Great Central Model show

[Andy Y]

I have checked all the adverts for the show and NO WHERE does it state that there is an additional cost for parking!

I did see it on the website here - http://gcrailway.co.uk/modelevent/venues/

[andyram]

I did see it on the website here - http://gcrailway.co.uk/modelevent/venues/

 

Fair enough Andy. Just was not mentioned in the double page ad in the Hornby Magazine, and in other ads I looked at.

[trainset1]

We went on Friday, was surprised at the number of people there on a weekday. I thought the £15 'day ticket' was good value, I think a day ticket is £15 for a 'normal' train ride on the GCR so apart from the £5 car park fee the exhibition was free, and a very good exhibition it was.  A very good effort by the railway, will be back next year if they hold another one.

Just to make my day we had breakfast in a Gresley buffet car whilst being hauled by a Deltic, what more could you want !!

 

Steve

[andyram]

I agree that the show was good value, the cost was the normal day ticket price as you say. My issue is the car park cost was not advertised well enough as being an added extra. Also, as a layout operator, I don't feel I should have been charged the fee. I also, as a G.C working member, feel annoyed at the rudeness the car park attendant showed to both me and my family.

 

The show is on next year as, I believe, Glen Gillie has been rebooked in extended form. I definitely thought show was excellent and will certainly visit next year.

[Crantock]

Well I visited as it was something new and I had not done the GCR for a while.   

 

I hope it has worked for them as it is quite groundbreaking.  Give up the desperation of schools and leisure centres for your own marquee. The Marqueee was quality and on a good day like Saturday lit up a lot of exhibits.  That perhaps allowed a few out which did not have their own lighting.  Go now, it gets hot.  Cooler than a leisure centre but its a warm day.

 

It is (and please do consider visiting) a family event rather than a modellers event.  Trade support is RTR & Second hand with very limited specialist and equipment (others may disagree but I doubt you could get a full set of paint and I failed to get any filler).  Very strong second hand. Some very good models being exhibited but quite a strong leaning to roundy roundy, even if that is going round Leicester South.

 

The multisite is very concentrated on Quorn.  That works as most like to look, then come back and buy.  So a start at Quorn, a trip to Loughborough,  to Leicester and back via Rothley.  Rothley was a flier to avoid a train gap and the event only works because of the 2 car DMU shuttling between Rothley and Leicester.  That and the Deltic meant I never got a steam ride.  DMU was great though.  

 

I hope it works financially.  The day was perhaps too hot to get the visitors and if travelling solo then the £15+£5 car park +£1 guide is a bit of a drop.  Well worth it as a combination.  Indeed the GCRs starting runabout is £15 so perhaps its financially cannabalistic for them. The guide was rubbish.  It merely listed exhibits and had a map.  Utterly failed to bring out what each model was trying to do. 

 

Hope it works for them.  

[Phil Bullock]

Agree with comments to date!

 

Admission - bargain as included train rides, we followed Crantocks itinerary to the letter except that SWMBO twins disappeared for an hour at Loughborough to visit craft shop - worked well as gave Pierre and I a chance to look at what was there. Trekked up to MPD but wan't sure why as nothing to see

 

Car parking - with four of us as part of the all in package that was fine

 

Marquee - excellent - well lit and airy despite heat

 

Layouts - excellent

 

Traders - the fact that I didn't buy much probably says it all but not much I need at the moment.

 

So all in all thoroughly recommended for a good day out - only really got to speak to Jeff on Oulton, don't know where the day went!

 

Cheers

 

Phil

[Clive Mortimore]

I went yesterday and had a great day. My friend Richard and his family squashed me and my mate Andy in the back of the people carrier. When we arrived Andy and I left Richard to sort out his own wife and kids as we were free form ours for the day.

