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York MRS 2012 (Includes Mike Cook tributes)


john new

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'Spent a full day there today and thoroughly enjoyed it. York rarely disappoints on the layout front and this year was no exception but the trade did seem down, a continuing trend over the past few years.

 

Layout wise it might have been a bit of a let-down for the modern image fans but the standard of modelling on show was exceptional this year, Copenhagen Fields stood out for it's sheer size alone but every other layout I saw had something to attract attention.

 

The lack of people was noticeable, the queue at opening time didn't seem as long as in years gone by and the overall impressions were that it was much easier to move around and see things than has been the case in the past. The downside is that less bodies equals less trade, equals less traders so it's a bit of an ever decreasing spiral. How much this is affecting other shows, I can only guess but it does seem to me that York has suffered disproportionately.

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Attendance is up on last years numbers. But it is noticeable that the average attendee is elderly! The show doesn't seem to attract many of the local population with their off-spring which is a great shame.

 

There are a lot of very nice layouts this year. Yes if you are looking for 7mm, 4mm, 2mm, 3mm, of a particular type/period then there probably is only one or two layouts - because they are all represented. That is the nature of having about 40 layouts! As usual NG is well represented, and there seems to be a lot of N and not enough 7mm - but you see I am showing my prejudices/preferences. What is important to realise is that some of the best large layouts are on the top floor.

 

Paul Bartlett

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'Spent a full day there today and thoroughly enjoyed it. York rarely disappoints on the layout front and this year was no exception but the trade did seem down, a continuing trend over the past few years.

 

Layout wise it might have been a bit of a let-down for the modern image fans but the standard of modelling on show was exceptional this year, Copenhagen Fields stood out for it's sheer size alone but every other layout I saw had something to attract attention.

 

The lack of people was noticeable, the queue at opening time didn't seem as long as in years gone by and the overall impressions were that it was much easier to move around and see things than has been the case in the past. The downside is that less bodies equals less trade, equals less traders so it's a bit of an ever decreasing spiral. How much this is affecting other shows, I can only guess but it does seem to me that York has suffered disproportionately.

 

Although I haven't been for the second year running, it seemed to me that York had a much higher proportion of "enthusiasts" rather than modelers compared to other large regional shows such as Railex or Wigan. It was particulary noticeable from behind the trade stand that I helped out. Perhaps this was a result of being a three day show over a bank holiday, especially if the weather was poor and the trip to the seaside was off.

 

As is always the case from a trader's point of view, it isn't the number of visitors but their modelling aptitude and willingness to buy things that matters. For the show organisers it's usually volume that counts most.

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Really good show. Spent the day there with friends and family. Great to see the Gresley Beat again, the best layout at show in my opinion and some other great layouts. One of the best shows I have attended in a longtime. RIP Mike, thanks for a great day!

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Good layouts, good dayout. I was there with a group of modellers but we all had the same opinion that the trade support was a bit stale. Nothing new and of interest. Same traders as most years. Nothing new or interesting from the RTR market. We will all be back again next year though!

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Attendance is up on last years numbers. But it is noticeable that the average attendee is elderly! The show doesn't seem to attract many of the local population with their off-spring which is a great shame.

 

There are a lot of very nice layouts this year. Yes if you are looking for 7mm, 4mm, 2mm, 3mm, of a particular type/period then there probably is only one or two layouts - because they are all represented. That is the nature of having about 40 layouts! As usual NG is well represented, and there seems to be a lot of N and not enough 7mm - but you see I am showing my prejudices/preferences. What is important to realise is that some of the best large layouts are on the top floor.

 

Paul Bartlett

 

 

Cost Paul! I have two kids and at £12 (£6 each) in the current climate they stayed with mum. Sorry but we are in difficult times but we need to keep the future of the hobby interested. How about a token £3 or something like that for next year? Could be worth a try and it may pay off.

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Good layouts, good dayout. I was there with a group of modellers but we all had the same opinion that the trade support was a bit stale. Nothing new and of interest. Same traders as most years. Nothing new or interesting from the RTR market. We will all be back again next year though!

