The National Festival of Railway Modelling 2015

[bourneagain]

I did the same and bit the bullet and booked my ticket a few days ago, just in case there was a problem with the subscriber ticket arrangements. I had the same problem with my password not being recognised, even though they send me regular emails.  I just registered again and entered the same password and eh presto it was accepted. The only advantage using this system is that you do obtain your ticket almost immediately by email, I`ve have had problems in the past where I`ve had to chase BRM for non arrival of tickets and on one occasion they posted them on the Thursday and luckily they turned up on the Friday afternoon before the show. I was thinking about booking my Warley ticket through the same company until I discovered that they are charging a £1.50 fee per ticket, so it’s back to the good old post office, for the time being anyway.

[SteveCole]

Hi all,

 

With the Peterborough Show now just over two weeks away (October 17 & 18) I thought it was time we start revealing some of the things we have planned from a BRM point-of-view.

 

 

 

 

£99 of FREE gifts!

If you subscribe to BRM at the show, we’ll give you our most valuable package of free gifts ever with a total value of £99!

Yes, you’ve read that right, subscribe to BRM for just £12.99 a quarter by direct debit and you’ll walk away with:

·         Free Rotacraft Rotary Drill Kit

·         Free Rotacraft 400-piece Accessory Set

·         Free Ramsay’s Guide to Model Trains Catalogue – 8^th Edition

Be quick though as this is a limited offer whilst stock lasts! Visit the BRM stand.

 

 

Ruston Quays

Regular readers of BRM will have heard about our latest ‘Project Layout’: Ruston Quays. Announced in BRM September, Ruston Quays is a OO gauge layout being built by Phil Parker and serialised in BRM. It is set around a traditional urban industrial wharf.

Ruston Quays is very much a work-in-progress build, but offers the visitor a rare chance to see a layout during the construction phase, with the layout’s creator on-hand to talk you through the project.

 

 

The BRM Guide to Building Your First Model Railway

This will be your first chance to see and buy the brand new BRM publication: The BRM Guide to Building Your First Model Railway! The 132-page book has been put together by BRM’s Phil Parker, showing you the complete build process of past BRM Project Layout ‘Edgeworth’.

The book has been designed to help modellers consider all options when embarking on a layout build, and then offering step-by-step articles to make their dreams become reality.

If you follow Phil’s expert advice, you could create a OO gauge layout just like Edgeworth!

 

 

See ‘Stokesay’ in its completed form!

For the past year or so, ‘Stokesay’ has been BRM’s N gauge project layout with the build being documented in the magazine. The layout, being built by the Telford Railway Modellers Group, is now complete and will be on display at the show.

This is a great chance to see the complete layout and speak to the team about any aspect of the build!

 

 

Tony Wright’s ‘Loco Clinic’                    

Well known for his years in the hobby as a loco/rolling stock builder, photographer and journalist, Tony Wright will be bringing with him examples of 4mm models he's made and is making, many of which have appeared in the pages of BRM. He'll be on hand to demonstrate the techniques by which he builds his models, principally involving soldering techniques and ensuring sweet-running chassis. 

Tony will also offer a loco clinic facility whereby members of the public and/or layout operators can bring along any 'dodgy' mechanisms they might have and he'll inspect them, fix them if possible or advise a suitable course to take. 

 

[Porcy Mane]

I don't understand where this £99.00 worth of free gifts comes from? Don't say recommended retail price.

 

Rotacraft Rc12 Rotary Mini Tool Kit  £27.11  http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equipment/rotacraft-rc12-rotary-mini-tool-kit-85-8187/?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&&gclid=cpruqkdgo8gcfqku2wodjc8m3g

 

Accessories Mini Rotary Tools - 400pcs  £12.33   http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equipment/accessories-mini-rotary-tools-400pcs-85-8194/?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&&gclid=cosy5frgo8gcfafz2wodv18c0g

  

£38.76 if you buy both together

Then there's:

 

Ramsay's British Model Trains - 8th Edition £34.99  https://www.model-railways-live.co.uk/Store/524-39/Books/Ramsays_British_Model_Trains_-_8th_Edition/

 

or

Ramsay's British Model Trains - 8th Edition  £23.79  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ramsays-British-Model-Catalogue-Volume/dp/1907292667

 

Don't you mean £63 quids worth of gifts. Still a good deal I suppose.

 

P

 

 

[melmerby]

Just went to book a ticket for this show. Already got the rail ticket

 

First three attempts last night couldn't log on as guest when I tried to pay by Paypal - fire off e-mail to ticket factory

Tried again this morning - it worked - what was wrong last night?

