arff999 Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Hi Andy I up for bringing Lincoln Central along if you would like it there touch screen route setting and hopefully dinamo/mcc car system if I get it finished Regards and Merry Christmas JOHN Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 25, 2013 On a more serious note I think the event should try to reflect the title - and literally be 'RMweb live'. Now I'm not entirely sure how that should be/could be done but I think it ought to include - 1. Some of the layouts which have appeared in RMweb threads and which are portable/transportable but perhaps with greater 'explanatory access' at the show (although numbers (if visitors) might make that difficult. This must include incomplete layouts or part thereof where techniques and ideas could perhaps be demonstrated or at least explained. 2. Demonstrations and explanations (possibly the latter could include 'lectures' if space/facilities permit?) if some of those who contribute here in that way are prepared/can be persuaded to take part. After all this is one reason why many folk are here on RMweb - to seek advice and/or information. 3. It would be great, but not necessarily simple to arrange, if there could be some sort of linking between layouts/developing layouts etc on show and any talks or demonstrations 4. There could perhaps be a trade presence but I think that should first be offered to those who support RMweb either by taking adverts or by making contribution through, e.g. open discussion of their model development/listening to contributions from RMweb to that process. (Unles of course 'big manufacturer sponsorship is being sought which of course gives them an entry to the event). 5. Clearly Warners will have a presence (because they are presumably funding it?) but I'm not sure if the 'RMweb Village' would be the right thing for this event as it should - in effect - be an RMweb town! That's about the limit of my thinking thus far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
69843 Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 In an honest thought, could a live feed be done for some of us who can't make it? It would be interesting, for example, to 'sit in' on a clinic live, even though you may not be there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
backofanenvelope Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 In an honest thought, could a live feed be done for some of us who can't make it? It would be interesting, for example, to 'sit in' on a clinic live, even though you may not be there. Now that is a great idea! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliepetty Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 That is a bad weekend, we have Woking Show, N Gauge Show (10 miles away), Expo EM. I assume you intended the trade to be there! Not loads of dodgy second hand dealers & crap specialists: Got a feeling the other shows might take the best of the trade away!!!!! Sad really as a bit more thought on the dates could reap good rewards for all of us in the trade. Strongly suggest the weekend after OR a Christmas Show in the 1st Weekend of December! Charlie (Ba Humbug) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 25, 2013 How about a live stage play, depicting the antics of Algernon Cuthbertson and the Royal Padstow Lancers et al?! (or maybe just a lynching of the author?!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-CRS Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Also clashes with Steam museum show in Swindon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 So - there's a clash. There are only fifty-two weekends in a year. Some of these are unavailable because of things like Christmas and New Year. Make it a round fifty. And there are a darned sight more than fifty organisations wanting to stage exhibitions. So clashes are inevitable. Live with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted December 25, 2013 Author Share Posted December 25, 2013 So - there's a clash. There are only fifty-two weekends in a year. Some of these are unavailable because of things like Christmas and New Year. Make it a round fifty. And there are a darned sight more than fifty organisations wanting to stage exhibitions. So clashes are inevitable. Live with it. It is unfortunate John but hopefully we'll be doing something different enough and we may not be as reliant on the same content/traders/customers as a conventional show as some think. If we could have had a different date we would have but inevitably clashes would happen as you say. I used to do the Members' Day in July to try and avoid other events but even that window has shrunk over the years (had this year's gone ahead it would have clashed with DEMU Showcase) but even then I'd get folk understandably saying they couldn't make it because of holiday/family commitments. There's currently a December window but for how long? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 25, 2013 They seem to have been very quiet of late? still stuck in the Bristol Channel per chance? Back again now, and updated a little bit...! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliepetty Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 It is unfortunate John but hopefully we'll be doing something different enough and we may not be as reliant on the same content/traders/customers as a conventional show as some think. If we could have had a different date we would have but inevitably clashes would happen as you say. I used to do the Members' Day in July to try and avoid other events but even that window has shrunk over the years (had this year's gone ahead it would have clashed with DEMU Showcase) but even then I'd get folk understandably saying they couldn't make it because of holiday/family commitments. There's currently a December window but for how long? The Weekend after the dates you suggest I think is reasonably Ok, or the 1st Weekend of December: Stake your claim on it NOW! 