 

Which traders would you like to see there and who would you leave out to make room for them? Was there anything you wanted to purchase but couldn't? Perhaps new products are not plentiful but to expect every show to be blessed with new RTR release announcements is expecting a lot.

 

I always find that York is one of the shows that I can go to with a fairly esoteric shopping list and get pretty much everthing on it. The fact that I pretty much know which traders will be there is an advantage, as I know I can plan my purchases. So the trade at York gets a big thumbs up from me.

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Cost Paul! I have two kids and at £12 (£6 each) in the current climate they stayed with mum. Sorry but we are in difficult times but we need to keep the future of the hobby interested. How about a token £3 or something like that for next year? Could be worth a try and it may pay off.

 

Not my call! Fortunately I have nothing to do with the incredible planning that goes into a 3 day show (4 days for the large layouts which must set up the day before) with 40 layouts in a vast space, nor do I have to understand the finance. But it just has to be very very expensive - just in hotel costs alone! York prices for most things are well up with those of the South East - as anyone who went for a pint and an Indian will soon have found out!

 

I am always surprised at the specialist traders that turn out, but one I was chatting to was pleased with today, and he had come a long way. I think the question about trade presence is interesting. Personally I hope that Slaters will return, but where would they go?

 

It is also an independent show, perhaps we are getting too used to the large shows being industry funded?

 

Paul Bartlett

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I went today and enjoyed talking to friends from far and wide.

 

I managed to get everything I wanted shopping wise with a nice suprise book wise too!

 

The afternoon crowd did seem to thin quicker than in other years but thats no bad thing, long as they came through the door in the first place!

 

Ian

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Not my call! Fortunately I have nothing to do with the incredible planning that goes into a 3 day show (4 days for the large layouts which must set up the day before) with 40 layouts in a vast space, nor do I have to understand the finance. But it just has to be very very expensive - just in hotel costs alone! York prices for most things are well up with those of the South East - as anyone who went for a pint and an Indian will soon have found out!

 

I am always surprised at the specialist traders that turn out, but one I was chatting to was pleased with today, and he had come a long way. I think the question about trade presence is interesting. Personally I hope that Slaters will return, but where would they go?

 

It is also an independent show, perhaps we are getting too used to the large shows being industry funded?

 

Paul Bartlett

 

I paid the Hotel bill for Nottingham show last week (two days) not far short of £5000!

 

Some shows go by reputation as 'Modellers' shows', York is definitely one of those and the specialist traders do rather better than at other shows where there is a higher proportion of 'boxshifters'

As for where would Slaters, or others, go, that is down to the floorplanner and the show manager.

 

The 'independent' show, as you call it, is the lifeblood of the hobby, most are organised by clubs for the benefit of the clubs. If we relied on the 'commercial' shows it would, in my opinion, be to the detriment of the modelling part of the hobby. I haven't been to one of the 'commercial' shows for a long time, but reading the reports from them, most trade is the 'boxshifter' kind. The main reason I have heard for this is that stand cost are way above what can be viable for a small trader.

 

Unfortunately I can't get this year, I'm working every day, it doesn't seem like Easter without a trip to York :sungum:

Please don't think I'm being elitest by referring to boxshifters, it seems the best way to differentiate between RTR and specialist suppliers.

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As I said earlier it is 30+ years since I attended a York show.

 

My wife and I arrived early, 11ish, and it seemed to be very crowded. Personally, I was surprised that despite the change in venues, they still have pillars blocking access/views of the layouts. My wife's first comment was on the lack of movement on any of the first few layouts we watched, what I noticed was the number of derailments the operators were fiddling with.

 

We were both struck by the age of the attendees, despite being 53 myself, I thought most (>60%?) folk seemed to be much older. The real contrast was with our afternoon visit to the NRM where there were so many young families having a fun day out, all enthused by trains and travel, why weren't they attracted to the show?