 

I enjoyed many of the layouts, almost pressed ganged into operating Rountrees Sidings again but there was too much to do. Caught the DMU to Rothley, couldn't get the seats behind the driver so we settled for second best, looking out the rear cab. Had a butchers at what was on show at Rothey. Had a guided tour of the carriage sheds by a nice old boy, thank you sir.  Then on to Leicester behind the green 9F. Andy pulled a face when I suggested we had a go on Bouncy Castle*.

 

Quicky back on the train to Loughborough. We visited the shed, why do persevered railway sheds look like my modelling bench with all those part finished projects? Anyhow it was very interesting, both of us commented on that lovely engineering smell in the shed. We waited at Loughborough for the Deltic before returning to Quorn. Andy had a beer and some crisp and I had a coffee and a lovely cheese and pickle sandwich in the refreshment rooms, nice and relaxing. Made all the better by a 350 shunting some DMU cars including some ex St Pancras to Bedford driving motor brake seconds, I grew up in Bedford and spotted all of these before all the Deltics, so have soft spot for them.

 

Back on the train behind the Deltic, followed another look round the model railways. We met up with Richard, Mindy and the kids, who had be joined by Tom Wright (Tony's son). We had another relaxing time with a drink, chat and watching trains before heading off to the Wright's abode. Andy being a bit of a petrol head jumped at the chance to have a ride in Tom's E Type.

 

We arrived at the Wright's home and were quickly introduced to Tony's wife Mo and then whisked into the railway shed to have a look at Little Blytham. Tony was off umpiring a cricket game when we arrived. We had just settled down to drive the trains when we were ushered off to the pub down the road for a meal. Lovely pub and an enjoyable sausage and mash meal. While sitting in the pub garden we saw a Buzzard, a Red Kite and a Spitfire fly over, excellent. Tony joined us at the pub. After we had our meal we headed back to the train shed and had a go at operating Little Blytham while the boys were having their bath and getting in their PJs. Boys sorted so we said our good bye's to our host and back to Essex.

 

Got home to be treated to a warm welcome by my dogs......what a nice end to a fantastic day. Thanks to Tony and family, thanks to Andy for putting up with me all day and a big thanks to Richard for doing the driving. Suppose I better thank the team at the GCR as well for an excellent day.

 

 

 

 

* I have looked in my old ABCs, what number was Bouncy Castle as I do not be able to find it and was it fitted with a P4 sprung chassis?

[Phil Bullock]

Bouncy Castle - 7038 - released by Hornmann but no longer available

 

Except of course on Ebay - at inflated prices

 

Hat and coat on....

 

Phil

['CHARD]

Huge thanks to Port Chullin's creator Mark and crew for a turn on the handle yesterday and great company in Loughborough last evening - the Indian Ocean's menu's speeling mistokes gave us all a good hearty laugh.  

[-missy-]

Hi.

 

This is going to sounds like another 'me too' but I wanted to add to the comments about this show...

 

I honestly think this is going to be one of those 'do not miss' shows, the whole philosophy behind it was brilliant, the combination of the model show mixed with the railway was spot on in my opinion.  I had a feeling this show was going to be something different and it didnt fail to live upto that expectation. I loved the way it was spread along the railway so you had to travel to see it all, those marquees at Quorn were huge! From what I heard they have a 3 year contract to hold this show so its going to be around, I would thoroughly recommend it next year.

 

I managed to find a parking spot on the road at Loughborough so I didnt end up paying the £5 parking fee but I felt £15 for a day at a show with a railway 'thrown in' was amazing value. We ended up behind the Deltic for most of the day and I was surprised it lasted that long judging by the state of the thing!

 

Julia

[LNERandBR]

On the whole I'm echoing the majority of other comments, this was a really great combination.

 

However whilst the Model Railway aspect of the show was brilliant the 'engineering' aspect was very lacking I feel. There were only two club stands of examples of miniature engineering on show. Of course there's the full size engineering facilities you could look at but there wasn't enough to warrant this tagline in my opinion. Hopefully the area at Rothley can be expanded upon to include more engineering exhibits in the future. Inviting more Club's to exhibit their creations and possibly some engineering traders would be a great addition. Maybe even getting one to bring a portable track?

