Western Star Posted March 9, 2011 Author Share Posted March 9, 2011 Difficult to single out one layout drawing me in have seen many before but will relish another close look. Looking forward to the show, thanks again for the preview Thank you for your thoughts on providing preview photos.. I hope that you enjoy your visit and that you will tell us, afterwards, which layout(s) have given inspiration. regards, Graham Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 I have saved this photograph for last as this image is what railway modelling is all about... really superb work and a smashing photograph which combine to give Tan y Bwlch "work of art" status (to me and I hope to you). Even though I am a 7mm modeller this layout is the one which I want to see. Photograph by Chris Nevard, courtesy Hornby Magasine, supplied by Angus Watkins. Just remember to post your thoughts on the show after the event, regards Graham Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 I have just returned from the show venue after setting up had finished..... and some of the layouts are better than the photos suggest. Nettlecombe is more than just a model railway with some scenery - more in the style of Pendon with a railway in well-modelled village landscape. Leavesden is much bigger than one might think from the photos which I have posted... more than twice as long and with freight traffic to boot. Looks like the diversity of scales /gauges is a good mix, regards, Graham Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Just returned from a well organised show. I arrived early to form an orderly queue after being efficiently directed by the scouts to a suitable parking place. Contribution in their bucket. They seemed to be enjoying the task in the sunny spring sunshine. Other show managers take note and seek guidance - see it can be done. By midday it had become very crowded but there is a lot crammed in but I do like the arrangement of trade round the outside, layouts in the middle - you can concentrate of purchases or viewing the exhibits and there just seems to be less pushing. For me the highlights were Tan y Bwlch, Purbeck, Nettlecombe and 82G come out as yp with near faultless operation, and good running and plenty of involvement of the crew with the public. Others of meritable interest were Hoath Hill Halt and SE28 (lovely long trains as far as the eye could see) I was a bit disappointed with Ottosschwande as it was a bit let down by the very fast operating - but most of the younger audience around when I looked at it seemed to like that and the derailments. The show guide was near useless. As so often with a couple sheets of A4 with few details, it gets scrunched up and shoved in the bag/pocket rather than examined. I very nearly missed the layouts in the "Drawing Room" and actually did miss those in the Cafe - I suspect others did the same. Trade was pretty typical for this level of show. A good selection of box shifters and "model stalls" nothing for the specialist and so I came away with the usual odd item from Squires. There is only one complaint - and I should have remembered from previous years, the halls get very warm very quickly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted March 12, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 12, 2011 Excellent show and yes it was getting a bit warm, unfortunately they assume sports halls will only have around 20-40 max so there isn't adequate ventilation for all the people and electrics that are generating heat at an exhibition. Nice balance and the initial queue moved quickly due to having four people selling tickets until the queue cleared. As Kenton said a bit of car park organisation and thought at the door meant it seemed to be running very efficiently. I also liked the fact you had to walk right round the small hall as it had two entrances making you go past all the exhibits. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Just returned from a well organised show. I arrived early to form an orderly queue after being efficiently directed by the scouts to a suitable parking place. Contribution in their bucket. They seemed to be enjoying the task in the sunny spring sunshine. Other show managers take note and seek guidance - see it can be done. You see, Kenton, we did listen to your earlier comments and we tried to get some parking management in place. What you may not have noticed is that the venue introduced a new problem in the last few days... scaffolding around the main school hall and so we lost parking spaces which are normally used by the exhibitors... which put greater pressure on the remaining on-site spaces. After the dust has settled, I hope that all who attended will feel encouraged to PM me with bouquets and brickbats, politely please. Thank you, Graham Beare Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted March 12, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 12, 2011 The show guide was near useless. As so often with a couple sheets of A4 with few details, it gets scrunched up and shoved in the bag/pocket rather than examined. I very nearly missed the layouts in the "Drawing Room" and actually did miss those in the Cafe - I suspect others did the same. Agree re the show guide - we somehow managed to miss a big chunk and I'm not at all sure how as we haven't now got all the exhibition guide to see how we went wrong. So do I go for a drive down there tomorrow I wonder? Perhaps it serves me right for spending too long speaking to old friends I happened to bump into. (we went on the train/'heritage' 'bus today ). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbe Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I was helping today with Purbeck and a thoroughly enjoyable day it was, too. I agree it got hot and stuffy in the sports hall, but doors got opened (and manned by club members to ensure nobody sneaked in), so that did not last long. It seemed to me a very fine selection of layouts, both in terms of diversity and quality, with very few weak ones. Two of my favourites were present: Nettlecombe and Rowlands Castle, but it was great to get to see 82G and Cornwallis Yard. Finally thank you to the hosting club for a well organised show (with good catering for exhibitors!) I hope tomorrow is also a success for you and rewards all your hard work. Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 I was helping today with Purbeck and a thoroughly enjoyable day it was, too. It seemed to me a very fine selection of layouts, both in terms of diversity and quality, with very few weak ones. Finally thank you to the hosting club for a well organised show (with good catering for exhibitors!). Julian Thank you Julian for your kind words and I am glad that you enjoyed your day at the show. To those who have made comment on the show guide - and to those who might wish to make comment on the show guide - what are your preferences /priorities in regard to an exhibition guide? And at what price? Basingstoke club has always provided a free show guide to every ticket holder and the club acknowledges that the guide this year could have been better. So help us to help you - your comments and suggestions on what makes a good guide, for you, will be welcome. thank you, Graham Beare Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted March 12, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 12, 2011 I think a plan with numbers and a name for each hall is the simplest way to show how extensive it is. Include a list with all the details of the stands as you did as well of course. I think that you can take the fact that only the guide was singled out as a big complement. Ventilation in sports halls is always going to be a problem as those near the door freeze and those furthest away boil. For shows we know have this problem we sometimes take a big 18inch fan along to cool us down when exhibiting, if we remember! Very well organised and layout selection Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 I think a plan with numbers and a name for each hall is the simplest way to show how extensive it is. Well that is another good idea... gone wrong! We provide a free, A5, Show Guide which lists all of the layouts, traders and line societies. In addition we give out an A4 map of the venue and that map shows all of the halls with the location of every entry in the show guide. On the same sheet as the map is a discount voucher for our local model shop, Church Street models (in Church Street, Basingstoke). Where did this good idea go wrong? On the other side of the map was the entry form for the "Free Draw", a Hornby Loco. What do you think about having the map and the entry form on the same piece of paper? thank you Graham Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 The Heritage bus service was not able to use the station forecout on Saturday... I understand that the bus was stopping in the road below the station forecourt and using the bus lay-by. The service timetable is:- Station leave at 0945, 1035, 1150, 1320. Show depart at 1015, 1130, 1300, 1415, 1530. regards, Graham Beare Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted March 13, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 13, 2011 Where did this good idea go wrong? On the other side of the map was the entry form for the "Free Draw", a Hornby Loco. What do you think about having the map and the entry form on the same piece of paper? ah now I've found the map. It was given out with the voucher/ entry form as a separate piece of paper so I thought it was just a form and didn't look at the other side of that piece! I put that in my pocket and kept out what I thought was the guide. I think handing it out with the map on top and the list as the second sheet underneath would have solved that 'user error'! Still I did find all the rooms, must be used to looking for odd corridors and rooms at shows Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted March 13, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 13, 2011 ah now I've found the map. It was given out with the voucher/ entry form as a separate piece of paper so I thought it was just a form and didn't look at the other side of that piece! I put that in my pocket and kept out what I thought was the guide. I think handing it out with the map on top and the list as the second sheet underneath would have solved that 'user error'! Still I did find all the rooms, must be used to looking for odd corridors and rooms at shows I agree with the comment about handing it out with the map on top - anyway it might have worked in a different way as we're off back today to try to find the bit we missed (we simply didn't see any folk moving towards it either so we'll start with the map - I usually follow the crowds and then look for little bits leading off as I pass; that didn't work this time, maybe it's an age thing?) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Show guides in general: First let's emphasise that this one was FREE (or as I prefer to say - Inclusive in the entry charge) Where did this good idea go wrong? On the other side of the map was the entry form for the "Free Draw", a Hornby Loco. What do you think about having the map and the entry form on the same piece of paper? I have just dug it back out of the waste recycle bin and just seen the "free draw" ... so that really worked. Also note that I rarely have a pen/pencil with me to fill such things in at the time. I'm also not looking when I am leaving for a ballot box as by that time I am more focused on getting away and home. The same comments apply to these "best layout in show voting forms". The problem as I indicated - possibly just me - is that a A4 sheet is NOT a show guide. I rarely use a guide actually at the show but use it later and in the future to remind me of the layouts I enjoyed and would like to see again. I have some show guides dating back many years - those are manly of the glossy type with probably half-page details of each layout and often with a photo and MOST important for me a track plan. Now they were not free of course and I would have gladly paid the 50p/£1/£1.50 for such a guide. But I do understand that organising and printing such guides cost money and takes a great deal of effort. Also that some punters simply will not purchase one and see them as expensive. The Abingdon show guide, always one of my favourites and quoted as best designed, this year had deteriorated to a scrap of near useless paper. I also guess it depends on which league the show is trying to present itself in. Is the Basingstoke show just a local club show, or a regional or a national? The A4 sheet, as