 

It is a modellers show, there were some great examples of modelling there. My wife also expressed surprise at the number of small traders there, "surely you do all that stuff on the internet nowadays?" said the eBay queen (she bought her wedding dress on eBay and afterwards sold it at a profit!).....

 

Anyway, the wife will not be back, in 9 years of occasional shows, the only one she'll go back to is Elgin!

 

My only grumble though is with East Coast, 3 of the last 4 trips have been seriously late, averaging about a hour or so!

 

Angus

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The real contrast was with our afternoon visit to the NRM where there were so many young families having a fun day out, all enthused by trains and travel, why weren't they attracted to the show?

Its down the same old thing in this current climate im afraid (COST) Railway museum = free entry model show £8 adult £6 child ?

Up untill 2 years ago i had been to nearly all the york shows for 30 plus years but had to stop due to cost for me as a family of 4 on just entry is a lot thats not just it though theres the travel cost and food when you get in so now i stick to smaller and more nearer shows like bridlington , scarborough , and pickering model rail shows though i have missed york with things as there are at the moment with state of this country have to count the pennys

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I must agree with some of the previous comments about the trade--I found it very disappointing this year; while there are a lot of specialist traders--more than most shows--there was very little of interest at the RTR end of things. It would have been nice to have some variety here--no TMC this year, for example; they were at York several years recently (though not last year) and brought some variety.

 

All I bought this year was the Show Guide!

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Go to any other "large" show be it commercial or club based and RTR trade swamps them.

 

I think IMHO York had the balance about right a number of RTR trade with loads of part trade people.

 

I bought the guide too and without reffering back to it you had Tower Models (RTR), Replica (RTR), Nottingham model shop on the groumnd floor.

 

Do people really mean that the trade ha to be like our high streets or supermarket style shopping at shows? with only the newest items for sale?

 

I bought more items and spent more money than I have at any other show in ages at York and not one of my purchases was RTR.

 

Ian

 

I must agree with some of the previous comments about the trade--I found it very disappointing this year; while there are a lot of specialist traders--more than most shows--there was very little of interest at the RTR end of things. It would have been nice to have some variety here--no TMC this year, for example; they were at York several years recently (though not last year) and brought some variety.

 

All I bought this year was the Show Guide!

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The location of layouts at either end of the upper mezzanine floor was a big improvement as it got rid of the gridlock that occurred with traders at those dead ends. Have to wonder however how wise it be if the weather was hotter, particularly at the southern end and it might be best to have someone like the artist at that end. Noticed Dart Castings were present despite not being listed on the web site as far as could make out - the web site could do with being revamped (no need for the constant ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ across the traders web page, just needs a straight forward list of traders).

 

One thing I wanted was a 03 chimney from 247 - gone, no more available :(

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Model Rail Scotland is 3 days.

 

Colin

 

As is Wakefield which does the Friday evening as well as the Saturday and Sunday. I went yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the show which certainly seemed to be busy. Plenty of good layouts and a good mix of specialist and general traders. I hope the show continues.

 

Jamie

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Guest Tom F

Well...what a day!

 

Now with the Leeming-Dishforth A1(M) open, I had given myself far more time than I needed, and was at York for 8.30. As I was waiting I saw my good friend Chris f which allowed good time for catch up.

 

I thought it was a fantastic show, but what seems to be happening more and more at shows...I keep bumping into friends, and I find I end up chatting rather than looking at layouts.

 

Gresley Beat, always a joy to behold, but for me the layout that I enjoyed the most seeing was Herculaneum Dock. The ability to have 3 different railway systems on one layout...and 2 different operating systems was done to great effect. Very enjoyable...and seeing the 'Mallet' by Mr Edge, in action....what an impressive loco to see in action.

 

The wallet took a real battering mind....I drew out a certain amount of cash to spend...which was fine....but then the credit card came into play.... :O ......

 

Woe is me.. :resent:

 

Great to see RMwebbers James, Martin Wales, t-b-g. Very enjoyable! :)

 

Last time I was at the York show was 2 years ago. I remember being at the time disappointed at the amount of RTR, or as I thought lack of.

