Warley National Model Railway Exhibition 25th/26th November 2017

[Captain Kernow]

I spent just over £1200... (misses doesn’t read this), sounds a lot but I think I did ok for my money:

 

(Admittedly i was waiting for Warley and went Armed).

 

 

Of that lot the only two that were “total impulse” were the compounds, which i’ll be taking the tenders, and have the rest spare (I might do an Andy Capp 41101 just for a laugh considering the price I paid).

Thank you for sharing that, not everyone would have, I guess.

 

It is a very considerable amount of money for many people, I would suspect, it certainly is for me. I now try to fund all new model purchases by selling off stuff that I no longer want.

 

Your point about 'going prepared' got me wondering, though, presumably you expected to spend something of that order at the show, so are there folk out there who save up all year and just buy their model railway stuff at one show, like Warley?

[Andy Hayter]

You could perhaps say that of me - although I did not leave with a single item of rtr.

 

Living across the small but of water, getting things like paints and indeed some glues, solvents and other liquids is dificult.  For non-paints there are sometimes alternatives.  Hoever my only model shop within 2 hours drive stocks very little railway stuff being heavily into radio control.  AS for specialist paints (UK railway colours) well there is no chance of supply.

 

Likewise with specialist books and publications.  Yes you can at least get them sent, but postage is often exorbitant - not criticising the sellers, whether it is Royal Mail, Parcel Force UPS, DHL or whoever, the costs become very significant.

 

Specialist bit for projects (wheels, coupling rods, brass and plastic strip etc..) could be sent by mail, but if you are going to Warley, stock up.

 

So my empty 2kg suitcase on the way out was over 18kg on the return flight and the hand baggage was significantly heavier as well.

 

I have not totted up the total spend.  I was budgeting/estimating around £1000.  I failed to get some items, but found some others that I had not planned for but were must haves for the current project.   So I am probably not that far away from plan.

 

So a very different balance of purchases to adb968008, but I think you could justifiably say that I have waited all year to buy these items.

 

At the same time I have to say that I do make other purchases by mail order throughout the year.  So not an all or nothing situation.

Edited November 29, 2017 by Andy Hayter

[ELTEL]

As a first time visitor you probably wont be interested in what I brought, how many times I was hit with a Rucksack or run over by a mobility scooter, or how I got home. 

 

Thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier message, Warley is certainly an experience and seemingly a closed shop to the unexperienced. Knowing what to look at is a good suggestion...if you have a guide in advance (an extra £6.50). Otherwise the website just gives a list of names and gauges without any descriptions and only a handful of photos. That is either a clever marketing strategy to tempt the curious or just an epic miss by the organisers, as smaller shows have lots of photos and descriptions. Either way, you have to wander round to see everything but because of the crowds this is impossible, and there aren't any clear navigation points and even the large centrepieces lack presence. 

 

David Cheeseman earlier was right about the standards, although I think he might hold a different opinion to the average visitor. But I'm not sure how intentional it was to invite such a mix or to even quantify which layout was rated where- for example the large O gauge unfinished layout I saw didn't seem to have advanced in completeness or running abilities since I saw it at a previous show, but the operators seemed to be quite relaxed and accepting of it's foibles. Good for them, I say- but perhaps evidence of the Old Boys club (not that I saw any rowing club ties or funny handshakes). Someone commented that despite the size, the layout content seemed to be lacking in certain areas such as Diesel OO. Lets say an average show had 25 layouts and four were of direct interest, then paying twice as much for eight at warley is comparable. But at the other show I could look at the other 21, but warley it'd be those 8 and just a few others,,, that's where the size of the show fails as you don't have time to see everything AND those specific layouts.

 

In short, yes, it's a BIG show, but not the premier one. Something is vastly lost in the translation of a show on this scale and I can't see how it can be fixed. Layouts that would be fantastic elsewhere just seem to get lost in the melee and there are only so many people who can stand in front of a layout at any one time. Have they tried a Cinema area with a large screen and videos of layouts running, or would that just be the same as someone looking at yootube videos at home and negate any desire to attend at all??? SO how many times do I have to go before deciding not to bohther, then realizing one rainy october day that it's warley next month, there are infact a number of layouts I wouldn't mind seeing, and it might actually be worth giving it a go???