'Assuming you don't want to see me that is' ????? Charlie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted December 25, 2013 Author Share Posted December 25, 2013 The Weekend after the dates you suggest I think is reasonably Ok, or the 1st Weekend of December: Stake your claim on it NOW! 'Assuming you don't want to see me that is' ????? Charlie Now let me think. As I'd mentioned before the dates possible were very restricted. It's something we'll be looking at for next year after the first event. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Sadly you're never going to please everyone, Andy. That's just the way it is. Sooner or later you have to make a decision and run with it as I doubt there isn't a date in the year that doesn't clash with something. Talking about this date is this show and this date is another show is a bit like wandering into a country pub and being told you can't sit there, that's Bill's seat. Those that want to support the show they have been supporting for years will probably still choose to go there, but there are thousands of modellers in this country and always room for new shows if they are well organised, in a good location and have something of interest. It's all down to you guys….No pressure then... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torr Giffard LSWR 1951-71 Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 ...I'm down to work 12hr shifts on both days that weekend Andy but if you want a few 'pairs of hands' to help with setting up etc I'll see if I can get the weekend off. Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 25, 2013 Coventry ? That's up north somewhere, isn't it ? Except of course, unless you're in Scotland... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torr Giffard LSWR 1951-71 Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 ...passport required I'm afraid S. Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLD Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 A few initial thoughts and comments... 1. 9 months is a tight timescale to organise a show of the proposed size. As several have already pointed out that is already a busy weekend and getting sufficient content of suitable quality may be an issue. As others have found to their cost in the past, the specialist shows such as Expo EM and the N gauge show have the most loyal followings. 2. The exhibition calendar is already overloaded at that time of the year, such that 'just another show' would undoubtedly impact on other shows, but if the newcomer really did offer something significantly different (as seems to be Andy's intent) it could attract a new, different audience and have mianimal impact on others. 3. Is this truly a RMWeb event or Warners using the RMWeb brand as a convenience to add a fourth show to their portfolio? To be accepted as the former: a. It must stand out as distinctly different to the other Warners shows through a much higher quality content and balance of content shifted significantly towards layouts and/or demonstrations and away from trade (especially R-T-R and second hand) i.e. be a modellers event not a collector's event. b. Content should be primarily (ideally wholly, though that probably isn't practical or sustainable) sourced from the RMWeb membership. c. Andy and/or a team of RMWeb members must be in charge with the final say on content, pricing, exhibitor hospitality etc etc. The Warners Exhibitions team may be very good at organising trade shows but experience has proved again and again they don't have a grip of the nuances of the model railway show circuit. d. Pricing (so far hasn't been mentioned) needs to give a clear advantage to RMWeb members. Members should gain free or at least heavily discounted entry and other benefits (not available to BRM subscribers/readers - remember RMWeb members are not offered the discounts BRM subscribers receive at the BRM shows so the reverse should be true at a RMWeb branded show) 4. Venue choice is interesting, it does make sense geographically and for transport connections, however I understand Warley MRC once looked at it several years ago but rejected it. What did they spot that Andy/Warners have overlooked? Or have circumstances/facilities at the venue changed significantly since then? I'm not against the event in principle - I think the concept has a great deal of merit if properly implemented, but I'd like to know more detail and I am concerned that it should be worthy of the RMWeb title and reward membership of the forum, and not be exploitation of the brand built up be the efforts of the membership over the years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold gwrrob Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 25, 2013 Coventry ? That's up north somewhere, isn't it ? Famous for Lady Godiva,The Specials and having two cathedrals.More recently it's probably more well known for being the home to A Nod To Brent ! The natives don't bite.Everyone's welcome. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iL Dottore Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 When I first read RMWeb Live at Ricoh Stadium, Coventry, I thought "Hello, Hello. Stadium? Big Venue? Live Event?" Wow! Model Railway Rockstar excess: groupies, limos, unlimited booze and catering, fame and notoriety... Anyway, a quick re-read of Andy's post soon disabused me of my Led Zep on Tour illusions, but the premise sounds quite fantastic. I quickly read through the various posts and whilst I do have sympathy for those who have a competing show to attend, I think that, unless you are an exhibitor or a trader booked for a show, there is no reason why you couldn't attend both shows. And short of inventing another weekend to add to the calendar, there will always be conflicts between shows and events. It happens, live with it. Whilst I am certain that AndyY has numerous plans hatching, may I add some suggestions? Build a (scratch built?) layout in a weekend. With a simple design and track plan and relatively straightforward scenics, it would be possible to scratch build a small layout in real time. By having a good project