Wigan Model Railway Exhibition

[Andy Y]

Wigan Model Railway Exhibition

Robin Park Arena & Sports Centre

Loire Drive

Wigan

WN5 0UH

 

 

Saturday 10th December 2011 - 10am until 5.30pm

 

Sunday 11th December 2011 - 10am until 4.30

 

Adult entry cost - £10 including exhibition guide

Accompanied children free of charge

 

We are still in the same venue and the same two halls as last year, which are flat and easily accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters & prams.

 

We now have an Exhibition of 31,000 square feet, this has enabled us to alleviate the problem of overcrowding and equally important we have a Coffee Shop / Refreshment Area within the larger LTA Hall.

 

The Licensed Bar serving hot food will still be available in Cafe Life (formally Champions Bar), this has been totally refurbished and now has seating and tables for 60 people.

 

38 layouts

 

1. Abhainn an Scail/Annascaul OOn3 Light Railway in S.W.Ireland by Stephen P Titmuss from Oldham. 16’6”x1’6

2. Barmouth Bridge O Barmouth Bridge in North Wales from 1911 to 2000 by Barrie Kelsall of Shrewsbury.46’x3’ BRM Sept 2000

 

3. Burntisland 1883 P4 North British Railway in 1883 by the East of Scotland 4mm Group 32’6”x12’8”

4. Carreg Lwyd Wharf OO9 Welsh Narrow Gauge by Roy Fair of the OO9 Society. 12’x2’

5. Cripps Bottom Yard OO BR/ex LMS by Keith Armitage of Seaham Co Durham. 18’6”x2’6” RM

6. Crumley & Little Wickhill OO9 Narrow Gauge Railway in Lancs/Yorks 1930 by Hull MRS. 12’x12’

7. Eaton Gomery Cambria Railway 1908 by Peter Thomas Wigan Finescale Railway Modellers BRM 44’x1’6”

8. East Lynn & Nunstanton S GER [exM&GN] North West Norfolk 1890’s by Trevor Nunn. 31’8”x6’ BRM

 

9. East Rode TT BR North West England in 1950/1960 by Macclesfield MRG 12’x6’7”

10. Engdorf [Engertalbahn] O DB Germany 1969/1970 by Peter Wurcbacher & the Norton Cross MRG 20’x2’

11. Foston Mills O North Holdness Light Rly, East Yorkshire 1950’s by John Buck & David Rees. 26’x3’ RM Jan 2008

12. Gardiner Junction N BR 1955/60 North West England by Ian F Wheelock from St Helens. 8’6”x6’6”

13. Gifford Street O BR/LMR 1960 John Emerson & the 127 Group 46’x10’. BRM various articles 2008/2009

 

14. Grathwaite OO BR 1970/80’s DCC Sound 1st Show by Graeme Marriott of Cumbria. 20’6”x8’6”

15. Guisborough in Preservation OO NE Terminus by David Lloyd of North Yorkshire. 24’x2’8” RM Oct & Nov 2009

16. Hospital Gates O Private Light Rly by Neil Ripley & the East Riding Finescale Group 20’x2’6” BRM

 

17. Iron Street, Board Mills EM Industrial Mill Scene in Lancs 1959 by Andrew Wright 4’7”x1’4”

18. Kepier Colliery OO NCB Colliery in Co Durham by John R Cook 18’x2’ BRM

19. Kingsfield OO Oxfordshire in 1958/1965 by Barnhill MRC RM 2005 layout of the year & Hornby Dec 2009

20. Langholm N BR [ex NBR] Scotland 1950’s by Dr Stephen Fairlie from Newcastle-upon-Tyne 14’x2’

21. LNWR Steam Shed 1901 OO “The Premier Line” by Roger Stapleton of Washington Tyne & Wear. 12’x8’ RM Sept 2003

22. Loch Oran N West Highland Line by David Harrison of Bridlington East Yorkshire 16’x6’ RM Dec 2009

23. Marsh Chipping N BR [WR] in the Cotswolds by David Westwood of Leicester. 11’x3’

24. Millwall Goods & Arnold Lane O London Docks Circa 1910 by Peter A Thompson of Somerset RM

25. New Mills OO WCML 1960’s by Francis Gomme of Princes Risborough 36’x8’ BRM

26. Murrayville Yard HO USA near Chicargo in the 1970’s by Pontefract & Normanton RMS 20’6”x3’6”

27. North of England Line N Steam & Early Diesel by Scarborough & District RMC 18’x4’ Hornby March 2010

 