Didn't realise they wanted to extort booking fee as well. As I can't get there for the opening and I'm not bothered about the guide - dropped out at the payment stage.

Stuff it - I'll pay on the day. Hope it's worth the trouble.

 

Not impressed with the system

 

Keith

[gr.king]

Given the stated alteration this year from the usual opening time for such shows, I'd be very interested to know whether any of those already booked to attend with layouts, demos or trade stands before the change was announced have done the thing that I'd have done under the circumstances: Tell Warners that the exhibit, if still required, will NOT be ready before the usual time. Nobody is compelled to take a layout or demo to these shows. Giving up a weekend in exchange for something that might be enjoyed or might earn money is a reasonable swap in my opinion, but I would not accept any "changed orders" to be up and ready to start at an inconveniently early time.

[tc]

Minories (GN) is set up, and ready for the bright and early start. SInce its last outing we have a new signal gantry with searchlight signals, and a new signal cabin.

 

http://www.themodelrailwayclub.org/blog/entry/on-our-way-to-peterborough

 

And more importantly Hugh and I have recharged our batteries with a good meal at the Grain Barge...

 

Looking forward to finding time to look at the Nelvation in action and am tempted by the Severn Models workshop set. Say hi if you are coming - we're on stand 112, or follow us @minorieslayout

[Trainshed Terry]

Just went to book a ticket for this show. Already got the rail ticket

 

First three attempts last night couldn't log on as guest when I tried to pay by Paypal - fire off e-mail to ticket factory

Tried again this morning - it worked - what was wrong last night?

Didn't realise they wanted to extort booking fee as well. As I can't get there for the opening and I'm not bothered about the guide - dropped out at the payment stage.

Stuff it - I'll pay on the day. Hope it's worth the trouble.

 

Not impressed with the system

 

Keith

I got my ticket through the ticket factory at the beginning of the week. That said the postal costs was £2.50 or I can have sent electronicly for a £1.00 extra.

 

So I have paid £10.00 which is the same price of a ticket on the door. I for the life of me can not see how they can justfi the £1.00 extra.

 

Terry.

[melmerby]

I got my ticket through the ticket factory at the beginning of the week. That said the postal costs was £2.50 or I can have sent electronicly for a £1.00 extra.

 

So I have paid £10.00 which is the same price of a ticket on the door. I for the life of me can not see how they can justfi the £1.00 extra.

 

Terry.

Never did get a reply from Ticket Factory.

They obviously don't care much for customer relations.

Just rip the punters off that's OK!

 

I'll be there, just paying on the door

 

Keith

[polybear]

For the little you save i usually find its not worth the risk - if you buy in advance but then can't go (illness etc.) then you lose the lot. How do i know this? The hard way...2 ticket's worth for Ally Pally some years back

 

Brian

[John Tomlinson]

I've just arrived home from an afternoon here, helpfully being under 15 minutes door to door.

 

Very enjoyable, some great layouts such as Billingham and Westford, and a good selection of smaller traders such as Hobby Holidays, Shawplan and Isinglass.

 

For the first time in my near six decades on this planet, I spent over £100 on a loco, the Railroad Crosti from TTC at £108! I'm sure its worth it, but still a milestone.

 

John.

[melmerby]

Arrived home tired, but enjoyed the show.

Not too big (leave that to Warley!) but enough layouts and traders to make it worth it.

 

Managed to get all my shopping list which was good (no big purchases though!)

 

Bit too far for me to make it a regular on the calendar (over three hours travelling to & from the arena)

 

Main gripe was the shuttle bus, IMHO it should have been more frequent and there was no signage at the station telling you where it was picking up from

 

Keith

[geoffers]

Spent too much again but another enjoyable day. Bit of a gripe from me though - there was an absence of seating in the main hall (apart from the coffee areas) which we have had available in recent years. Little legs on fat old gits can get a bit tired and wobbly and an occasional sit down is appreciated. Any reason why the seating was missing this year?

[sharkman]

Eight of us pilgrim-aged to Peterborough for the day and a reasonably local one coupled with a train trip their what more could you ask?

 

A good venue with plenty of gaps to make it seem less then a rummage unlike some of the others.

 

It was nice to meet Andy Y for the first time and put a face to the "Top Man".

 

My only comment was that I thought it seemed a bit top heavy on trade stands and a lot out doing each other on the Hornby Bachmann bargain front and my only specialized item from Shawplan didn't look as if it had been packed!