I said above, just gets shoved in my pocket and forgotten, disposed of as soon as I get home and so offers nothing to me that couldn't be provided better at the venue. Just put the "map"/"hall layout plan" up on the website and display it at several key locations around the venue. For example where the queue had formed prior to entry, adjacent to those notices pointing to other rooms, even on each layout with the current location "filled" in. a sort of you are here. Finding your way round a big and complex venue can be daunting, there are so many distractions, and it is easy to miss a corner or even a whole room. I missed the Cafe as I generally do not have anything to eat/drink at a show. Despite walking past the door and glancing in I did not give it a serious look so ignored that room and missed it on the way in, in the rush and excitement to spill as far away from the initial queue as possible. I walked straight through the first hall returning there later but in so doing walked briskly past the Cafe. But this is all window dressing to the actual show. The main components of which hare good entertaining and inspiring layouts accompanied by a wide range of quality trade. Spot on with the layouts - I saw nothing there that was not worthy of showing and some really good layouts that grabbed my attention for quite long periods and entertained me. So 10/10. The trade was good, just lacking the specialist 9/10. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 When Trainwest was in two halls (Olympiad, Chippenham, until 2006) we made a point of telling people as they paid that there were two halls. As they left we also asked if they had been into the second hall. This seemed a simple solution to the multiple hall problem. Geoff Endacott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Would that work in this case where there were 5 "Halls"? Also, the admissions desk is a highly pressured place. I'm not convinced all punters are paying much attention to anything said in the rush to get in or the staff manning the desk in anything other than shortening the queue and giving the correct change. Sometimes the venue itself is a peculiar arrangement of side rooms, some up and downstairs that leaves those unfamiliar confused. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted March 13, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 13, 2011 Having not long since returned from a second visit, and this time managed to find the rest of the show, a couple of points 1. Navigation was not helped by some not so much poor as less than well placed signs which were (yesterday) not noticed as I was concentrating n the stand in front of them. Possibly some stewarding in that area (there seemed to be more there today than yesterday) to say 'there's lot more through here' might help a first time visitor such as myself? 2. Yesterday we had the plan folded inside something, today we were given it separately so it looks like RMWen suggestions filter through very rapidly in Basingstoke - and it was a good idea but even better would be a nice big 'block plan' thing on, say, a blackboard opposite the pay desk. In a show of this size the customers don't really a detailed plan as you could get round everywhere (once you knew where 'everywhere' was) fairly easily and thus find individual stands you wanted. 3. Top marks for layouts - an excellent mix generally of very high standards in their own particular way or very interestingly done and easily viewed from decent width aisles with excellent barriers one could actually, and carefully, lean on in front of most layouts. (But I don't know what can be done about the folk who gather in groups of three or more in the middle of an aisle and then give anyone trying to get past or to a layout/stand the sort of look which gets you looking at the soles of your shoes when you politely ask them to move.) 4 The trade mix was a bit worrying to me (and I realise one is a semi-private local trader who supports many shows) but there did seem to be a bit too much emphasis in terms of their numbers on traders who are very heavily into r-t-r. Great to have some choice but is the show big enough to support two major retailers in terms of business level for them? PS And the show was excellently signed for those arriving by road from the north - perhaps an advantage of being near the AA? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jools39 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Hi I visited today, my first visit to an exhibition in a long time. The comments regarding the map on the handout received were interesting. I was told when I paid the entrance fee that the map was there on the back of the handout, and where the refreshment and toilets were. I then put the handout in my pocket and ambled around finding all the exhibits, before going back to the refreshment area for a coffee. Whilst drinking this I studied the map and confirmed that I had indeed seen all the exhibits. So did another quick "once round" before leaving. I was pleased that it wasn't too busy, although maybe the organisers and especially traders may think otherwise? I didnt have any issues viewing layouts and rarely had to wait more than a few moments before getting the view I wanted. The parking was a slight issue as both the main car park and the overflow area were full at 11am, but I found a space on the road by the overflow area. Overall I was very happy with the experience. Thanks for all the efforts involved with staging such an event. Jools Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveB Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I visited the show this morning, and was very impressed with the arrangements. Well signposted by the AA - and then directed to the parking space by efficient Scouts. The show was excellent, with a well thought-out mix of layouts, and with plenty of viewing space. The traders were arranged round the outside walls so didn't encroach on the layout viewing at all. The many different and widely scattered rooms do cause some problems for the unwary,having exhibited with 'Kuppla Yard' at Basingstoke last year I remember that the folk actually finding the Drama room at the rear of the school were few in number! I'll certainly be going again next year, and would like to thank the Club for all their