I hope you come along to our exhibition the first weekend in February

 

Full details of Stafford Railway Circles 2017 Exhibition can be found at www.staffordrailwaycircle.ork.uk including photographs of the layouts attending together with a free preserved bus service from the railway station on both days for those of you who don’t want to take advantage of the 2000 free car parking spaces.

 

Happy Modelling

 

Eltel

[BR(S)]

This video (not mine) gives a good overview of lots of the products that were on display:

 

Edited November 30, 2017 by BR(S)

[Finsbury]

Addendum for anyone troubled by train fares to B'ham Int'l, I signed up to Virgin West Coast's* mailing list and got two returns from Euston for £34. This included first class going home. A fiver one way way standard class. All my purchases at the show saved on postage, enough to cover travel (and near enough the entrance fees). I'll take a rucksack next year!

 

Bernie

 

*No connection, etc.

[Mallard60022]

You could perhaps say that of me - although I did not leave with a single item of rtr.

 

Living across the small but of water, getting things like paints and indeed some glues, solvents and other liquids is dificult.  For non-paints there are sometimes alternatives.  Hoever my only model shop within 2 hours drive stocks very little railway stuff being heavily into radio control.  AS for specialist paints (UK railway colours) well there is no chance of supply.

 

Likewise with specialist books and publications.  Yes you can at least get them sent, but postage is often exorbitant - not criticising the sellers, whether it is Royal Mail, Parcel Force UPS, DHL or whoever, the costs become very significant.

 

Specialist bit for projects (wheels, coupling rods, brass and plastic strip etc..) could be sent by mail, but if you are going to Warley, stock up.

 

So my empty 2kg suitcase on the way out was over 18kg on the return flight and the hand baggage was significantly heavier as well.

 

I have not totted up the total spend.  I was budgeting/estimating around £1000.  I failed to get some items, but found some others that I had not planned for but were must haves for the current project.   So I am probably not that far away from plan.

 

So a very different balance of purchases to adb968008, but I think you could justifiably say that I have waited all year to buy these items.

 

At the same time I have to say that I do make other purchases by mail order throughout the year.  So not an all or nothing situation.

You need to befriend some truckers ASAP. Yes, I'm being serious.

Phil

[Andy Hayter]

Thanks Phil

 

I wish.  I was in international logistics before I retired, but the only trucks round here run from the forest to the sawmill.

[Jol Wilkinson]

As so many postings are about new RTR products and given the amount of interest shown in the various Bachmann, Hornby and other manufacturer sections in the Products and Trade area, is their a need for a "Sales only" show (rather like the one the GOG run, I believe)?

 

I am sure many modellers would enjoy a show simply featuring sales stands, without layouts and demonstrators.

[adb968008]

As so many postings are about new RTR products and given the amount of interest shown in the various Bachmann, Hornby and other manufacturer sections in the Products and Trade area, is their a need for a "Sales only" show (rather like the one the GOG run, I believe)?

 

I am sure many modellers would enjoy a show simply featuring sales stands, without layouts and demonstrators.

Aren’t these swapmeets ?

(Haven’t been to one in 20 years), but at least in the 1990’s you could rely on one or two every month in your locality, at a night or a weekend...I guess eBay’s replaced them.

Edited November 30, 2017 by adb968008

[Jol Wilkinson]

Aren’t these called swapmeets ?

(Haven’t been to one in 20 years), but at least in the 1990’s you could rely on one or two every month in your locality, at a night or a weekend...I guess eBay’s replaced them.

I don't think the major manufactures or large retail discounters take stands at swapmeets. 