 

Still I suppose they do give good support to the hobby and help contribute to the venue - PLEASE NOTE - they are my comments so please don't "shoot me down" as you may have a totally different opinion.

 

It was also good to see Battersby - North End (their back scenes put mine to shame) a good blue era layout.

 

So to those that go on the Sunday please enjoy and no doubt  we'll be pilgrimaging their next year - fortunately I didn't spend all as theirs the Huntingdon swap meet on Sunday - oh well that's life!!!

[sharkman]

Arrived home tired, but enjoyed the show.

Not too big (leave that to Warley!) but enough layouts and traders to make it worth it.

 

Managed to get all my shopping list which was good (no big purchases though!)

 

Bit too far for me to make it a regular on the calendar (over three hours travelling to & from the arena)

 

Main gripe was the shuttle bus, IMHO it should have been more frequent and there was no signage at the station telling you where it was picking up from

 

Keith

Yes Keith I must agree on that one - and OK I can be a grumpy old git LOL

[John M Upton]

First visit for me, good selection of trade, some decent honest tea and grub on site (the toasted sandwich bar outside) and some good layouts as well.  Disappointed Bachmann had no seconds and returns sales like they do at Ally Pally but as per usual my wallet screamed and emptied as soon as I got to the Invicta stand.

 

Picked up some useful bits from a couple of the more specialised traders and I can see myself browsing their websites in the morning for some more bits I may take a fancy to!

 

The bus was a bit clapped out I thought!  I am a fan of old school Olympians but the ex London General one the wife and I rode on was quite frankly a bit of wreck, mainly thanks to its more frequent clientele of school kids I presume.  Also as a sign of the times, my wife was the youngest passenger on the bus heading to the show!!!

[Alan J Kirkman]

Well I had no problem finding the shuttle bus! emerged from the Station doors and looked right and left and there was  big Yellow thing with a hire sign on the back seemed sort of obvious! Mind you XC from Brum may just have ben a lucky time to match with one standing there. And as for the comment s about seating I seemed to see a large area with tables and away from any food sales when helping Mark Casson drive Grime Street. I know at times we had a number of folk watching the trams buses and cyclist but never though the crowd was so dense as to hide all the seats!!!!   A nice show.

[chrisf]

I should be flattered that someone has rated the introductory post on this thread 'funny' but be assured that it was not intended to be!

 

Thoughts on the show to follow after breakfast ...

 

Chris

[melmerby]

Well I had no problem finding the shuttle bus! emerged from the Station doors and looked right and left and there was  big Yellow thing with a hire sign on the back seemed sort of obvious! Mind you XC from Brum may just have ben a lucky time to match with one standing there.   A nice show.

When I arrived (XC from brum), at about 10:15, there was a big yellow/green bus outside the station but it pulled away as the passengers from the XC and a GN service disgorged. I and several others didn't know whether that had been the shuttle or not.

It was about 20 mins before the next arrived and several other (non-shuttle) brightly coloured buses came and went in the meantime!

 

Keith

[chrisf]

The buses are unmistakeable, being the colour of a yellow hi-vis jacket only more bilious.

 

I arrived in time to sit in the car and listen to Sounds of the 60s, this being more comfortable than standing outside in the queue which I joined just as it started to move.   Inside nearly everyone was ready but one society rep of my acquaintance was unhappy about the earlier start.  There was plenty of room until at last 10 am.  

 

The layout of the atrium puzzled me as there was an awful lot of empty space behind the stands.  It reminded me of a rectangular wagon train from the Wild West.  In the main hall the seating area was up the far end [if you'll pardon the expression] and well endowed with crayons and things to colour with them.  At elevenses time it was a better place to sit with a cuppa but as far from the sales point as it was possible to get.

 

I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the new but not improved advance ticketing arrangements with Steve1980 and enjoyed chatting with Phil about Rustons Quay.  From Andy Y I learnt that another revamp of BRM is on the cards: suffice it to say that some of the designs appealed to me more than others.  Purchases were confined to a book from the RCTS stand and an order collected from Eileens.  Here it would be wrong not to mention the heroic effort made by Anita and her companion to get the stand running.  For those who don't know, Matt was taken ill in Peterborough, this on top of Derek already being in hospital.

 

Trade support was varied but the proportion at the finescale end of the market continues to decline.  Such, it appears, is life.  Apparently here are traders who are ready and willing to repaint rtr models in the livery of ones choice when the manufacturers have the nerve not to make it themselves.  Fortunately I am old enough to recall modelling and hear rumours from time to time that it still goes on.