management plan and by ensuring no one part (or task) of the layout takes more than 4 hours to complete, various RMWebbers could be roped in to construct the layout. By doing such a build, you could provide impetus to modellers who are still in the "get 'round to it" stage of modelling and, additionally, each component of the layout would in itself a master class (e.g. demonstrating how a small building is scratch built, from using a template to cut the shell, to finishing the model). With build participants all working simultaneously (which is where the project planning comes in) visitors would be able to watch the real-time build of their choice. Anything you can do, can I do better? Invite renowned modellers from other disciplines (aircraft modellers, military modellers, racing car modellers, etc.) to attend. Offer them a challenge (say detailing a coach or weathering a wagon) and see how they would approach the challenge. Question and Answer Sessions. Have a round table of 3 or 4 gifted modellers (not necessarily the "usual" names) who specialise in a certain subject (building track, painting and lining, etc.) who then answer questions from the audience. This format is as likely to elicit different points of view as it is to elicit consensus. All of which being informative for participants. Possible subjects: track and points construction, scenery and structures, painting, finishing and weathering, Spot The Cliché Competition. From Warner's extensive library of model railway layout photos, select a good number of photos showing layouts with clichés on them (e.g. the burning house) and ask people to spot the cliché. In addition to providing some light-hearted fun, it will also be a salutary lesson than one man's cameo is another man's cliché Beyond The Stereotype (I): Ask some well known individuals who are also model railway enthusiasts to present a short talk on their love model railways, OR make a poster gallery of such personalities holding something from their layout with a suitable caption below. Beyond The Stereotype (II): An exhibition of work from great modellers, who also happen to be women. There are several great modellers on RMWeb, who also possess two X chromosomes , and whose work is unparalleled. All being well, I should be able to contribute to the show. There is enough advance notice so that I can book flights etc., early enough to be very affordable. Like Dagworth, Andy, let me know if I can fit in with something. iD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruffalo Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 As I'm about 20 miles away from the site, I will see if I can get an exeat. Unfortunately it is a few days after Madam Gruff's latest momentous birthday and I would be committing modelling suicide if I did not accommodate her wishes. IF I get a pass out, I would be happy to assist in the first suggestion from iL Dottore as I could bring soldering irons, saws (hand and powered), drill and bits, hand tools and a work bench. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian J. Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 25, 2013 If I were to go, I know I'd like to see some kind of hands-on teaching of how to solder whitemetal, particularly how to do long things like tank sides to footplates, and small things like smokebox door handles to smokebox doors, etc. Edit: grammar Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruffalo Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 In addition to the suggestions made by others, how about some of the things that always seem to attract requests for assistance? Track layout planning with people using the common software to assist, perhaps even with plotters / printers to allow visitors to take away something solid? Perhaps include Pico projectors or similar to allow more people to view the plans as they progress? (This has been suggested elsewhere but could be expanded to include my suggestions). Signalling - the experts review current and past practices and or run a signalling clinic? DCC chipping and programming, perhaps with some test tracks and different control systems? Perhaps topics and demonstrations along the lines of those covered in Tony Wright's DVD series or Iain Rice's book titles? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornbyandbf3fan Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 I could see about bringing along my layout, although it may be a doubt due to distance. Still, it might interest people to see a layout built by younger member of the forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted December 25, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 25, 2013 One thing that would be nice to see is a DCC controller test area! From the many threads/posts on here about which DCC system to buy, a very simple track set up with the many different controllers available to plug in and try would be a great way for those who don't get chance to try before they buy the ability to actually get hands on with a controller. Only needs to be a couple of points on the layout so that each system could be shown operating points as well. The last RMweb Members day Ian Morton had such a set up and it looked very busy all day! I think these types of 'Hands-On' things would always go down well as at most exhibitions it's not really done. Cheers Ian EDIT:- Layout planning advice would be nice, after my experience of spending 20mins with Paul Lunn is anything to go by! The problem is he is always fully booked, it's that popular. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Whatever is arranged - displays to tell people what's going on. For instance a demo of 'loco construction' is somewhat informative, but 'Loco construction from a whitemetal kit using a commercial chassis' is much better. Then it could be further enhanced by photos in sequence of the process - suitably displayed. And yes, I did it at Members' Day at Mickleover. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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