deltic56 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 43rd ANNUAL BRISTOL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Hill Thornbury, BRISTOL, BS35 3JB Friday April 29th 1pm - 7.00pm Saturday April 30th 10am - 6.30pm Sunday May 1st 10am - 5pm A chance to escape the Royal Wedding perhaps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Thats my plan! First time I will have visited on a Friday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John C Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I think its the first time the Friday has been a Bank Holiday since they moved it from Easter. I am hoping to get there on Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-CRS Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 N and 2mm Layouts attending are: Stand 6 - Barnhill MRC - Chipbury - N gauge - 12ft X 8ft - Period: 1980’s - BR Stand 16 - Calm Modellers - Coniston Road Depot - N - 7ft 4 inches x 2ft 4 inches - Period 1985 Regional railways (Guest Layout) Stand 20 - Caverswell Junction - N - 8ft x 7ft - Period: Modern Image (Guest Layout) Stand 9A - Exverton - N gauge - Period - 1930’s or 1950’s Nailsea MRC Stand 21 - Deep Lane - N gauge - Period 2004 (Guest Layout) Pete Latham Regards Richard County Rolling Stock www.ntasticshop.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coppercap Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 It starts today.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted April 28, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 28, 2011 It starts today.............. Not according to the website ...? It's friday to sunday, as it usually is. http://www.bristolmodrailex.co.uk/page8.html I'll be going along tomorrow afternoon, with Marc and Roger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sidecar Racer Posted April 28, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 28, 2011 Not according to the website ...? It's friday to sunday, as it usually is. http://www.bristolmo...o.uk/page8.html I'll be going along tomorrow afternoon, with Marc and Roger. Might see you there then Al , Stu and myself are going tomorrow too . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coppercap Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 Not according to the website ...? It's friday to sunday, as it usually is. http://www.bristolmodrailex.co.uk/page8.html I'll be going along tomorrow afternoon, with Marc and Roger. Oops, silly me! Keep thinking it's Friday today, as we're off tomorrow.........Forgot about that junket in London is on Friday, same day as the show starts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steadfast Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 Will be there tomorrow with DEMU, please say hello if you're passing! jo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calnefoxile Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 I'm sure I can fire some abuse your way Jo, when I get there ;-);-) Regards Neal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu from EGDL Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 I'm sure I can fire some abuse your way Jo, when I get there ;-);-) Regards Neal Hi Guys; Wish I'd known you would both be there today. A definate opportunity for banter missed!!!! Later; STU from EGDL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveb860 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I'm sure I can fire some abuse your way Jo, when I get there ;-);-) Regards Neal Glad I went Friday, working at Lyneham all weekend has its advantages now and then Lol May see you Tuesday Guys!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted May 2, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 2, 2011 So what was the general consensus? I went along on friday and to be honest I thought it was pretty uninspiring, with no layouts that really had that wow factor, and some stuff that was frankly below par. Even one of the layouts I normally enjoy seeing (it was at the Bristol show only a couple of years ago, too) was starting to look a bit tired and knocked-about in places. On the plus side, they operated it as well as ever, so there was usually something moving. It's always been a mixed bag, and the show appeared as busy as ever, but I can't say it left me rushing to go back next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahame Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Any pics? Anyone? G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike G Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 So what was the general consensus? I went along on friday and to be honest I thought it was pretty uninspiring, with no layouts that really had that wow factor, and some stuff that was frankly below par. Even one of the layouts I normally enjoy seeing (it was at the Bristol show only a couple of years ago, too) was starting to look a bit tired and knocked-about in places. On the plus side, they operated it as well as ever, so there was usually something moving. It's always been a mixed bag, and the show appeared as busy as ever, but I can't say it left me rushing to go back next year. Yep, I'd agree with that. Hazelhurst was not due to go this year, but we had a phone call asking for us to 'fill space'...most of the layouts I'd seen before and the traders were distinctly below par! Shame, this used to be a 'premier' league show, one not to be missed. Gone are the days when you'd find Gibson, Sharmans wheels, Comet and Perserverance all under one roof! Now you'd be lucky to find an etched kit, of any sort, let alone a motor and gearbox! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted May 2, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 2, 2011 No criticism of Hazlehurst intended either, Mike - it's a very impressive model although (obviously) a work in progress. There always seems to be something running on it, which is more than be said for some, and I think the height and presentation are very well arranged. I went with a small shopping list of basic modelling supplies - heat shrink, switches, wires etc - so was able to stock up at one of the stands. Other than 247 and the Parkside and Langley stalls, though, there wasn't too much in the way of kit supplies. Probably a good thing, in view of my every growing EEC unbuilt kit mountain... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugsley Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 So what was the general consensus? I went along on friday and to be honest I thought it was pretty uninspiring, with no layouts that really had that wow factor, and some stuff that was frankly below par. Even one of the layouts I normally enjoy seeing (it was at the Bristol show only a couple of years ago, too) was starting to look a bit tired and knocked-about in places. On the plus side, they operated it as well as ever, so there was usually something moving. It's always been a mixed bag, and the show appeared as busy as ever, but I can't say it left me rushing to go back next year. I'll also agree with that sentiment. I was a bit disappointed last year, but hoped it would have improved this year. Sadly, I was disappointed - it was even worse this year, with pretty much the same layouts as last year and even less trade. I don't know if I'll be going next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sidecar Racer Posted May 2, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 2, 2011 Went on Friday this year , huge crowd waiting to get in and very busy for the first two to three hours then seemed to thin out a bit , very nearly empty at 6-30 . I'm glad it was'nt just Stu and I who were less than impressed , as Al and Martin have said , there was no 'wow ' factor layout there . A few good ones , but a lot more not so good depending on your chosen era / scale . One that we usually enjoy watching seemed to have some new operators who seemed to be struggling a bit , hopefully by the end they had picked it up a bit . Trade seemed similar to last year which was our first visit to this venue since the show left Cannons Marsh , certainly not the same degree of trade now and the whole experience was nowhere near as good as the old venue . Definatly have to think hard about next year . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 I wasn't originally going to post anything, but I can only agree with what has been said. There also appeared to be less layouts than in previous years. For the last couple of years I have said 'I'll give it a miss next year' - the only reason I go back is because it is only a few miles away. Compared with the recent Trainwest, this exhibition was very disappointing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike G Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 No criticism of Hazlehurst intended either, Mike - it's a very impressive model although (obviously) a work in progress. There always seems to be something running on it, which is more than be said for some, and I think the height and presentation are very well arranged. I don't suppose this is the right place for this but...for those who attended what did Hazelhurst appear to be lacking to give that 'WOW' factor. Don't be shy please express yourselves freely. thanks Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Endacott Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Compared with the recent Trainwest, this exhibition was very disappointing So why do more people go to Bristol than come to Trainwest? I am genuinely puzzled. If we got the sort of attendance which Bristol gets I could book even more top-quality layouts and give big discounts to specialist traders. Geoff Endacott Exhibition Manager, Trainwest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sidecar Racer Posted May 2, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 2, 2011 I don't suppose this is the right place for this but...for those who attended what did Hazelhurst appear to be lacking to give that 'WOW' factor. Don't be shy please express yourselves freely. thanks Mike I'll stick my head over the wall , first off it is a nice layout and well presented , but on the occasions we stopped you seemed to be suffering that old problem of stock derailing and the hand in the sky having to descend , also there were a couple of false moves with one train trying to do a push me pull you in the station area , I fully understand that these are operational hazards , but sadly on an exhibition layout it it can be a killer from the viewers position , other than that it looks to be a well built and nicely detailed model . I hope that these were just ' first day hiccups ' , you do have a model to be proud of . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted May 2, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 2, 2011 I don't suppose this is the right place for this but...for those who attended what did Hazelhurst appear to be lacking to give that 'WOW' factor. Don't be shy please express yourselves freely. thanks Mike I suppose it's a bit unfair of me, Mike - I mentally excluded Hazlehurst on the grounds that I'd seen it before, and recently, so didn't spend long looking at it this time. My recollection, which may not be correct, is that it looks like it still has some some additional work to come in terms of detailing and overall finish. That sounds more negative than I intend because the *last* time I saw it I spent a good while plonked in front, enjoying the show. That wow factor is hard to define, of course - I would say it comes from a layout where every aspect of it is just that little bit more accomplished than average, and leaves me fired up with ideas to think about in terms of my own modelling aspirations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted May 2, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 2, 2011 So why do more people go to Bristol than come to Trainwest? I am genuinely puzzled. If we got the sort of attendance which Bristol gets I could book even more top-quality layouts and give big discounts to specialist traders. Geoff Endacott Exhibition Manager, Trainwest It might be a matter of reputation and accessibility Geoff. The 'old' Bristol show at Cannons Marsh was one I always rated but it seemed to lose something after the move to Thornbury (I missed the date last year and didn't bother this year as my opinion of it has gradually gone downwards). BUT it does have that big advantage of the association of clubs which while it possibly has a poor influence on layout quality must have an excellent effect in spreading the message about the show over a very wide area - much bigger I think than you could hope to cover? The other thing is what I call 'the Bristle effect' where anything which has the word 'Bristol' in it seems to have some sort of drug-like effect on Bristolians who promptly regard it as their own and as something they must attend. That is probably not the best reason for its attendance figures but being near the M5/M4/Severn bridges and with a generally good and reasonably quick (except in heavy traffic) special 'bus service to a railway station with links spreading as widely as its road network position must play a part - for many people it is a lot easier to get to than Melksham. For example when I was working in London I could take a half-day, hop on a fast train from Paddington and be at Thornbury just as the initial rush through the doors died down on the Friday afternoon - and lots of other folk did a similar sort of thing. But, as a matter of interest how do Trainwest's day-by-day figures compare with Bristol's - would Trainwest get a nett benefit from opening to the punters on the Friday afternoon or would that just dissipate existing attendees? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37114 Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 It might be a matter of reputation and accessibility Geoff. The 'old' Bristol show at Cannons Marsh was one I always rated but it seemed to lose something after the move to Thornbury (I missed the date last year and didn't bother this year as my opinion of it has gradually gone downwards). BUT it does have that big advantage of the association of clubs which while it possibly has a poor influence on layout quality must have an excellent effect in spreading the message about the show over a very wide area - much bigger I think than you could hope to cover? The other thing is what I call 'the Bristle effect' where anything which has the word 'Bristol' in it seems to have some sort of drug-like effect on Bristolians who promptly regard it as their own and as something they must attend. That is probably not the best reason for its attendance figures but being near the M5/M4/Severn bridges and with a generally good and reasonably quick (except in heavy traffic) special 'bus service to a railway station with links spreading as widely as its road network position must play a part - for many people it is a lot easier to get to than Melksham. For example when I was working in London I could take a half-day, hop on a fast train from Paddington and be at Thornbury just as the initial rush through the doors died down on the Friday afternoon - and lots of other folk did a similar sort of thing. But, as a matter of interest how do Trainwest's day-by-day figures compare with Bristol's - would Trainwest get a nett benefit from opening to the punters on the Friday afternoon or would that just dissipate existing attendees? Mike makes an interesting point, perhaps we should call it "Trainwest Melksham district of Bristol show"!! Joking apart, the proximity of Thornbury to a large population mass than Melksham will have an impact, irrespective of the fact that a bus is organised to allow Public transport access to Trainwest. I also remember the old Cannons marsh shows which were fantastic, I haven't been to Thornbury for many years and my expereience was the same for the last few years I went and is summed up by many on this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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