 

Overall once you were away from the main area at Quorn there wasn't much to see. However the concept is an extremely good one and I hope it is not only continued in future years but the other station areas expanded. 

[roundhouse]

We were really looking forward to doing the show but due to my fathers funeral on Friday we had to withdraw.

 

Sounds like we missed a great weekend.

 

Ian

[great central]

Just home, Deepcar now stored in my garage (to be erected when insulation and lining finished later in the year).

What an excellent weekend! Very warm, a bit dusty but superb venue, obviously helped by the weather. Didn't get to see much of the other exhibits due to being short on operators. Next year? Yes please

Many thanks to the GCR and Soar Valley club.

 

I can't help but be surprised by the attitude of some people about the cost of parking, £20 all in, even if you're on your own, come on, I've just looked up the price of a typical football season ticket, seems to be from over £300 upwards. I've no idea (and even less interest in finding out) how many 90 minute matches that covers. I seem to recall enquiring about prices when we went to buy some kind of football thing from a club shop for a Christmas present. There didn't seem to be anything at all under a fiver, even for what I would consider total tat with a logo on. we were told admission prices for matches were from about £30 upwards

 

This was 20 quid for a full days entertainment, which I would have happily paid, only possible problem being the day wouldn't be long enough

[t-b-g]

I was expecting to be a bit underwhelmed but had a most enjoyable day.

 

I felt a bit for the exhibitors as the main marquee was very warm inside but the combination of real and model railways worked really well.

 

Hopefully it has been a financial success and will become a regular event in the diary. I would certainly go again.

 

Perhaps the one area of concern I had was the state of the poor Deltic! A great oil stain all the way down one side, faded livery and one engine running and sounding not all that good, coupled with bits of body work rotting away and I had my doubts about whether we would get all the way there and back.

 

Steam locos have their 10 year certificate and all sorts of regulations. Do diesels have anything similar or do they just run until they expire?

 

Tony 

[andyram]

 

I can't help but be surprised by the attitude of some people about the cost of parking, £20 all in, even if you're on your own, come on,

This was 20 quid for a full days entertainment, which I would have happily paid, only possible problem being the day wouldn't be long enough

 

I would like to clarify a point! I was not complaining about the cost of the parking for the show. I agree that it was good value and said so myself.  What I was complaining about was the following:

1) The lack of advertising as to the car park charge (it was listed in some areas it seems, but not in the adverts I saw).

2) The fact that I was charged the fee despite being there as an operator.

3) The rudeness of the car park attendant to both myself and other members of my family.

 

The show was excellent! Great exhibits, plenty of full sized action and for no more than the cost of a normal "Day Rover". This is constructive criticism - surely that is allowed??

[Phil Bullock]

Know what you mean Tony

 

Preserved diesels do suffer being stored outdoors - D7633 and D5410 on the SVR are prime examples as is the erstwhile D14 at Shackerstone

 

There is a school of thought that says there are too many preserved - some have already gone to the great MPD in the sky such as the Class 31 at Toddington - sorry cant remember the number

 

With 6 of 22 preserved Deltics did well but can all 6 be permanent?

 

Phil
 

['CHARD]

We were really looking forward to doing the show but due to my fathers funeral on Friday we had to withdraw.

 

Sounds like we missed a great weekend.

 

Ian

 

Ian, may I offer my deepest sympathies.  It would have been great to meet up, as I understand that you are pals with the south of London lads behind Port Chullin, and we pretty much revolved around that oasis of Scottish Sulzerism for the weekend.

 

In the words of bashing cameraderie, 'It'll work again,' and judging by the popularity of this year's event it will be back even better next year.  You have other things on your mind, and this great hobby will still be here for that escapist role it offers so well, when you're ready.  Take care.