efforts in putting on a really good show Cheers Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmer Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Got there later this afternoon and enjoyed it. A great mix of layouts, particularly enjoyed seeing Rowlands Castle and also Morwellham & Riverside. When we went last year we had difficulty parking so this time we dropped the car off at a relatives and walked there so didnt have any problems. It was nice to see the exihibitors chatting away to visitors even after a full weekend of playing trains exhibiting and still have trains moving on their layouts. It's a shame that this enthusiasm couldn't have been shared by some of the traders, do they really think that the best way to attract people to their stalls and spend money is to scowl at them and look as if they would rather be anywhere else on the planet than at the show? Mind you the idea of having the exhibits in the middle of the hall with the traders around the edge is a good one as it does free up movement of people and lets you do several laps of the room before heading on. Apart from that whinge, many thanks for another great show and looking forward to next year!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 2. Yesterday we had the plan folded inside something, today we were given it separately so it looks like RMWen suggestions filter through very rapidly in Basingstoke - and it was a good idea but even better would be a nice big 'block plan' thing on, say, a blackboard opposite the pay desk. In a show of this size the customers don't really a detailed plan as you could get round everywhere (once you knew where 'everywhere' was) fairly easily and thus find individual stands you wanted. Mr. Stationmaster, I am glad that you felt a second visit was worth the effort... and yes, the suggestion that we provide a map (we do as noted earlier) materialised this morning with my request to our admission stewards to draw attention to the map on the reverse of the free draw entry sheet. The Exhibition Manager agrees that the request for large "block plans" around the halls is worthy of adopting and we shall try to do just that next year. Your other comments need further thought and I trust that you will allow us time to consider what you say. A tiring day again and I hope to reply to the other respondents on Monday. regards, Graham Beare Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sidecar Racer Posted March 13, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 13, 2011 Myself and a mate went yesterday , arrived at about 10-30 and were guided to a spot on the grass behind the main parking area , with a speedy entry and warm welcome we were soon in the the fray , it seemed to be quite busy even at that time but there was no problem with viewing the layouts or browsing the trade stands . I will say though that we did not have a problem finding the various rooms , and I thought the prominant coloured signs were clear and plentifull . We went mainly for 82G as we are both GWR fans , but the BR variant is close enough to make the trip worth while , we had a good chance to study this layout and to chat with a couple of the owner / opererators which was a bonus . They had some comic moments but it was nice thaty they did not take it to seriously , I feel that they were having as good a time as the spectators . I think the Basingstoke club should be congratulated for having this lovely model at the show . I was not dissapointed with the quality of any of the exhibits , and although some were not of my preferances they were all worthy of inclusion , I feel that they all captured the feel of the area and timescale that they represented . The rabbit warren nature of the venue must be a bit of a problem for the organisers but I think they did a good job , as as has been mentioned having trade around the edges and layouts in the middle was a good way to go . The catering was adequate given the facilities , although a hot filling for a sandwich or roll would have been nice , but I imagine that they are restricted in what can be done with both the facility and helpers available . Will we go again , well if they can deliver a good ' feature ' layout and the others can match the quality of this years then probably yes , the only thing that prevent this is travelling costs , we came 100 miles for this show and with the way fuel prices are going this is the main area of concern . The problem is twofold , if you stay local you keep seeing the same models , if you want something different or something you have'nt seen you have to travel and that is getting more expensive by the week these days . All in all a good day out and we both enjoyed what we saw , so congratulation to the organising team , we hope the weekend was a success for all the effort that went into it . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted March 13, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 13, 2011 Your other comments need further thought and I trust that you will allow us time to consider what you say. regards, Graham Beare But of course - and your early response to this one is appreciated. Impressive action on feedback so I suspect that all being well I'll be back again next year Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinW Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I went to the show on Saturday, some good layouts on show, some I have seen before, some I haven't, favourites in no particular order being 82G, Rowlands Castle, Leaford, Cornwallis Yard & East Street Wharf. When I attend a show I don't normally go to specifically see what traders are there, but spoke with several of them as they also attend the Tonbridge MRC exhibition, and they seemed to be happy with how they were doing. Visiting the various halls was not difficult, normally looking through a door to see if a crowd was there! plus having been the previous year, remembered it was a little like a rabbit warren, but they were signposted. The show guide, being what everyone else on here has described as the two pieces of A4 paper, did a job for the club, but they may want to consider improving on it in the future. Will certainly consider going again next year. Colin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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