York MRS 2013

[Iain Popplewell]

 

The train pulls out of Leeds station and I am on my way to the York exhibition.Across the gangway from me sits an earnest looking bloke with a red notebook, as we pass Neville Hill he frantically scribbles down his numbers.Trainspotter. I'd seen him earlier on Leeds station and he'd got me musing on this thread.

 

I look around my carriage who else might be going to the exhibition?Across from me sits a young guy, even if I hadn't seen him snapping photo's at Leeds I'de have got him down as a definite.He obsessivly fiddles about with his camera all the way to York.That guy with the 1980 aviator glasses yep a definite if I ever saw one.Two older guys sitting in front of me, probably are, just from their demographic mid fifties/late sixties.

 

I dismiss a young couple with two young kids sitting on the table opposite.But then he gives the game away by asking his kids if there excited to be going to see the model trains.A Red Shed running light flashes past us as we reach the mainline and the kids almost spring from their parents laps in excitement and I wonder why he even bothered to ask the question.

 

I'm getting into this spot the train modeller thing now.There's a guy further down, a possible ,nothing definite,but there's something about his hair and thick glasses.A 125 Set passes us just before York and I'm forced to smile when the older kid ,who's not much more than six, says two words "Grand Central".

 

As we're about to enter York the guard examines my ticket,looks me straight in the eye and with total confidence says "You're of to the exhibition ar'nt you.I'm going tomorrow."How did he know?I bet even if I'd swapped my favorite 51B.Built in 1958 T-shirt for something a little bit cleaner or even bought some new jeans that didn't smell of stale urine he'd have still known.

 

Why improve the image of the hobby,it's always been this way.I like it.

 

Dearest 51625 I thought you might be interested to read my earlier post on the A more attractive image for railway modelling thread.

 

Sorry about the T-shirt and jeans.It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.

 

A little disapointed with this one, why have 2 people selling tickets when they could only sell to one person at at time, but have 3 people checking tickets immediately behind them to stop you getting in without paying, when its clear that you have a ticket, not the best, result was a queue of 40-50 people.

 

A lot of layouts were not doing anything, some very good examples but numerous with little or no activity, trade wise, do traders expect people to carry massive amounts of cash these days, why, chip and pin is the way, move into the 21st century, that includes the guys selling entry tickets.

 

Lots of people with a body odour problem, lacking personal hygene and do the hobby no favours at all, and make the atmosphere unpleasant for the remainder.

 

Think i will give it a miss next year.

 

[hmrspaul]

Steve

 

You were unlucky in that respect, we were on the second floor mezzanine with a large air-conditioning outlet right above the layout, and I wore a scarf for operating throughout my time at the show, as otherwise I would have been as cold as outside! That is not a complaint, it's just as bad in an air-conditioned coffee-shop I sometimes visit.

 

I'm also sorry to say that I think yours was the second layout I managed to miss completely on my short forays around the show.

I find it interestng that so many think this is a good venue. Ok, I'll agree that it has many good features compared to sports halls, especially when parts of them remain in use for their proper purpose.

 

However, this does highlight a serious problem. It was 4deg C outside for much of the time - early and late lower. However, with solar gain there were parts which were getting uncomfortably hot - and other more normal weather years this is more of a problem. There has been much discussion of where Bramblewich was put, but should it have been at the front - wonderful for natural light viewing - but it can be quite a problem for making track etc very unstable! Andy Crawshaw mentioned one layout that had gauge widening problems on Saturday. Opening the doors onto the racecourse side ties stewards down to watching these, instead of being more generally present in the halls.

 

On the obverse, the lighting of some areas is poor. I know many of you believe that all layouts should be finished to an exhibition standard with their own lighting towers etc. However, my understanding of this show is that some nice layouts are shown which are more normally home based and don't have these extra luxuries.

[charliepetty]

No.  The point I was trying to make was York is 'Good Value' as it supports the hobby & local clubs, supports small specialist traders, gives a balance to all scales. Malc has a tricky job, by getting one large 'Box Shifter' into York won't get you 'Give away prices', you would need 2 or 3 large box shifters with at least 72 feet of stand between them. Now who would drop from the specialist stands?  Personally speaking you can go to loads of shows with wall to wall box shifters, I like York for its 'Modelling Retailers', people have to get there bits from somewhere in the North of England.  York is that place!!

Are you referring to the Warners shows with your comment?

[Butler Henderson]

The general layout of trade and layouts has been relatively unchanged at York for some time.Maybe its time for the organising committee to consider carefully the parts that are temperature wise likey to affect a layout. Putting layouts on the gallery shows that that is something they have not done to date.