28. Oldham King Street Parcels O BR DCC North Manchester 1960/70’s by David Hampson/Keith Harrison 20’x2’

29. Otterbridge EM Southern Rly 1930’s by Peter Bailey of Havant Hampshire 14’x2’

30. Pempoul French Meter Gauge Reseau Breton in the early 1960’s by Gordon & Maggie Gravett CM & MRJ 20’x10

 

31. Poole-in-Wharfedale OO BR Wharf Valley Yorkshire in 1950/55 [ex MR & NER Line] by Harvey Whitmore 16’x6’6” BRM

32. Purbeck OO9 Isle of Purbeck Ball Clay Lines by John Thorne of Dorset 11’x1’8” RM Oct & Nov 2008

33. Purgatory Peak On30 USA Mining in the 1930 by Shaun Horrocks & Macclesfield MRG 27’x9’

34. Rea Bridge OO9 Scotland 1910/25 by Ted Polet of The Netherlands 10’2”x3’4” CM

35. Striven EM Lancs & Yorks LMS in the 1930’s by Val & Colin Ashby 13’6”x10’ RM Nov/Dec 2010

36. Tetfield-under-Bolt N BR 1958/62 [WR] by Bob Rowlands of Liverpool 10’x1’ RM late 2011

37. Torcy [sud] HO Haute Normandie SNCF by John & Peter Smith of Birmingham 22’6”x2’

38. Untermutten HOm Switzerland in 1989 by Dave Howsam of Manchester

 

(All images copyright and courtesy of Tony Wright and British Railway Modelling)

 

52 Traders

 

1. A1 Models, Doncaster

2. Bachmann Europe Plc.

3. B. H. Enterprises, Birmingham

4. Bill Hudson Transport Books, Matlock

5. Black Cat Baseboards, Hull [new to Wigan in 2011]

6. Booklaw, Nottingham

7. British Railway Modelling, Lincolnshire

8. Buzz Models, Birmingham

9. Ceynix Railway Trees, Northolt [new to Wigan in 2011]

10. Cheltenham Model Centre, Cheltenham

11. Churchward Models, Birmingham

12. C & L Finescale (new to Wigan in 2011)

13. Comet Models, Herefordshire

14. Contikits, Tyne & Wear

15. D & E Videos, Leeds

16. D.C Kits, Leeds

17. Darlington Railway Modelling, Co Durham [new to Wigan in 2011]

18. Dean Sidings, Gloustershire

19. Digitrains, Lincoln (new to Wigan in 2011)

20. Eileen’s Emporium,

21. Exactoscale Ltd, Essex

22. Flangeway Models, Kidderminster

23. Footplate Models, Kidderminster

24. Going Loco, Wakefield

25. Green Scene, Worcester

26. Grimey Times, Warrington, 9new to Wigan in 2011)

27. Hobby Holidays, Doncaster

28. Invertrain Model Railways, Dunfermline, Scotland

29. Judith Edge Kits, Barnsley

30. Kytes Lights, Bognor Regis

31. Layouts4U, Cambridgeshire

32. London Road Models, Watford

33. M & B Models, Nottingham

34. Modelex, Birmingham

35. Nairnshire Modelling Supplies, Nairn, Scotland

36. P & H Models, Lincolnshire

37. Parkside Dundas, Fife, Scotland

38. Penketh Model Rail Centre, Warrington

39. Plus Daughters, Essex

40. Realtrack Models, Leeds

41. Roger Carpenter (Photographs), Birmingham

42. Rural Railways, Shropshire [new to Wigan in 2011]

43. Santona Publications, Nottingham

44. Shawplan Model Products, Nottingham

45. Stevenson Carriages, Chesterfield, (new to Wigan in 201)

46. Syktrex, Loughborough

47. Ten Commandments, Fife, Scotland

48. The P4 Track Co, Essex

49. TMS Models, Manchester

50. Todmorden Model Supplies, Lancashire

51. Wiganfrm Sales Stand

52. ZTC Controls (2009) Ltd, Somerset

[Barry Ten]

That's a heck of a line-up of layouts - wow.