 

Particularly in 00 gauge, the great majority of "modellers" are solely interested in what the large manufacturers are producing or planning and how cheaply they can get it. The Gauge O Guild have recognised that their members value having a "show" where where they can meet the specialist 7mm suppliers and buy their products. Having read this topic it seems that the 00 fraternity would enjoy something similar. However, they have no national organisation to reflect those wishes, although the DOGA could do so. Perhaps that explains the extensive wish lists, polls and "frothing" seen on RMweb and other forums. The Warley show is the nearest thing to a national show, although organised by a local club.  

 

Of course, such an event would need to be in an easily accessible location, with free parking and free entry to satisfy the most demanding show goers.

[Mike Bellamy]

As so many postings are about new RTR products and given the amount of interest shown in the various Bachmann, Hornby and other manufacturer sections in the Products and Trade area, is their a need for a "Sales only" show (rather like the one the GOG run, I believe)?

 

I am sure many modellers would enjoy a show simply featuring sales stands, without layouts and demonstrators.

.

The Guild run three shows a year. 1 day Kettering March, 1 day Doncaster June and 2 day Guildex at Telford September. However all of these shows include layouts.

 

There is a show at Reading (this Saturday) organised by a separate O Gauge Group which is Trade only.

 

I must admit that I much prefer looking at trade stands than layouts but would there be a club or organisation out there willing to put a substantial amount of cash on the line to see if it would be a success . . . . ?

 

.

[Phil Parker]

If the aim is to fill the hall with "box-shifters" then I can't see anyone wanting to come. With every stand selling exactly the same products then all they will be doing is watching each other and dropping prices by pennies to try and get sales. This happens anyway at larger shows and while it might help the buyers (although they normally just moan there were no bargains and you can get stuff cheaper online etc..) it means no-one makes any money, so they don't come back in year 2. 

 

The 7mm shows work because there is very little overlap between traders. Same thing for specialist shows like Scaleforum, Expo EM and Railex. You get a hall full of variety to cater for those who like their modelling to arrive needing assembly.

 

The sort of show you would end up with outside this would be a big swapmeet, and those already exist. The NEC hosts several each year I believe.

[banburysaint]

I think it would be helpful to change the map font as I couldn't read it properly. It is a relief that I was not the only one. It would be good to have way finding for different isles or areas. I suspect that the ideal of having an app which could direct you around is some way off. Maybe be shopping and layout by themes of course this may cause more floor space to be required and drive a higher entrance fee

[rob D2]

As so many postings are about new RTR products and given the amount of interest shown in the various Bachmann, Hornby and other manufacturer sections in the Products and Trade area, is their a need for a "Sales only" show (rather like the one the GOG run, I believe)?

 

I am sure many modellers would enjoy a show simply featuring sales stands, without layouts and demonstrators.

 

I wouldn’t pay an entrance fee for that . I’m primarily at exhibitions to see the skills - I can get 95% of what I buy in the internet

[melmerby]

The last of my pictures, with a few oddities

 

A couple of not very good pictures of Bachmann Baldwins:

 

 

 

TV screen on Bifurcations de St Benoit showing the computer control using CDM package:

 

 

OHLE on Kinlet Wharf:

 

 

Butterfly Lane:

 

 

 

Saltdean:

 

 

 

Teign House Sidings:

 

 

Market Rasen:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zauberwald:

 

 

 

 

 

That's it until next year

 

Keith

Edited November 30, 2017 by melmerby

[caradoc]

This year was my second visit to Warley, and I would like to thank all the organisers, exhibitors, societies, traders and demonstrators who make such a great show possible. I enjoyed the show more than last year, possibly through knowing better what to expect this time. I had no issues with;

 

Transport; Rather than use ram-packed main line trains I travelled between New St and International on the all-stations Class 323 service, and got a seat both ways with no problem (the trains do take 6 minutes longer than the non-stops however).

Rucksacks; I brought a shoulder bag instead of a rucksack this year, but ended up with a carrier bag full of stuff as well ! I did not encounter any problems with other people's rucksacks.

Mobility Scooters; No issues, and I try to remember that the person using one could one day be me, and treat them with respect accordingly.

