

At least the mid-day meals were good.

The Croc Sisters were providing breakfast baps etc for exhibitors traders and others (such as me) so I am surprised this happened.

 

Especially as there was a large Asda close by too. something to tweak for next year. Overall though, they were well received. 

[Leander]

7 hours ago, dhjgreen said:

There was a complaint from a fellow CRAG member that the traders and exhibitors had eaten all the breakfasts before the opening at 10!

 

Our fault for underestimating the likely demand for breakfasts, which were intended originally to cater mainly for exhibitors staying at the Premier Inn. However a lot of other exhibitors travelling from home also partook upon arriving at the venue. All this happened prior to 10.00am when the doors opened to the paying visitors. Despite speaking with Lucy of the Croc Sisters yesterday about increasing the quantities today, the same thing happened. Even later arriving exhibitors missed out. You live and learn!

7 hours ago, dhjgreen said:

 

It was reported that there were more people through the door yesterday than both days last year. 

 

Not quite, that would have been nice though! Overall the attendance was 35% up on last year at Partington, giving a fourth best attendance over the period 2007 to 2019, being beaten only in 2007 (Slaithwaite), 2013 and 2014 (both at Urmston). The percentage increase over last year was greater on Saturday than today (Sunday) incidentally.

 

[Leander]

4 hours ago, gr.king said:

I felt everything about the show deserved positive comment, with the exception of one point that is nothing to do with the railway modelling side of the event: I found it baffling that only moments after a show steward announced quite loudly the availability of bacon sandwiches / buns / baps rolls or whatever you want to call them, my enquiry at the catering counter was met with an apology to the effect that they had sold out somewhat earlier.

 

Communication???

 

Given the relatively small numbers of visitors in the show at that stage I was forced to wonder whether the caterers had provided anything like enough in the first place, and indeed whether the available supply had all gone to exhibitors before the paying public got anywhere near.

 

At least the mid-day meals were good.

 

See my reply to dhjgreen above. Who made the announcement, the Englishman or the North Walian? We were surprised by the speed at which they ran out. We've talked it through today and discussed it with Lucy (Croc Sister) and it won't happen next year, promise! Actually I think the numbers creating the higher level of demand for breakfast is what caught us out.

[Leander]

1 hour ago, robertcwp said:

I made the almost 400 mile round trip to the show today and it was a very good day out. All layouts were top quality.

 

The venue seemed fine. On arrival, I did not see any indication of where the parking was so parked on a nearby road. Some better signs would help in future, although I would not normally go to Expo EM (or Salefour) North - I go to the South versions of both shows pretty much every year. I made an exception this year to see South Pelaw.

Thanks for making the trip Robert. I wish you'd made yourself known as you're one of the people in the hobby whose work has inspired me and provided much information, through the BRcoachingstock Yahoo group,  to enable the creation of realistic train formations, yet I've never knowingly met you.

[Leander]

expoEM autumn 2019 Competition Winners

 

The Eileens Emporium Trophy for the Best Scratchbuilt Structure

The four overbridges on South Pelaw
 

The Chairman’s Cup for the Best Layout in the show

South Pelaw – The South Pelaw Group

 

Malcolm Crawley Trophy for the Best Scratchbuilt Locomotive

Not awarded

 

Congratulations to the winners.

 

We will be looking at the criteria for the award of the last named trophy in due course.
 

[Leander]

I've realised that we never posted the expo Guide prior to the show. Somewhat belatedly and apologetically, here it is, albeit in final draft form but subject to further corrections.

Autumn_2019_Guide_B_Draft.pdf

[t-b-g]

I didn't get to the show this year due to family duties and other commitments but it sounds like it was a good one.

 

It certainly sounds as if the move of venue has already improved attendance, which has to be a big step forward and well done to the organisers for stepping up and taking the show on.

 

When the Malcolm Crawley trophy was introduced it was for the best kitbuilt or scratchbuilt loco. There never were enough scratchbuilt locos around to make an award worth while for them alone. I don't know when it changed or why but perhaps it should be changed back.

[Leander]

5 hours ago, t-b-g said:

I didn't get to the show this year due to family duties and other commitments but it sounds like it was a good one.

 

It certainly sounds as if the move of venue has already improved attendance, which has to be a big step forward and well done to the organisers for stepping up and taking the show on.

 

When the Malcolm Crawley trophy was introduced it was for the best kitbuilt or scratchbuilt loco. There never were enough scratchbuilt locos around to make an award worth while for them alone. I don't know when it changed or why but perhaps it should be changed back.

 

I missed seeing you so I thought you hadn't made it to the show Tony.

 

Thanks for clarifying the criteria. The information I'd inherited merely said scratchbuilt. The intention is to revert to the alternative wording to include kitbuilt. A bit late for this year though.

 

Here are a couple of views showing parts of the 'overbridges of south Pelaw'. Photos credited as previously.

[Worsdell forever]

2 hours ago, Leander said:

Thanks for clarifying the criteria. The information I'd inherited merely said scratchbuilt. The intention is to revert to the alternative wording to include kitbuilt. A bit late for this year though.

 

 

 

Nah, leave it at scratchbuilt, then I'll have a chance next year...  Entered my NER 1001 twice and never won, although it did win at the AGM last year. 

[gr.king]

10 hours ago, Leander said:

 

See my reply to dhjgreen above. Who made the announcement, the Englishman or the North Walian? We were surprised by the speed at which they ran out. We've talked it through today and discussed it with Lucy (Croc Sister) and it won't happen next year, promise! Actually I think the numbers creating the higher level of demand for breakfast is what caught us out.

 

Thanks for the reply. The announcement seemed to me to be in an English rather than Welsh accent.

 

It had occurred to me that provision might have been based on lower levels of demand at Partington, in which case the previous demand for bacon must have been exceptionally low, which seems very odd given the breakfast habits of most railway modellers at shows.

 

Anyway, it was only a minor point that did not spoil the event.

[Leander]

17 hours ago, jollysmart said:

 

 

I wonder if the catering was organised based on previous attendances at the show and from the report I got the numbers through the door on the Saturday almost equalled the total number last year for both days. Obviously the caterers have to try and feed everyone without being left with  an unusable excess.

It was based on a forecast attendance of 400 (higher than last year). We achieved 15.75% greater than the forecast.

 

It was our first year there. Cut us some slack guys!!

[Leander]

3 hours ago, gr.king said:

 

Thanks for the reply. The announcement seemed to me to be in an English rather than Welsh accent.

 

It had occurred to me that provision might have been based on lower levels of demand at Partington, in which case the previous demand for bacon must have been exceptionally low, which seems very odd given the breakfast habits of most railway modellers at shows.

 

Anyway, it was only a minor point that did not spoil the event.

Northern or southern English? Only joking!

 

Different caterer. There was always food available, no one went hungry, unlike Partington in 2017.