[PLD]

The general layout of trade and layouts has been relatively unchanged at York for some time.Maybe its time for the organising committee to consider carefully the parts that are temperature wise likey to affect a layout. Putting layouts on the gallery shows that that is something they have not done to date.

 

This was the first year for a new man in the hot seat - (last years had mainly been planned by Mike Cook before his untimely departure)

 

While I wouldn't want York to move too far away from the style and spirit of Mike's shows, I'm sure there will be a few refinements made in future years - I'd give them a chance. IF nothing at all is changed in a couple of years, then such comments would be entirely justified...

[Nicktuk159]

I found parts of the building excessively hot - Baz Ward and I were exhibiting in a sort of 'air lock' which became incredibly warm causing all sorts of strange problems with the layouts, possibly the air-con system could be adjusted next year?

 

I traded in that 'airlock' during the heatwave that was 2011 Show ... and wore a vest and extra jumper to cope with the air-con system in 2013

[silverlink]

No.  The point I was trying to make was York is 'Good Value' as it supports the hobby & local clubs, supports small specialist traders, gives a balance to all scales. Malc has a tricky job, by getting one large 'Box Shifter' into York won't get you 'Give away prices', you would need 2 or 3 large box shifters with at least 72 feet of stand between them. Now who would drop from the specialist stands?  Personally speaking you can go to loads of shows with wall to wall box shifters, I like York for its 'Modelling Retailers', people have to get there bits from somewhere in the North of England.  York is that place!!

Did you visit Doncaster this year?

I did and found most of the 'specialist' stands that were at York were also at Doncaster + the 'box Shifters' in fact I would go as far as to say there were probably more 'specialists' at Doncaster. Please don't think I'm knocking York I'm not, it was a great show as was Doncaster with both having plenty to offer. One stand that was at Doncaster but not at York was Marcway where I spent quite a long time talking track & points with the very helpful & enthusiastic proprietor.

[James]

I went to both and York had the better atmosphere - York's much more laid back and feels far less commercial than Doncaster. There's a place for both but York definately has the edge.

[montacute]

As an exhibitor I must say that I was disappoinrted as my layout failed- Albion Quarry. This must also have been disappointing to those  who came - my apologies. There was total failure of the "mainline" section of the layout. A major short circuit that, in spite a of a day above  and below the layout, we were unable to  discover. All the usual checks plus some! The layout went from "Working" on Saturday up to the end of the day to overnight "Not working" for Sunday. No clues that  all was not well. I WILL find it!

Nevertheless I hope you  enjoyed the the scene.

This was  perhaps doubly disappointing as the layout was being exhibited for the last time by me, perhaps new  ownership, perhaps  broken up. Time will tell.

There is a replacemnt in the pipeline,  mostly a kit of bits at this time. Hopefully York will see its premiere.

Bob

[clecklewyke]

As an exhibitor I must say that I was disappoinrted as my layout failed- Albion Quarry. This must also have been disappointing to those  who came - my apologies. There was total failure of the "mainline" section of the layout. A major short circuit that, in spite a of a day above  and below the layout, we were unable to  discover. All the usual checks plus some! The layout went from "Working" on Saturday up to the end of the day to overnight "Not working" for Sunday. No clues that  all was not well. I WILL find it!

Nevertheless I hope you  enjoyed the the scene.

This was  perhaps doubly disappointing as the layout was being exhibited for the last time by me, perhaps new  ownership, perhaps  broken up. Time will tell.

There is a replacemnt in the pipeline,  mostly a kit of bits at this time. Hopefully York will see its premiere.

Bob

I can sympathise - something like this, completely unforeseen and out of one's control,  has happened to most exhibitors some time or another. In my case it was track buckling due to heat. which meant that just about every train derailed at one, very inaccessible spot.

 

Nevertheless, there was plenty to see on your layout and I enjoyed looking at it. You obviously know your subject very well and it was excellently portrayed.

 

Ian

[Mallard60022]

Any chance of some more pics as I'm a bit tired of the protracted goings on about York?

Can't we just agree that all shows are different? Many of us might agree that York is a superb show and if someone does not like it, go somewhere else.

Quack

[woodenhead]

The forum rules for exhibition threads are:

1. Before the exhibition only comments about being excited allowed

2. During the exhibition comments should be limited to what's in Bachmann's case and what your favourite layout was. Pictures have to be limited to low res mobile phone shots at strange angles.

3. After the exhibition comments should focus on the entry price, the cost of guides, the lack of a particular type of trader, too much RTR, not enough RTR, too commercial, not enough trains running, rucksacks, personal hygiene, inconsiderate visitors and car parking. Congratulating the exhibition team is allowed as long as there is a 'but' in the sentence followed by one of the allowed topics. Pictures are frowned upon as they detract from the allowed topics.