This year I realised that isn't what York is about, and found myself purchasing from small specialist retailers, i.e Gibson, Eileens etc... and you know what, I enjoyed it all the more. I think this sums up the stage I'm at. I'm becoming a modeller!! :swoon:

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Was there anything you wanted to purchase but couldn't?

I always find that York is one of the shows that I can go to with a fairly esoteric shopping list and get pretty much everthing on it.

 

Visited York Show today, and thoroughly enjoyed the exhibited layouts, some stunning Modelling and, on the whole, fine running on most layouts I viewed.

 

I and 3 friends had our shopping lists too, but were disappointed at unavailability of several items we thought we would surely find at a large exhibition.

 

I wanted some sectional '00' track which none of the traders asked had on hand. I would have thought such basic items would have been readily available and from other overheard enquiries and comments, I was not alone.

One of my friends would have bought several coaches, but only one of his wanted list was available. (He would also have bought a sound fitted loco, but was informed these had all been sold on Saturday, disappointing for him but a better and more understandable reason than none having been brought along by traders.)

 

Yes we got some of our specialist items, brass number plates, crankpins etc, but it was rather baffling not to be able to find some 'basics' on the trade stands.

 

Didn't spoil the show though and yes, I'll be back.

 

John

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I visited Saturday PM and it felt less busy than in previous years. Very pleasant from a viewers perspective. The modelling quality was excellent although most were familiar from other shows. The absence of modern image was very noticeable but there are really very few layouts that are in the top league. There was a pleasant absence of trains bombing through 4 track stations in a great loop or modern image diesel depots. There was also an absence of US layouts (fine by me).

 

What was good was the layout and the space. For example, I have seen Loch Oran at least twice this year and whilst it was Ok, it was Ok.. At York it was bounded off and you stood a metre back. I saw the scenery and the forest from a different perspective and it was stunning.

 

I had an issue with some layouts, particularly Herculaneum dock which were set adjacent to an open window on a sunny day. I am afraid the natural liht destroyed a lot of the theatre and some curtains next year would be good.

 

My favourite was Ynysbwl which was excellent, the lighting on the river in particular was great. A slight shame it was not all accessible.

 

The layouts at the mezz "dead ends" did work but does complicate disabled access (there are lifts to those). I was accompanying someone who struggled with stairs and so we did a run of 3 floors by lift and he skipped 2 mezz.

 

Anyway, excellent show, great atmosphere - will do next year.

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This was one of the best York shows I have been to in a long while, and I've been to a lot of them both as an exhibitor and a visitor. There are some truly magnificent layouts on display, Pempoul, Little Crumely and Wickhill, East lynn / Nunstanton, Copenhagen Fields and an absolute star for the future Aberbeeg Junction which was to me the discovery of the day, even in its unfinished state. York has always had what we always loosely termed "the corner of doom", round by the main stairs. this used to be inhabited by various bits of spurious bits of cr*p masquerading as layouts (A plank with plastic daffodils on it and a single piece of track which appeared over a few years, I wont mention the erm - perpetrator) This year there was none of that, even the worst layout in the show (no names no pack drill) could be described as perfectly adequate.

 

I am waiting however for one comment on this thread regarding the layouts or more specifically the type. If that happens, that ignoramus should be taken outside and shot. The 2012 York show was a display of some superb modelling.

 

Trade did seem a little thin this year but perfectly OK, all this rant about RTR traders infuriates me - go to say Ally Pally and you have multitudinal box shifters but essentially they are all selling the same stock, so why do you need so many apart from selling the floor space from an organisers point of view. And why buy RTR at a show anyway? - i prefer to go to my local shop and buy it where I can get better prices and get it out of the box and test it!

 

Parkside Dundas relieved me of a fair bit of hard earned for the train of Lowfits / plate Wagons and 13 ton steel opens that will form the new tractor train on New Hey.

 

Loads of people to chat to as well, York has always been a friendly show.

 

 

Yes a great day out and a great show, roll on next Easter!

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