Traders; Plenty of them, with some good deals, especially on books; Also a great range of books that you would be hard-pressed to find on sale in a high street bookshop. I did not get near the Bachmann bargains stand however, a couple of looks at the scrum put me off.

Layouts; What an incredible variety, surely something for everyone. The only problem was not having time to do every one justice !

Toilets; The ones at the far end of the hall were presentable, when I used them anyway.

Catering; Expensive, but a wide range was available.

Odour Watch (or rather Sniff); I did not encounter anything which made me recoil, maybe having a cold helped !

 

At the end of the day, Warley is a very big and therefore extremely busy show, maybe not for everyone, but for me a highlight of the exhibition calendar and not to be missed. Just one suggestion for the organisers; The facility to buy tickets at Ian Allan in Birmingham was extremely useful, would it possible in future to buy the Show Guide there as well ?

 

Thanks again to all involved.

[adb968008]

Has Warley ever thought about producing a calendar featuring the various trophy winning layouts each year ?

 

(Could form the basis of a prize fund).

Edited December 1, 2017 by adb968008

[melmerby]

 Just one suggestion for the organisers; The facility to buy tickets at Ian Allan in Birmingham was extremely useful, would it possible in future to buy the Show Guide there as well ?

 

Thanks again to all involved.

Probably a non-starter as although the tickets are available months in advance (I always buy mine there) the show guide is only ready (with it's stand list) a few weeks before.

Too much chance of unsold stock with such a short window for sales.

Unsold tickets being just a bit of printed paper are little in the way of lost money but show guides are a substantial outlay to have left over.

 

Keith

[melmerby]

Has Warley ever thought about producing a calendar featuring the various trophy winning layouts each year ?

 

(Could form the basis of a prize fund).

And the Children in Need calendar this year is : "Warley Model Railway Show"  

 

Keith

[caradoc]

Probably a non-starter as although the tickets are available months in advance (I always buy mine there) the show guide is only ready (with it's stand list) a few weeks before.

Too much chance of unsold stock with such a short window for sales.

Unsold tickets being just a bit of printed paper are little in the way of lost money but show guides are a substantial outlay to have left over.

 

Keith

 

Fair point Keith.

 

Would anyone know if the Guide could be purchased in advance as a stand-alone item, or only when also buying tickets ?

[Andy Hayter]

From the flyer I received (from BRM IRRC) you could order a ticket and a guide quite separately.  So I guess you could have sent it back just ordering the guide at £6.50 versus £4 at the door.

Edited December 1, 2017 by Andy Hayter

[Barry O]

Some people visited our 1967 shop

 

 

and its show cases full of 1967 ish goodies

 

 

plus our counter

 

 

These items gave an overview of what was available to modellers back in 1967. One of the best comments I heard while in the shop was

 

"What- is that all there was? So few new items and they are not really that good"... yep modelling was different in 1967

 

I hope the demo area was of use to people.. or do I need to widen the demonstrations to meet expectations?

 

Baz

 

 

 

 

[adb968008]

And the Children in Need calendar this year is : "Warley Model Railway Show"  

 

Keith

Did I miss something ?

 

There’s a calendar already ?

[ColinK]

Yup, they are doing a calendar. You might have seen ‘Calendar Girls’, well they are doing ‘Calendar Modellers’ with bits of model railway covering all the private bits. The idea is you buy one for SHMBO!

[Andy Hayter]

Some people visited our 1967 shop

 

shop fronts.jpg

 

and its show cases full of 1967 ish goodies

 

display cabinets.jpg

 

plus our counter

 

shop counter.jpg

 

These items gave an overview of what was available to modellers back in 1967. One of the best comments I heard while in the shop was

 

"What- is that all there was? So few new items and they are not really that good"... yep modelling was different in 1967

 

I hope the demo area was of use to people.. or do I need to widen the demonstrations to meet expectations?

 

Baz

 

Personally I did not spend much time there.  It did indeed remind me of how things were, and I quickly moved on.

 

No disrespect, it was well done, but of little personal interest.  I did the same with the T scale layout - eyes are not what they used to be - and I am not moving down scale at my time of life.