[beast66606]

I'll be there with my good lady, "assisting" as usual

[Mr.S.corn78]

Hi all,

 

I will be there with my DCC demo.

 

Looking forward to it already.

 

Cheers

Simon

[Mike J]

We'll be there with NoEL, the team will consist of myself, Geoff (GJB 60009), Rich (Rich B.) and Keith. Stop by for a chat, you'll be most welcome. (Simon, don't forget to bring the German loco so that I can begin the P2, thanks)

We're all looking forward to this one, what a cracking line up of layouts and just about every trader you can think of!

[Sam - WFRM ADMIN]

Tickets are on sale now

 

Advance Tickets - also gain you admission to the exhibition 15 minutes before the show officially opens..... so see the layouts before everyone else, but best of all..... no queueing.....

 

Buy on-line for £9, plus a FREE guide book......

Children under 16 admission is FREE as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

 

our Special offer ticket is available again this year 4 for the price of 3 for £30 so you can all gain admission for £7.50 by choosing this option if there are 4 or multiples of 4's of you coming to the show!!!

[Sam - WFRM ADMIN]

looking forward to the show, even though i will be on crutches this year!!!! after having my knee surgery!!!

 

(but at least i get out of having to set up and break down the halls)!!!! that's got to be worth the pain!!!!

[beast66606]

looking forward to the show, even though i will be on crutches this year!!!! after having my knee surgery!!!

 

(but at least i get out of having to set up and break down the halls)!!!! that's got to be worth the pain!!!!

 

NO excuses ... - and you will get to meet Jill at last

[GJB 60009]

Ive never been to Wigan show before, so Im really looking forward to it. Looks an excellent line up!!

Cant wait.........................

[BigAndy]

Unless someone can put me right, I can't see anything on that list that could be considered as 'modern image', especially in the 4mm category......

 

There is one layout that is billing itself as 70's/80's, but that's it - if this is an exhaustive list list and there is no more, then I'm very dissapointed that there is nothing for the modern modeller.

[Andy Y]

then I'm very dissapointed that there is nothing for the modern modeller.

 

So you don't model any buildings, scenery, infrastructure etc? Just stock?

[BigAndy]

Absolutely, I model inrastructure, buildings, scenery etc, however............

 

I model the diesel era but I will stand in front of any layout to appreciate its modelling,( ulnlike the majority of steam era modellers who will not even entertain standing in front of a layout full of diesels ) regardless of period, but I am interested in the modern scene so naturally I would like to see some representations of that period in a show the size of Wigan.

 

When a list of layouts is published, it is only natural for ones own interest to be piqued by a period that you are interested in and if there is no representative of that, then its dissapointing, especially, as I say, in an exhibition the size of Wigan.

 

Surely when an exhibtion is organised, then layouts to interest all should be considered, which I am sure is done.

 

If there are no modern image layouts out there that warrant being invited, then fair enough, and I stand corrected. It's just my opinion that Wigan this year seems to be heavily underepresented by layouts from the diesel/electric era, and with a large diesel era following around the country, then some modellers who would ordinarily have considered going to the show, will look at that list and decide not to.

It is layouts that draw the customers in and the traders rely on the customers to pay for their stand rent etc etc. Most traders these days have websites and so it is not imperative for them to attend shows to achieve sales, it's just good PR.

 

For a trader like Shawplan, who are solely reliant on their customer base of modern modellers, to see that there are no modern layouts in the Wigan show to draw that customer base in, could heavily impact on their takings.

 

Besides which, Wigan has had a reputation and quite rightly so, as being one of the must attend shows, so I still stand by my original comment that I am dissapointed at having no modern image diesel/electric era layouts there.

 

Perhaps you could explain the reason as to why there are no modern diesel/electric era layouts this year?