 

Ian

[great central]

I would like to clarify a point! I was not complaining about the cost of the parking for the show. I agree that it was good value and said so myself.  What I was complaining about was the following:

1) The lack of advertising as to the car park charge (it was listed in some areas it seems, but not in the adverts I saw).

2) The fact that I was charged the fee despite being there as an operator.

3) The rudeness of the car park attendant to both myself and other members of my family.

 

The show was excellent! Great exhibits, plenty of full sized action and for no more than the cost of a normal "Day Rover". This is constructive criticism - surely that is allowed??

Even though I was going as an exhibitor we were aware of the car park cost. We had to swap people about due to not everyone being able to get time off work. We knew that we might have to pay the car park cost if asked, but sorted it out among ourselves, perhaps you need to have a chat with your layout 'chief'? Two big layouts and only four 'full time' operators available

We had sufficient passes for all our 'guest operators' and have nothing but praise for the organisation.

Given that you presumably had your family in the car with you, you were going to pay for them? 

[roundhouse]

Ian

 

Thanks

 

Yes Peter was at the funeral on Friday then he drove up Saturday to help on Porth Cullin.

 

I kept my self occupied doing some modelling before and afterwards and again today. It's great hobby to take your mind off things.

 

Hopefully we can make next year.

 

Ian

[andyram]

Even though I was going as an exhibitor we were aware of the car park cost. We had to swap peope le about due to not everyone being able to get time off work. We knew that we might have to pay the car park cost if asked, but sorted it out among ourselves, perhaps you need to have a chat with your layout 'chief'? Two big layouts and only four 'full time' operators available

We had sufficient passes for all our 'guest operators' and have nothing but praise for the organisation.

Given that you presumably had your family in the car with you, you were going to pay for them? 

 

No - my family travelled seperately to view the exhibition.

I arrived at 9am for a day of operating. Was not aware of the car parking cost and was told to simply tell the guys on the door / gate to explain what I was there for. I even passed on the name of layout and owner to the people on the gate but was met with a rather rude response. Perhaps if the response was more polite I would have been less annoyed!

[woodenhead]

No - my family travelled seperately to view the exhibition.

I arrived at 9am for a day of operating. Was not aware of the car parking cost and was told to simply tell the guys on the door / gate to explain what I was there for. I even passed on the name of layout and owner to the people on the gate but was met with a rather rude response. Perhaps if the response was more polite I would have been less annoyed!

As someone who has a link with the GCR, you should have kept it internal rather than plaster it all over RMweb, you are effectively doing your own railway down.

 

I expect that there will be an exhibition meeting where what went well and what didn't can be discussed and that would be a more appropriate forum for your concerns. As it is you come across negative when I do believe you are trying to just point out a failing somewhere in the advertising of the admission prices though I was aware of the £5 parking and I wasn't even attending.

[andyram]

As someone who has a link with the GCR, you should have kept it internal rather than plaster it all over RMweb, you are effectively doing your own railway down.

 

I expect that there will be an exhibition meeting where what went well and what didn't can be discussed and that would be a more appropriate forum for your concerns. As it is you come across negative when I do believe you are trying to just point out a failing somewhere in the advertising of the admission prices though I was aware of the £5 parking and I wasn't even attending.

 

I have just read the above post and I am fuming! If you had cared to read my original post you will see that I started with a number of positives about what was, A GREAT SHOW. I stated that the organisers deserve A PAT ON THE BACK for setting up such a GREAT VENUE in the difficult environment that is Quorn car park. Being a G.C member I am well aware of the difficulties of the site. I praised the HIGH QUALITY LAYOUTS and the opportunity to ride on the full size trains too. I also stated that I believed the show was being repeated next year and DESERVEDLY SO. I even stated that whilst £15 for an exhibition appeared expensive, it was actually good value. None of this can be surely be taken as being negative can it???????????????

