hoovernut Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Evening all. I have just been invited to bresingham to show my layout "Kingswood Yard" and was wondering if there was one piece of advice you could give me what would it be. As i mentioned this will be my first time showing my layout. Thanks Mick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve1 Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 If you're limiting it to one piece of advice: Take a length of carpet to stand on behind the layout. Your feet will be glad of it! steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted August 19, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 19, 2013 Make a list of everything you need and see it will all fit in your car...! Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maunsel Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 As a punter rather than an exhibitor/exhibitionist I'd say keep something running as much as possible. Unless of course you're chatting to your audience. Eric Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merc435 Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 DO a trial run first, even if you don't do a full set up. Say a church hall or a mates garage. A test run will tell you what you need to take with you and what you don't need. It'll also test your vehicle loading plan, unloading plan, set up plan, stock selection and the like. Andy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornbyandbf3fan Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Don't listen to any unconstructive criticism and don't do something that might go wrong in front of a lot of people like I did. (I know it's 2 pieces ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Take a spare controller with you just in case yours packs up on the day. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold DaveyH Posted August 19, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 19, 2013 Be nice to people with cameras Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinWales Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Wear a checked shirt........ Silly me-just check everything twice and check again-you'll glad of it when you're there and not asking to borrow something! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calnefoxile Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Don't forget the most important piece of equipment you'll need: the tea mugs...... Probably the best piece of advice you'll get Regards Neal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoovernut Posted August 19, 2013 Author Share Posted August 19, 2013 Many thanks for the advice so far guys. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixteen 12by 10s Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 already mentioned is the carpet, but i would go one better, fit reliable autocouplers, and then get a high folding bar stool, sit down and relax! Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 A stool is good, being on your feet all day can take its toll, clean track, reliable rolling stock, and a sense of humour. most of all enjoy it. Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Remember that things only ever go wrong on model railway layouts in front of an audience.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Don't bother taking a stool, you won't have enough time to sit on it since you will be too busy operating and chatting. Use the space saved to take a few spares and every tool that you used during the construction of the layout. A gas soldering iron is jolly handy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmsforever Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Yes sit down as much as possible or else you will need at least a couple of days to get over it all ,make the day a fun one and talk to the punters.Be prepared for daft questions and take a comprehensive tool kit you will need it.Food is also a requirement pies are a good bet especaly Cornish ones! But you will enjoy yourself especialy if you have a movement diagram you can flip over that will stop many daft questions and let get things right and at the end of the day run a Thomas train for a laugh and then go and have a pint!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Hi, I also have a small (8 inch) fan under the layout as this time of year it gets very sweaty. Tip 2, Track Magic, or similar. Tip 3, Camera to record the event for prosperity. Tip 4, Backup Operators, that know what they are doing, you will need a break. Tip 5, Don't moan about anything, to the operators, the organisers, or Joe Public. Tip 6, Talk to as many people as you can, especially those with Ankle Bitters. Tip 7, Get up early and allow for delays on the road. Tip 8 Be ready half hour before the show opens. Tip 9, Re check the car, and its contents against a check list before you set off. Tip 10, Re check your area before setting off home to ensure you have everyting. AND FINALLY, seek out the organisers at the end of the day and THANK THEM WITH A GOOD HAND SHAKE. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 2ManySpams Posted August 19, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 19, 2013 Bottle opener? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack00 Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 HP sauce? And bottled water...dont dehydrate. Jack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 2ManySpams Posted August 19, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 19, 2013 And bottled water...dont dehydrate. Definitely agree with this one. Aldi do 12 small bottles for about £2.50 and they are idea to have around at shows. Lots of halls are hot and dry and a lack of water drinking gives you headaches and loss of concentration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Clive Mortimore Posted August 19, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 19, 2013 DO a trial run first, even if you don't do a full set up. Say a church hall or a mates garage. A test run will tell you what you need to take with you and what you don't need. It'll also test your vehicle loading plan, unloading plan, set up plan, stock selection and the like. Andy. Do as Andy has suggested with your operating crew. This so you all know what you are doing. Two things I have found, one is feeling like a spare **** at a wedding when trying to help a mate with his train set. He knows what he is doing when setting up and taking down but no one else does. The other is having someone on your crew who thinks he knows how your layout, stock and transport should be packed, they tend not to be reinvited again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
37255 Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Spend a day before you go cleaning the wheels on every bit of stock you plan to operate, then dedicate some time to track cleaning when you're there. It's dull, but it's worth it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 I have done a few show's and all i can say is well done every one and there is a couple of points that i had not thought about the water and fan but most of all have fun one of the best bits of the hobby kev Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgiesimon Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 Top piece of advice from me - clean clean clean - track, wheels pickups etc. The cleaner it all is, the more likely you will get a show full of decent running. Oh just thought, the most important piece of advice I can give is to enjoy it, exhibiting is a bug, once bitten, you will be searching for your next!!! Best wishes Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MrSimon Posted August 20, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 20, 2013 I would recommend having a pack of wetwipes and a pack of hankies/some kitchen roll with you. Unless your layout is completely hands-free you're going to need to touch the stock throughout the day, and with lunch and biscuits and shaking peoples hands etc you're going to end up with greasy fingers, which will be transferred to your stock - so keep cleaning your fingers with the wetwipes. And hankies/roll to wipe up spills etc. Good luck! Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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