[Mike J]

Having re-checked the list of layouts (a very high quality list), I have to agree with you there Big Andy, and your second post does make your point very well. Andy Y also makes a valid point, but if you want to see a modern image layout, rather than shop, there doesn't seem to be anything later than the 1970s although the new layout Grathwaite will be worth a look (1970/80s), and Barmouth Bridge should be running diesels. Also my fellow N gaugers David and his team run Loch Oran with post blue DMUs and diesel locomotives. I do hope that the modern image modellers will still attend as it would be a shame to miss out on some fine layouts.

As an exhibition organiser myself, I can see both sides. There is a lack of modern image at this years show, but it has to be balanced against what is available, what has been there before, cost and space. Maybe the owners of some of the brilliant modern image layouts out there should get in touch with Stephen Roberts and the team and promote their creation. Only last weekend at Blackpool and North Fylde exhibition we saw an excellent O gauge DCC operated modern image layout that had real presence. (Sorry, the name escapes me)

By the way, NoEL will be running 1930/40s LNER and LMS steam on Saturday and 1950/60s BR steam and diesels on Sunday. (The diesels are green, excepting the prototype Deltic, but that's as modern as we go before NoEL 2 is ready.)

Anyway, best wishes and enjoy the show,

Mike

 

Edit;- The O gauge layout was called Leavesden (NSE)

[Guest Max Stafford]

Is it truly the organisers' fault that there is only a small modern presence? Perhaps some where invited but couldn't or chose not to attend - maybe because they fear extreme weather may prevent them.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself with all the other quality layouts present and the absence of yellow paint shouldn't detract in your appreciation of good modelling.

 

Shawplan are also diversifying into improvement items for earlier eras now so if they bring plenty of Laserglase and the like then I'm sure their sales will do just fine.

 

Dave.

[BigAndy]

Atually, I do think it is the responsibility of the organisers to put on a show that will appeal to as wider a catchment area as possible, again, in particular a show the size of Wigan.

Wigan show is sufficiently a big enough draw in the model railway callender, that customers from all corners of the country would attempt to travel to, if possible. Bearing that in mind, with travelling time, cost and admission to also factor in, then it is only natural for someone to look at the layout list and decide to not bother if there is nothing that will interest them enough, to make them want to go in the first place.

Whether you like it or not, human beings live in their own little bubble, with everyone elses bubble bouncing along with them and interacting with other peoles bubble. In that little bubble exists everyones life and interests, so it stands to reason that people are pretty much only interested in their own little bubble - it's human psychology.

So, drawing onto the wider view now and back onto the subject in question - if there is no primary or vested interest in something in the first place, it doesn't matter whether there is any subsequent or subsidiary attraction, the person will not be there in the first instance to enjoy that secondary event, for example, enjoying the first class modelling on a pre-grouping layout, after the primary enjoyment of seeing the modern image model which is why you would have travelled there in the first place........

 

Smaller shows will obviously struggle to cater for every taste, however, when you are billing yourself as having 31,000 square feet at your disposal, then I think it is only right to award the maximum amount of achreage as possible to each genre - especially a genre as big as modern image.

 

I don't think inclement weather is in anyway particularly devisive as to only snow/rain/hail on modern modellers, therfore only putting them off attending - weather is weather regardless of what any period/scale that any modeller decides to chose as their medium, therefore creating a level playing field for everyone .......................

 

I really don't want to start a war of words, as we are all on the same side at the end of the day - all I was saying initially is that I was dissapointed at not having anything there that is of primary interest to my little bubble.

 

Thanks

 

Andy

[87023Velocity]

Hi BigAndy,

 

A question I have asked myself and other people, what is classed as modern image? Early Green diesels with some steam, green and blue diesels pre tops, blue with tops numbers, the sectorisation (railfreight,intercity etc) years, crossover between sector and privatisation, privatisation upto the present day (this could be split up with Railtrack and Network rail)? I am sure pre grouping could be split into era's and so could nationalisation of the big 4 aswell up until the start of the modernisation period.

 

I model in the sectorisation years as I call it, around 1988/89.