 

Some of the layouts held my attention more than others.  One seemed to be troubled with derailments in one particular place and I hope the owners will examine the possible causes rather than replacing vehicles at the same spot all day.  Others seem still to be in search of the perfect coupling.  It doesn't exist, but  it isn't the tension lock IMHO.  Amid all this gloom there were some gems - the 127 dmu on Minories is, to the best of my knowledge, not something that comes in a box, and the stock and quality of operation on Westford I thought praiseworthy.  The GNR coaches on Sutterton caught my eye too.  The tramway sector can often be relied on to come up with a gem or two and in this category must come the pedalling man on a bike on Grime Street.  To see sights like that reassures me that there are clever people about after all.

 

As usual, there were more RMwebbers there than I spotted.  I admire your disguises.

 

Chris

[Darwinian]

I thought it was a pretty good show this year.

 

I was particularly impressed by the big layouts which seemed to be a lot less obviously RTR centred this year, and some beautiful modelling too. For the first time ever at an exhibition I saw one of the GWR Milk Vans (toplight style body) in use on a layout. One of the original Mallard Models ones was the first etched kit I ever built.

 

With such a spaciuos venue it never feels crowded and it was easy to move around. By mid afternoon getting a good view of any layout was jsut a matter of a little patience.

 

Certainly worth the hour and twenty minute drive over from Norfolk.

 

Adrian

[enginelane]

The buses are unmistakeable, being the colour of a yellow hi-vis jacket only more bilious.

 

I arrived in time to sit in the car and listen to Sounds of the 60s, this being more comfortable than standing outside in the queue which I joined just as it started to move. Inside nearly everyone was ready but one society rep of my acquaintance was unhappy about the earlier start. There was plenty of room until at last 10 am.

 

The layout of the atrium puzzled me as there was an awful lot of empty space behind the stands. It reminded me of a rectangular wagon train from the Wild West. In the main hall the seating area was up the far end [if you'll pardon the expression] and well endowed with crayons and things to colour with them. At elevenses time it was a better place to sit with a cuppa but as far from the sales point as it was possible to get.

 

I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the new but not improved advance ticketing arrangements with Steve1980 and enjoyed chatting with Phil about Rustons Quay. From Andy Y I learnt that another revamp of BRM is on the cards: suffice it to say that some of the designs appealed to me more than others. Purchases were confined to a book from the RCTS stand and an order collected from Eileens. Here it would be wrong not to mention the heroic effort made by Anita and her companion to get the stand running. For those who don't know, Matt was taken ill in Peterborough, this on top of Derek already being in hospital.

 

Trade support was varied but the proportion at the finescale end of the market continues to decline. Such, it appears, is life. Apparently here are traders who are ready and willing to repaint rtr models in the livery of ones choice when the manufacturers have the nerve not to make it themselves. Fortunately I am old enough to recall modelling and hear rumours from time to time that it still goes on.

 

Some of the layouts held my attention more than others. One seemed to be troubled with derailments in one particular place and I hope the owners will examine the possible causes rather than replacing vehicles at the same spot all day. Others seem still to be in search of the perfect coupling. It doesn't exist, but it isn't the tension lock IMHO. Amid all this gloom there were some gems - the 127 dmu on Minories is, to the best of my knowledge, not something that comes in a box, and the stock and quality of operation on Westford I thought praiseworthy. The GNR coaches on Sutterton caught my eye too. The tramway sector can often be relied on to come up with a gem or two and in this category must come the pedalling man on a bike on Grime Street. To see sights like that reassures me that there are clever people about after all.

 

As usual, there were more RMwebbers there than I spotted. I admire your disguises.

 

Chris

Minories will be at Wakefield in 2017

[melmerby]

A liked the bit of frivolousness on the G scale layout.

At one point they had a cat and a mouse chasing each other around the track. That seemed to elicit much amusement (from the old 'uns) and curiosity (from the young 'uns)

 

Keith

[geoffers]

Regarding the comment of RMWebbers being in disguise from chrisf I am glad to see mine worked as usual behind a beard - don't want SWMBO recognising me on any pictures posted on here.

[Fenman]

... Amid all this gloom there were some gems - the 127 dmu on Minories is, to the best of my knowledge, not something that comes in a box ...

That caught my eye, too. And it was nice to see this layout again (I saw it on what might have been its first outing, as a "work in progress" at Ally Pally a few years back). It's looking very nice.

 

Actually I enjoyed the whole show. Found myself grinning like an idiot at occasional moments, which is always a good sign.

 

Paul

[colney123]

good day yesterday only hour and a bit from St Albans , thought I would see more Dapol O terriers. here is Phil on duty.