 

 The rest of the post, to which so many people seem to have taken exception, was simply stating a couple of lessons to be learnt. Constructive criticism it can be called. Mainly this was about the car parking cost which, Andy.Y quite rightly stated was listed in some areas. These were areas I had not seen and I agreed with him (see the post following his comment). The fact was there were some adverts that did not carry the car park cost! This is also a correct observation.

 My later posts have simply been to clarify my points as some people seem to have misinterpreted them! As my comments have been confined to this thread only I hardly call it "Plastering it all over RMWeb". Considering my positive comments in the original post, and a number of "Excellent show" comments in later posts I resent your comments that I am showing a negative attitude. What is it about some people on here who cannot accept a fair critique of a show, with many positive comments and some constructive comments too. If you read a review of the resturant would you want the reviewer to say everything was superb, excellent, fantastic when actually one of the waiters was rude or there was something wrong with one of the dishes?? No of course not!

 I have organised a smaller event for two years and have received constructive comments about the event on these pages. I took them as they were intended, and used these comments to improve the show for later years.

 

 For the record: The Great Central event was superb! It was a great show. The range of layouts was superb, the venue was fantastic, the organisers looked after the exhibitiors very well during the day I was there, including offering to bring tea and coffee to our stand. The beer was lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed the event. There were a lot of people, on here and away from cyber space, who were unsure if the event would work. It did! And worked very well. There are one or two issues to address, and yes I will be passing these onto the relevant people - although I doubt I will get to hear when the follow up meeting is so I will write to them. When I write I will give them the praise they deserve as well as passing on my, so called, negative comments. (I would call them room for improvement!!!!!!)

 

In case you can't be bothered to read back. I have posted my original review below and highlighted the positive comments in green so that you know where to look!

 

And once again WELL DONE TO THE ORGANISERS - A GREAT SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to the show today and would have to agree that it was a great event. The organisers deserve a pat on the back for setting up such a great venue in Quorn car park. The marquees were surperb and were well set out with spacious ailses to walk down. There were lots of high quality layouts and with the opportunity to ride on the trains between exhibits added to the event. I hear it is being repeated next year and deservedly so.

 

However! I hope they learn a few lessons!

 

The cost of an adult ticket at £15 sounds expensive. As it includes a "Day Rover" ticket on the railway as well as the exhibition it is actually good value. But the car park was an additional £5.00 on top of that. Paying this for the event car park at Quorn is nothing new, you pay this at a gala event. On such occasions the car park cost is deducted from the ticket. Not today it seemed. My wife and inlaws were charged the car park cost on top of the day ticket. I have checked all the adverts for the show and NO WHERE does it state that there is an additional cost for parking! I hear that the car park volunteer was extremely rude to them when they queried the charge.

 On the same subject I was there operating one of the exhibits yet I was also charged the amount despite telling the same gentleman the name of the layout and owner I was with. Incidently I aslo carried my G.C workers pass which should allow me onto all sites free of charge. The same gentleman was equally rude to myself.

 

I hope that he was not like this to other visitors who may have left with a bad impression of the railway despite the excellent show!

[roundhouse]

Did some one just mention BEER.

 

We did miss out even more than we thought!!!

[-missy-]

Hello.

 

Here are some photos I took from the Sunday...

 

 

As I said in my previous post, the marquees were huge!

 

I am guessing these bits are for the new bridge?

 

I quite like this livery on a 9f, it was much to the surprise of the engine driver though (He did say at least it was the right shade of Green though)

 

This should be interesting once its completed.

 

Its got a bit of a wonky buffer.

 

Julia

 

EDIT: Oh, and not forgetting the Deltic thingy...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgZVidREf3s

[Clive Mortimore]

But the car park was an additional £5.00 on top of that.

 

 

Sorry Andy but this is the second time in a month that you have said "Good Show" but ££££££££££££££.

 

Both were within the area you live, some people have had travelling expense far greater than the cost you mentioned and just said "What a great day out".