In the modern image era, what period interests you for example?

 

As being an exhibitor myself in the past, we have only gone to shows if we can get the available time of work or if family life does not come in the way either. It does not matter how big a show is, if people cannot attend, the layout did not get taken out.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[BigAndy]

Hello Simon,

 

Personally, I would class modern image as anything Diesel/Electric orientated from the 80's upwards, but again, that is just my own personal view, with my own particular preference the same as yourself, post sectorisation, pre nationalisation.

 

I have also been part of a large team, taking a sizeable layout around the country to exhibitions. Once we had accepeted an invite, the layout went and so did the operators as it was a firm committment, and I don't believe we ever let anyone down, having once accepted their kind invite to their show.Yes, there was the odd time that one of the team couldn't make it, which is understandable, so a guest was usually asked then to supplement the usual gang.

 

There is a risk here of this all going off topic, which should be about the Wigan show- not me or my views, so I apologise to anyone who may be upset at this thread heading in the direction it's going and for everyone's sake I'll stop typing..................

[Sam - WFRM ADMIN]

 

NO excuses ... - and you will get to meet Jill at last

 

 

looking forward to finally getting to meet her!!! and of course seeing you again dave..... seems ages ago

[Eaton]

Now here's a question,what have 'Pempoul', 'East Lynn & Nunstanton' and 'Burntisland 1883' got in commom? If you need an answer go to the News Section on our website www.wiganfrm.org.uk Whilst you're there check out the Advance Tickets and particularly the 4 for 3 ticket, its a bargin, but only if you have three friends.

[Eaton]

We have a few alterations, corrections and additions to add to the already published information.

A correction is needed to the Layout List: 'Carreg Lwyd Wharf' is not 009 as stated but O-16.5, and we also need to add to the list 'Harton Gill' a P4 layout from the Carshalton & Sutton MRC which features B.R. (exNER) stock of the late 1960's as well as a colliery which operates its own overhead electrically powered private line. This now makes 39 layouts on the list.

 

This year we are using three halls, not two as stated. We continue to use the two we have used last year but also the Sports Hall we used many years ago. This has enabled us to move the Tea Bar out of Hall 1 and into Hall 3 which should solve the overcrowding problems and as it is nearer the kitchen should also improve the menu. There is also talk of a bar being opened. This move will enable us to give everybody wider gangways in the other two halls which should greatly assist movement and comfort.

[APOLLO]

Three halls - thats fantastic news. Looking forward to the long two mile journey to this years show !!

 

I don't mind if its old / new / steam / diesel / blue / green / british / foreign, so long as there's ACTION !!

 

Brit15

[Eaton]

ADVANCE TICKET INFORMATION

If you have recently purchased Advance Tickets and are still awaiting their arrival, please be assured there is no need to worry. The delay is caused by the hospitsalisation of Samantha, our administration magician. She hopes to be back at her post within a week and will speedily sort out the backlog.

[66540Ruby]

I agree with most of what BigAndy says, I have been going to Wigan for many years but will probably not attend this year for the same reason as Andy.

[lmsforever]

Good luck Andy and all your members you have put together a well balanced exhibition dont be put off by rants that people cannot see class 66,s etc railway modeling is a broad church.Many years back the common complaint was ,not another Great Western layout .now it seems modern image rules I dont think.I model 1950,s to early sixties that way I can run both types of traction but if I dont see that at a show I will still go to it if the overall content is to a high standard.Lets admire a good model regardless of what it is.

[Leander]

I agree with most of what BigAndy says, I have been going to Wigan for many years but will probably not attend this year for the same reason as Andy.

 

OK then, you pays your money and makes your choice (or not as the case may be).

 

Maybe you should come to Rochdale in just over three weeks time then, where you'll be able to see possibly the best O-gauge blue diesel layout on the exhibition circuit in Apethorn Junction; one of the best new N gauge modern layouts in Bishops Bridge, featuring third-rail electrics;a well modelled prototype in Buxton TMD (see the latest Railway Modeller); a fine 2FS Woodhead electric layout (Mini-MSW); and Realstone in OO, featuring a well-modelled post-privatisation quarry.