Flymo748 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 It's not too long to wait before Scaleforum 2011... And here are the key details to whet your appetite. September 24th & 25th 2011 Leatherhead Leisure Centre, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BL Opening times Saturday 10.30 - 17.30 Sunday 10.00 - 16.30 Admission (two day ticket) Scalefour society members £4.50 non-members £7.50 Advanced tickets are available at www.scalefour.org Layouts Blackston Junction : A North British junction station and yard in pre-grouping days Birmingham New Street : A model of Birmingham New Street station c1987 Croft Depot : A layout based on a small former Stockton and Darlington Railway goods depot modelled in BR (NE) days (1954/5) Clutton : BR (WR) 1950s Secondary branch line passing station Fish Dock Road :Based on Grimsby docks c 1950s Small shunting layout Harton Gill : BR (NE) 1950s Based on Harton Electric Railway steam, diesel & OH electric traction Longcarse West : BR (1976) (Scotland) Run down freight terminus in Alloa area of Scotland Maindee East : BR (1961) Loco shed set in South Wales with mixture of steam and diesel traction Waterloo Street : BR (1970s) based on the real life Waterloo Good branch in Aberdeen Visiting society and layout The ScaleSeven Group with Ellerton Road (featured in MRJ 204) Demonstrations Modelling the pre-grouping period Modelling the BR (Southern) period Modelling the diesel and electric era. Getting started in P4 Flat bottom track and turnouts Model Railway Photography Other visiting societies Diesel and Electric Modellers United SECR Society Traders Scaleforum probably has the most extensive line-up of trade stands of any exhibition in the South-East and this year is no exception. At the last count 48 trade stands will be present to support all the modelling needs of the fine scale modeller of every period of railway history, including several new traders who have not been before. So please mark the date in your diaries, and the Scalefour Society looks forward to welcoming you there. Cheers Paul Willis Deputy Chairman Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 Is that the complete list of layouts? Seems very thin this year Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 See here for advance ticket information Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 Is that the complete list of layouts? Seems very thin this year So is your criterion just a headcount of layouts? Typically Scaleforum has 10 or 11, but some of those listed are pretty substantial in size. Or would you prefer 25 boxfiles? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oldlugger Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 I wish I could get there to see these layouts. The line up suggests that more people should have a go at P4, whatever the size of layout, to increase the number available for exhibition. I'm not sure how many P4 layouts there are in the UK but the number must be pretty small by comparison to OO gauge, etc. A definite headache for exhibition organisers to come up with new layouts at each of the three Scaleforums a year, although even if a certain layout has been exhibited before, not every fine scale enthusiast will have seen it. Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 So is your criterion just a headcount of layouts? Typically Scaleforum has 10 or 11, but some of those listed are pretty substantial in size. Or would you prefer 25 boxfiles? I have missed Scaleforum in the past 2 years as it has coincided with me being away. It must have gone downhill a bit. As I remember the main hall having many layouts and also quite a number upstairs on the demonstration floor. It should be about having a balance of large and small. Perhaps as I have already seen a number of the layouts listed the list seems "thin" - though I am always happy to look again at good layouts - and that includes small ones - even if they are in boxfiles. To me it is all about a high standard of modelling and not about P4 standards. I have to admit that trade is the big puller to the show for me despite not being a follower of the P4 religion, the gathering of trade (like EM Bracknell show and Railex Aylesbury) is what makes it distinctive and a must attend when physically possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 I have missed Scaleforum in the past 2 years as it has coincided with me being away. It must have gone downhill a bit. Considering you have missed the last two, and the next one hasn't happened yet, that is a priceless piece of flawed logic. As I remember the main hall having many layouts and also quite a number upstairs on the demonstration floor. It should be about having a balance of large and small. As I said previously, the normal number of layouts at Scaleforum was always 10 or 11. This year there are 9 including Clutton (large), Maindee Engine shed (large) and Birmingham New Street (huge). Catastrophe! There has also been a change of management team (starting with last year) and they're trying a few new things after 20-odd years of the same format. Obviously this must be a recipe for decline in your view. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crichel Down Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 Scaleforum is not, and has never been intended to be, a model railway exhibition. It is a meeting for all those interested in fine-scale 4mm scale modelling (and in particular P4). There is a lot more to Scaleforum than the layouts. They are only part of the show, and are simply there to demonstrate P4 in action. I have attended every Scaleforum since they began way back in the 1970s, and have always gained a lot from talking to exhibitors and demonstrators, from attending the lectures and in general conversation with fellow model-makers. That is really what Scaleforum is all about, and it does not really make sense to compare it with a model railway exhibiiton. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigwelsh Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 I have to admit that trade is the big puller to the show for me despite not being a follower of the P4 religion, the gathering of trade (like EM Bracknell show and Railex Aylesbury) is what makes it distinctive and a must attend when physically possible. Calling it that is a pretty stupid turn of phrase in a post filled with crap tbh. Until David started doing the bigger version of Railex in Aylesbury the scale society shows were the only place to see lots of the specialist traders. Some of the smallest sellers still only do the Scalefour shows and its still why I attend as well as the reasons Crichel Down has mentioned. If people want quantity over quality they can go to Warley and Wigan really who both advertise on numbers.. There are less P4 layouts as mentioned so it is going to be more difficult rotating them but hopefully some more will be arriving on the scene in time though inevitably they take a bit longer to build too.. The leisure centre has now finished its transformation I believe and the new bits last year looked excellent. Terry and his new team organising the show did an excellent job last year and im sure this one will be just as good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tudor Rose Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Scaleforum has had 10or 11 layouts for years because financially that was a sensible and prudent number. The figures was skewed since 2005 because of the 2 challenges that added large numbers of layouts and also the final year of the old team when they invited a few more than normal to include as many York Trophy winners as possible. But sensibly the current team have gone back to normal numbers. The traders, demos, lectures and workshops over the years have added nicely to the mix. I would disagree that the format hadn't changed for 20 years because it was always evolving and has continued to do so. It is a show not to be missed in my opinion Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim V Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Look at that list again, Ellerton Rd counts as a layout so that makes ten. It though goes to prove that you can only please some of the people some of the time. You can never please all of the people all of the time. If Kenton chooses not to attend, because it has so few layouts (though I would disagree) then that is his choice. Attend Warley where there are a great many layouts. I go but I know I'll probably only look at a tenth (in my opinion). Still doesn't mean I don't want to go, as Crichel Down says, there is more to any show than the layouts. It's a broad church. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 If Kenton chooses not to attend, because it has so few layouts (though I would disagree) then that is his choice. Much misread as usual. I never suggested that I would not be attending - in fact just the opposite as stated it is the quality of trade that is the incentive. I'm afraid I find much of the demos a bit dull - not being particularly into P4, that should be no surprise (and I am not knocking the demonstrators who give up their time and experience to help others) The shows I do not attend are the ones like Warley - over hyped and a drain on the other shows at that time of year. As I often say I am interested in the quality of modelling and couldn't care less about the gauge the model is presented in - even more so when that issue of gauge is used to denigrate other quality models. For some reason you get that at Scaleforum more than anywhere else ... perhaps that is because of a certain selectivity in the congregation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Much misread as usual. I don't think so couldn't care less about the gauge the model is presented in - even more so when that issue of gauge is used to denigrate other quality models. For some reason you get that at Scaleforum more than anywhere else ... perhaps that is because of a certain selectivity in the congregation. Here we go again, that old chestnut - perhaps you could be specific about these 'denigrations' because it's not something I recognise as being a significant factor since the 70s, and certainly not in recent years - but I forget you haven't been for the last 2 years have you? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigwelsh Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I could ask the obvious question.....If its not an "exhibition" why is it in the "Exhibtions" section ? Its not really a non-modelling event either though so i'd be a bit stuck if it wasn't under exhibition. At some events the layouts are seen as the focus, at the society meets i'd generally class them as ancillary talking points to give ideas and discuss while shopping/learning. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jim s-w Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Much misread as usual. Perhaps if you find it 'usual' that you are misread you need to address your own communication problems. After all if everyone misunderstands you then there is one very obvious common factor. But having said that its easy to blame everyone else isn't it? Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jim s-w Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 As I said previously, the normal number of layouts at Scaleforum was always 10 or 11. This year there are 9 including Clutton (large), Maindee Engine shed (large) and Birmingham New Street (huge). Catastrophe! There has also been a change of management team (starting with last year) and they're trying a few new things after 20-odd years of the same format. Obviously this must be a recipe for decline in your view. Just to clarify new street is presented as a work in progress demonstration and only 22 feet of it will be on display. If anyone had any p4 locos (they must be dcc fitted) they would like to bring for a play they will be more than welcome. Cheers Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
