RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted November 21, 2009 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 21, 2009 Just got back, had a hellish day's transport today, with a massive run to get to the station after finding out that all the carparks in the blocks around MK central have a stupid permits only between 7 and 8:30, and having been fined before for parking in a completely empty carpark between these times I wouldnt risk it. After a drive through about 5 differnt blocks carparks I finally got to one that would let me park (for free which was nice!) so had a massive run to get to the station before the train was due to leave. The way back was a lot more crowded on the train, but made worse by a long walk back to the car in the rain (with non waterproof shoes!) Anyway, the show was good, definitely the best Warley in terms of layouts I have seen in a long time (even though given I had a load of tasks to do before the show opened and had to leave before closing for the train home I didnt really get a proper look at many.) Given I spent the morning on the DEMU stand and the afternoon shopping, & catching up with friends there just wasnt the time left for layouts. Crowd's wise it was pretty mental, fair few of the usual suspects missing showers etc as well (though no problems with back packs.) The worst I found today was a wheelchair user who was barging down one of the isles without caring who's feet he was running over! Most inconsiderate.... Was amazed by the size of the crowd at the doors when I got there at 8 45, and how orderly it was. was very easy to cut through to the front to get in (with the exhibitors badge). Such a shame that while things were so orderly outside they go mental inside... Was supprised how much of a crowd there was at the Bachmann stand, I didnt think that things were that great there this year (I suspect thats in part to the good deals they had on offer at the likes of the Members day etc). Managed to be quite careful with my spending for a change, other than spending the cash I went with, only had to put 16 quid on the credit card! Did manage to forget to go and buy some track cutters though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Was a good day there despite the lack of a common sense approach to the top left corner where it was a jam most of the time. A bit of forethought would have avoided this. Add some space, pay the extra and let the people move around freely. Generally a good layout but extra thought needed. Only a B- this year. But was good. Nice to meet newer RM Web members rather than the usual suspects. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh993 Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I plan to go tomorrow, Was there anything of interest on the Bachmann/Hornby/Dapol stand? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iploffy Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Well what a crush that was not my idea of fun why oh why did they not pay the extra and open up the whole hall other than that it was a good show managed to get a few things and bought a coach painted and finished spent in total about ??150 but well worth it Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted November 21, 2009 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 21, 2009 I plan to go tomorrow, Was there anything of interest on the Bachmann/Hornby/Dapol stand? Dapol had the pre production Silver bullet (4mm & N) and Megafret, think there was also the announcement of the Freightliner wagons that Hattons leaked the other day, though I couldnt see anything on the stand. Heljan had the new 86 on show; Bachmann had pre production car carriers, the new cement wagon and their excellent MBA on show, think there was a painted 105 in there as well. Didnt hear of any new announcements other than the aforementioned Dapol one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
agentskj Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Went today not sure where the scrum was - at the start to get the ltd waggon but thats all the show needs that many people to make any profit Layouts very good early and late Trade excelent - not sure the bank manager will be to impressed 2 loco's 20 waggons and 5 coaches and still got 2moz Better than last year Sam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnDMJ Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I arrived around 9:50 and walked straight in with the advance ticket. No problems with rucksackers, more with those who received a light tap from my walking stick; however, that's minor! Managed to miss County Gate altogether; seen it at far too many shows of late so concentrated on a change of scenery! Agree that the whole hall's use would afford more gangway space; didn't get to MG Sharpe's stand because it was in the narrowest aisle in the show. Apart from that, good show, enjoyed the variety of layouts, managed to catch up with various friends, even managed to get a beer and a sandwich with out a queue! Great day! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh993 Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Probably a silly question but will howes do re-blows on there stand Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Back about a couple of hours. As I only live just over half an hour away that's no great shakes and the first thing I know of it raining was getting hit by the leak in the roof. Hope that no-ones models were under similar penetrations. And there are always the impatient sods but step back and take time - it's not as if the layouts are going to disappear in a puff of smoke. Traders a plenty. Spent too much money. Spent a lot of time around Clinkerford, which is was on its penultimate outing. It's not now the penultimate as John Darch said that he's accepted another invitation. I was also interested in Denyse Insley's tree making techniques in the demonstrations bit - I will need quite a few to complete the layout, and on Steve Hewitt's signal making. Im not really interested in RTR so can't comment on anything new even if I could identify it) but did notice the Hornby layout has changed to historical in part with a GNER offering. Wild Swan and other places with boks willingly took my money. The Kendal Society were very lucky to be able to come, what with their local weather, and gave the model railway equivalent of the gun crews at a military tattoo by with a completely disassembled layout and putting it together to get it running. Loads of bolts and wing nuts. I did buy a two day advance ticket, but am not going back tomorrow. Would I go next year? Depends on the layouts. Maybe I can get what I need at specialist society shows. Clinkerford was the main reason I went and I'm glad I did to get to see it. I am drawn to layouts with operation rather than running which explains my reactions. But let's state it was not the crowds that put me off, although I did have to make a detour to avoid some people with a pong problem, but that's going to happen anywhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbe Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 On the whole it was ok but by 12.00 it was getting very busy and very crowded where there were narrow aisles - my only real grouse about the show. Why on earth there is a space behind one side of the show effectively blocked off by the big panels I simply cannot understand as the aisle immediately inside was murderously crowded at times, which made it difficult for people to move past while others were trying to look & buy at trade stands. Where there were the wide aisles - even with layouts high in the popularity stakes for viewing movement was fairly easy even at the busiest times today. In my view Stationmaster has summarised the crowd issue very well - one bad corner, but the rest was OK. While I had a pleasant time with friends (and getting some books I have been hunting for), I didn't feel any of the layouts had the 'wow' factor - Ballyconnel Road (Irish 3mm FS) and Bergeller Bahn (Swiss HOm) came closest. Last time I went Bath Green Park and Beachley Dock both had that jaw dropping quality. I realise that this is very subjective and others may have found exactly that, so I urge waverers to go tomorrow, support the organisers and make their own minds up. Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wollastonblue Posted November 21, 2009 Author Share Posted November 21, 2009 Only just had chance to get online to report back. Not too many of the unwashed, but I lost count of the rucksacks that hit me while I was trying to get to look at trade stands. I had to go outside for smoke before, I said something to on of these people at the Bachmann Stand. To be honest, I would have only bought the few specialist things I can't get from my local shop, but I did manage to get 2 coaches for my parcels train, and a load of Kadees, and othe bits and pieces. Excellent range of layouts, couldn't get near County Gate, but I liked the way the layouts were all organised. I adored the large G Scale Harz layout. Great to meet everyone at the meet up, there should be a photo around soon of the motley crew that turned up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted November 21, 2009 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 21, 2009 I think the point has now been reached that a visit to a show this size has to be a two day event, especially if like me you have dodgy ankles and knees and can't manage a whole day. There simply wasn't enough time, or freedom from crowds, to see everything when we wanted to - so I might re-plan my pattern for visiting next year I agree with you, Mike. The only time I've ever been was when Re6/6 and I were helping Brian Harrap back in 2006, and on that basis (ie. as an exhibitor), it was fine. I've been to plenty of shows where I spend the whole time gassing with friends I bump into, and doing the 'shopping', that I just don't get time to see the layouts properly. It's a bl**dy long way from South Devon to Brummagem for a day trip, and this year it was a definite 'no no', due to a weekend-long possession in force between Cheltenham (Alstone) and Stoke Works and rail-replacement buses between Gloucester and New Street. If I do go as a punter, like you, I think a two-day visit is in order to enjoy what's on offer to the full. Notwithstanding that, I wish everyone who does go this time a fantastic visit! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Stalwart Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Maybe the young lady on the MG Sharpe stand had something to do with the crush in top left corner Also a couple of young things on the O gauge guild stand trying to encourage new members. Great day at the show today. Missed the RMweb meet as we were in the bar helping to finish off the Pedigree. Certainly was crowded in places. Regards to everyone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Also a couple of young things on the O gauge guild stand trying to encourage new members. Yes, I wondered why. Model hire agencies are expensive, so there must have been a reason beyond eye candy. This, I realise, is a jaundiced eye from organising too many shows. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnDMJ Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Missed the RMweb meet as we were in the bar helping to finish off the Pedigree. Certainly was crowded in places. which bar was that- one I found only had Carlscrap, weakbow and tetly's teawater :icon_grumpy: :icon_mutter: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gravy Train Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Got there for the 9-30 opening then in for breakfast, top left corner was horredouse had 3 attempts then gave up untill later in the day. Some nice layouts and some okay, problem was that up until around late lunchtime practicly nearly all the layouts we saw were at a stand still, maybe just bad timing but frustrating. i took my son in law today his first time at a model railway exhibition and with out any pressure he is now a railway modeller having bought a couple of kits and now he is looking forward to Wigan so they must have done something right. I saw very few RMwebbers there but perhaps as a result of being unable to get to the 1pm meet up. didn't buy anything for myself ( nothing changes ) except materials. All in all an enjoyable day but that floor is hard on the bum and not the most enjoyable experience when eating your lunch. cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted November 21, 2009 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 21, 2009 Yes, I wondered why. Model hire agencies are expensive, so there must have been a reason beyond eye candy. This, I realise, is a jaundiced eye from organising too many shows. I didn't bother with wondering why but just took in the view B). (BTW I assumed they were perhaps connected in some way to members - familywise that is) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Kendall Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Hi All, I've got back about half hour ago. A good day, busy in places agreed, but it didn't detract from it too much. There were a lot more, very good layouts there this year, and yes, I too restrained my spending, having spent so so much at Leamington in the Summer! Are any of the 1pm mug shots up on here yet? It was good to catch up with everyone, and see just how many of us there were there!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Kendall Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 They have to pay by the amount of floorspace they use/occupy for the exhibition, therefore if they use that 'empty space' for stands 'commercial' or otherwise they'll have to pay for it, and maybe that'll affect entry fees. I understand a typical small commercial pitch is in the order of about ??1k for the weekend. That amuses me - and interests me too as I was always under the impression that they [the NEC] would "rent" it's space out on a "Per-Hlall, Per-Day" basis, enusring you'd have got the whole hall.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacific231G Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Where is the 1PM meet? I'll be manning the SNCF Society stand most of the day so do drop by. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I would have thought traders would complain because their potential source of cash is prevented from reaching them. I gave up and went else where for my goodies. There was one trader in the offending corner who I like and try to give business to but was not worth the struggle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weymouth Pannier Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Also a couple of young things on the O gauge guild stand trying to encourage new members. I'm sure they could pusuade even the most loyal N Gauge modeller! It's all in the marketing, and if it works... I caught fleeting glimpses of the show between operating stints on Wood Street. (Quite funny really because we're in the futhest corner from the entrance - there was all this fanfare at 9.30 when they let the masses in, but from where we were absolutely nothing happened for the first ten minutes!). Must admit I liked the G-scale Harz system thing. The presentation and size of the layout was good I thought for something in G scale, and seeing a massive 2-10-2T at eye level was rather impressive! The rest of the show is a bit of a blur really. Now off to bed for another 5.30am start in the morning! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkitt Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Here's the group photo from one o'clock this afternoon. More photos and videos to follow tomorrow. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenser Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Some comments. Maybe I was astonishingly lucky , but this was the easiest and most comfortable Warley on the travel front I can remember. The Marston Green incident didn't seem to affect my train and it was around 3 hrs door to hall each way , with a seat on a surprisingly swift Pendolino each way. After such horrors as the year I spent 2.5hrs stranded at Banbury and needed a taxi to get home , last years Chiltern Voyager service (with a bus back because the return working failed), repeated failures of Leamington connections, and the dreadful trip a few weeks after the Hatfield crash, this was a breeze. I was in the queue for the tickets at 11:05 which must be a record - and away about 25 mins before closing . It would have been cheaper if I had booked show and rail tickets in advance, but otherwise almost effortless.l A workd of advice - the card payment queue moves very slowly , so if you can , pay by cash On the layout front , I liked Tickhill a lot and also Ogden Fold (4mm L&Y) . The big circular layout from the Dutch club (actually DB prototype - which is why I'm carefully avoiding saying "Dutch layout") is scenically very fine indeed , and scenic right the way round. The Gauge 1 hydraulic shed has real presence. I admit I've seen Runswick Leamside and Vauxhall Rd before but they are very well worth a look if you haven't (And I didn't spot Ballyconnel Rd , but having seen it before - very good indeed. ) Trade strong and well worth a visit. I tried to be good on the purchase front and stick to needed bits but succumbed to a loco off the Bachmann stand Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnDMJ Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 omg, what a motley bunch! Thanks for the photo, Burkitt. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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