Bristol Model Railway Exhibition, 28-30th April 2023

[John-Miles]

There seem to be a lot of complaints about Box Shifters but the leading provider of bits and pieces, Eileen, is sadly no longer with us so presumably bits and pieces don't pay while boxes do. My opinion of the show, much improved on previous years, some really good layouts.

[woodenhead]

3 hours ago, Phil Parker said:

 

I'll pass this on. No reason the entrance fee can't be 50p if the trade stand fees are raised to compensate. Or isn't this what he means? 😉

Can we add to that a free wagon, unlimited hot beverages and a full colour brochure on the exhibition please.

 

 

[woodenhead]

18 minutes ago, John-Miles said:

There seem to be a lot of complaints about Box Shifters but the leading provider of bits and pieces, Eileen, is sadly no longer with us so presumably bits and pieces don't pay while boxes do. My opinion of the show, much improved on previous years, some really good layouts.

At a generalist model railway exhibition what do people expect to see, it's not like I expect to see TTC Diecast, Cheltenham Model Railways or Footplate at the EMGS.

[Phil Parker]

55 minutes ago, John-Miles said:

There seem to be a lot of complaints about Box Shifters but the leading provider of bits and pieces, Eileen, is sadly no longer with us so presumably bits and pieces don't pay while boxes do. 

 

A lot? One comment that wasn't really a complaint. 

 

And Derek was there, just not as a trader. We enjoyed a useful chat. 

[Chris M]

Cheltenham Model Centre are much more than a box shifter. They are a proper model shop selling all

sorts. The shop is well worth a visit. If there was something special you wanted you could always phone them a couple of days before a show and they will bring it along. I’ve done that before now.

[CF MRC]

Taking CF to a 2.5 day show is always a bonus as it gives us a better chance to shake out the gremlins. Our position was very good and having the LH end very open worked well. We spent a lot of time talking to the  public out front as well and many came behind the scenes - this really makes exhibiting fun!
 

It was a great show and very well organised. We even got a new building facade fixed in place on Saturday.

Thank you for having us. 
 

Tim

[rodent279]

3 hours ago, John-Miles said:

There seem to be a lot of complaints about Box Shifters but the leading provider of bits and pieces, Eileen, is sadly no longer with us so presumably bits and pieces don't pay while boxes do. My opinion of the show, much improved on previous years, some really good layouts.

I wasn't complaining about box shifters, just observing. It's only really reflecting the demographic of those attending the show-kit building isn't for everyone. I'm only really starting to dip my toe in. It would have been nice to have Wizard, Markits or Alan Gibson there as well, but they do have an internet presence, and are responsive to phone or email enquiries.

[Siberian Snooper]

Wizard stopped attending shows, at the start of the 1st lockdown, hastening an already made decision to retire from attending shows.

 

 

[S.W.Neill]

Once again thank you to all those involved in organising the show, a lot of work behind the scenes goes into setting up. We were there with the "layout with no name" having been missed off the programme listing 🥸. A mix of hard work (shifting layouts is at best tedious), meeting friends within the hobby, and.. oh yes... playing trains!! What more could one ask for?

 

Steve

Newport MRS

[sjrixon]

I went down with my free ticket, and one child ticket that I paid for. 

 

Had a cracking show, really great across the 3 halls. We were there from 9.30am to about 3pm. Spent quite a lot of money at each stall, there were some interesting ones, squires is always good and they had a massive stall! There were some of the other general sales which were selling the same boxes at pretty much the same price.

 

Also had a quick chat will Phil as my son had a go at the tombola. Come on Phil, build a PDF kit - https://www.pdf-models.co.uk/

 

My only comment would be I was glad I took my own sandwiches. The cafe didn't look large enough, with people queuing down and round the corner. That said, we did had a nice slice of cake just before we left ;)

[The Fatadder]

While I have said my piece previously on the disappointment with the choice of society stands, I do think the quality of layouts at this years show was a significant improvement over prior years.  I cant remember seeing Coppell before, but with such a variety of interesting stock I could have spent a lot longer watching it (if I could have got closer).  Again Copenhagen Fields was another I have never seen before, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.  Hopefully the Warners involvement continues this trend going forward.

 

Trade wise was a bit of a mixed bag, it still feels like there are too many sellers of the same second hand RTR, but if they are the only people willing to pay the fees I guess its a necessary evil.  That said at least unlike a lot of the show's Ive been to recently there was at least a good mix of specialist trade (with WWS, DC Kits and Squires all helping to empty the wallet).  I was also able to finally get hold of the remaining track needed for Wheal Imogen's fiddleyard which was a relief.  I had visions of not being able to complete this until I got the layout to DEMU...  

[Phil Parker]

14 hours ago, The Fatadder said:

While I have said my piece previously on the disappointment with the choice of society stands,

 

And we've explained it's a work in progress. I understand that the organisers are looking at opening up another part of the hall, to provide space for society demonstration stands. Very much a case of watch this space...

 

14 hours ago, The Fatadder said:

Trade wise was a bit of a mixed bag, it still feels like there are too many sellers of the same second hand RTR, but if they are the only people willing to pay the fees I guess its a necessary evil. 

 

I'd not realised just how important second-hand is to the trade until visiting Rails last year for a proper look at their operation. Judging by the size of it, I'm no longer surprised to see so much at shows! That said, these stands do provide the thrill of the chase. I came away with an average condition 1950 Tri-ang blow-moulded rubber building, for two quid. And a cracking stock box draw set for a tenner. Can't buy the wood for that! How it was left on the stand, is a mystery. And there were another two, part of me thinks I should have snapped up.

[Penlan]

On 01/05/2023 at 20:01, rodent279 said:

..... Markits ......

There was a wide range of Markits fittings, wheels etc., on stand 43A, H&A Models, if I've remembered the right stand correctly.
 I was able to buy some Markits fittings I needed from there, there where other suppliers ranges available too....

 

[rogerzilla]

We got a cup of tea at 0930, when there was no-one else in the café! There is some kind of burger van outside that probably does drinks too.

[mozzer models]

On 01/05/2023 at 20:01, rodent279 said:

I wasn't complaining about box shifters, just observing. It's only really reflecting the demographic of those attending the show-kit building isn't for everyone. I'm only really starting to dip my toe in. It would have been nice to have Wizard, Markits or Alan Gibson there as well, but they do have an internet presence, and are responsive to phone or email enquiries.

247 had lots of Markits parts on the stand

 

[mozzer models]

17 hours ago, Penlan said:

There was a wide range of Markits fittings, wheels etc., on stand 43A, H&A Models, if I've remembered the right stand correctly.
 I was able to buy some Markits fittings I needed from there, there where other suppliers ranges available too....

 

& 247 Developments