 

[jwealleans]

In accordance with the above rules, my photos of Bramblewick can be found in that layout's thread, not the show one.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed it but I got a mild rebuke later for spending "all day talking". Remind me why else we go to shows?

[newbryford]

Any chance of some more pics

 

Photos taken by visitors of Blackmill at York in layout topic.

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/47272-blackmill/page-5&do=findComment&comment=1001200

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/47272-blackmill/page-5&do=findComment&comment=1001399

 

Cheers,

Mick

p.s. Good to have a quick chat with the duck!

[t-b-g]

It makes me wonder how we all managed to get all our little niggles off our collective chests before RMWeb.

 

Is York a perfect venue? No. Is it the best available? Yes (unless anybody knows better). Is there any chance in the show being moved to another venue? Not as far as I can see. Does moaning about it change anything? No but it makes us feel better and so we will do it anyway.

 

It is, sadly, the down side of an internet forum. It gives those of us who like to whinge and moan an easy outlet to make our gripes public. As I am doing now............. 

[James]

 

It makes me wonder how we all managed to get all our little niggles off our collective chests before RMWeb.

I'd just tell anyone who listened!

[Mallard60022]

Quack Mick - think I enjoyed the 'yellow stuff' as it reminds me of ducklings........

I'm not a very modern duck but I did like most of your stock and loks; especially liked that drag and the ballast (was it?)  

Caroline was really beautiful and I hope she behaved herself?

Good to waddle round the back for a view too, thanks.

Also ta for photo links. Note that loads of young uns looking on. They could be inspired to go on to create their own 'Blackmill'

Also thanks for the Brablewicks JW - excellent.

Quack

[Guest Bob S]

Are you referring to the Warners shows with your comment?

 

An interesting post that is! Why would it matter whos shows he's thinking about.

[waggy]

Did you visit Doncaster this year?

I did and found most of the 'specialist' stands that were at York were also at Doncaster + the 'box Shifters' in fact I would go as far as to say there were probably more 'specialists' at Doncaster. Please don't think I'm knocking York I'm not, it was a great show as was Doncaster with both having plenty to offer. One stand that was at Doncaster but not at York was Marcway where I spent quite a long time talking track & points with the very helpful & enthusiastic proprietor.

 

Yes Marcway were there on the saturday but not the sunday when i was there, i wanted some track from them. No idea why they didn't do sunday, nothing on here unless i've missed it.

[silverlink]

An interesting post that is! Why would it matter whos shows he's thinking about.

My question to the OP was to find out which 'commercial' show he was referring to, the only ones I know of are the Warners shows at Doncaster, Peterborough & Alexandra Palace. As I have visited Doncaster & Peterborough both as a visitor & exhibitor on more than one occasion I have found the shows really well organised with a great depth of modelling present as well as a great trade presence and without doubt good value for money. For us up north in Yorkshire York & Doncaster are the big two shows well worth the entrance fee & travelling to. I'm not saying one is better than the other, they all take place at different times of the year so don't clash with each other. Another plus is it gives me time to save up for my next purchase!!!   

[Jol Wilkinson]

 For us up north in Yorkshire York & Doncaster are the big two shows well worth the entrance fee & travelling to.

And for the 4mm modeller "up north", Scalefour North and expoEM North should also be on that list.

[newbryford]

And for the 4mm modeller "up north", Scalefour North and expoEM North should also be on that list.

 

Just because S4 and EM are 4mm scales shouldn't stop non-4mm modellers from going! (Although the trade will be 4mm biased) Good modelling is good modelling, whatever the scale, gauge, era.

 

Cheers,

Mick

[MartinWales]

A little disapointed with this one, why have 2 people selling tickets when they could only sell to one person at at time, but have 3 people checking tickets immediately behind them to stop you getting in without paying, when its clear that you have a ticket, not the best, result was a queue of 40-50 people.

Think i will give it a miss next year.

Don't remember many queues of 40/50 people as I was manning the front entrance AFIAK everything was kept moving once the doors opened. Plus one or two slipped their mates an unused ticket to avoid paying on the first day.

 

Of course you could always buy an advance ticket for next year!  

[steve1]

One thing I would like to thank the organisers for is the rather splendid exhibtor's plaque. A large and solid piece of brass makes an impressive show on one's layout.

 

I like being given a plaque for attending a show, it's a pleasant reminder of previous outings.

 

Many thanks York!

 

steve

[James]

And for the 4mm modeller "up north", Scalefour North and expoEM North should also be on that list.

Scalefour North has, i think, one of the nicest atmospheres of any exhibtion too - wonderfully laid back and relaxed