R A Watson Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I have neve been to Scaleforum before but am attending this time. Must admit I only joined the Society for the materials/ goods/ideas and have been pleased with my gains so far, especially the 21mm track gauges which will be used on a 7mm scale layout! You can only get from any organisation what you seek, but need to explore all avenues to find what is available. Surely thats why we are all on here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Just to clarify new street is presented as a work in progress demonstration and only 22 feet of it will be on display. If anyone had any p4 locos (they must be dcc fitted) they would like to bring for a play they will be more than welcome. Either way it's good to see progress on some more really big P4 layouts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flymo748 Posted August 24, 2011 Author Share Posted August 24, 2011 And as a late announcement, we are very pleased to announce that we have added to the list of layouts by including "Elcot Road" by Simon and Terry Bendall. For those of you that may not be readers of RailExpress, this is a project layout that is being built and written up as a series of 24 episodes in the magazine. It is based on a fictional third-rail terminal in South London, set during the 1980s-90s period. As the subject of a magazine series, it is shown as "work in progress" and the project has recently entered the tracklaying stage. It will be found by the Colin Crag stand, whose track components have been widely used. Paul Willis Scalefour Society Marketing Manager Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebottle Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 I have neve been to Scaleforum before but am attending this time. Must admit I only joined the Society for the materials/ goods/ideas and have been pleased with my gains so far, especially the 21mm track gauges which will be used on a 7mm scale layout! You can only get from any organisation what you seek, but need to explore all avenues to find what is available. Surely thats why we are all on here. I'm sure that the exhibition won't disappoint you! I'm sticking with 00 but usually attend this show because, besides the quality of the layouts on display, I enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Edit: deleted bit that crept in from another intended post. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Nevard Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 I'm sure that the exhibition won't disappoint you! I'm sticking with 00 but usually attend this show because, besides the quality of the layouts on display, I enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Hope it doesn't rain this year, though - the walk along the canal towpath from Huddersfield station is part of a grand day out for me! Bingo, it's a nice show with a good social element and the bonus of being only 20 mins away. Probably a Sunday pm jobby for me. I'm guessing that the South Devon P4 massive will be there in force as in previous years? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 I'm guessing that the South Devon P4 massive will be there in force as in previous years? Three of us (Tim, John and me) will be demonstrating on the 'Modelling BR (Southern)' upstairs - with 'the viaduct' as a work in progress; and one of the new Eridge boards will be there with a couple of the guys from KAG. Hope to see you on the Sunday then Chris! No doubt as ever DRAG will also be there en masse. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Might have to give this a miss - have been booked the same weekend as official photographer at a colleague's wedding Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crichel Down Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Further to previous exchanges, I have now had a chance to look through the layout line-up in S4 News, and it seems to me that it is a very interesting collection of layouts this year. As I said before, Scaleforum is not all about layouts - they are just one element in an always excellent and inspirational event (even if you work in some other scale or gauge), but the layouts this year promise to be well up to the usual high standards. They are varied in size and format and should provide both entertainment and ideas if you take the time to look at them, and talk to their builders and operators. When you throw in all the other elements, Scaleforum is an event not to be missed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigwelsh Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Bingo, it's a nice show with a good social element and the bonus of being only 20 mins away. Probably a Sunday pm jobby for me. I'm guessing that the South Devon P4 massive will be there in force as in previous years? But will you have a furtive presence in the car park this year offering a chance to see your narrow gauge . I see from the Snooze that the loco hiding in the bushes round the back of the leisure centre has now moved on. I only discovered it was there 2 years ago when the temporary entrance around the back was required! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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