PeteScR Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 What a load of poppycock!!! The Warner's shows are no different to any other shows other than possibly been bigger. Yes there are others that are as big or bigger but the Warner's offer good value for money and a wide variety of layouts and traders. Perhaps Pete could enlighten us and tell us which specialist traders where missing compared with other shows we all visit? Ian I could list a good number of small quality traders that supply the lifeblood of the true modelling fraternity, but I guess that, going by your response, you will never have heard of them anyway. All you need to do is attend a few quality exhibitions, and if you don't know what they are by now then maybe you are not looking hard enough. If you are content with exhibitions that fill the majority of their trader space with RTR and "pre loved" items then fine. Thanks for your comments of support Dave, and as you know the DEMU shows we organised didn't happen by accident. We asked modellers what they wanted to appear at the event, and made special provision to accommodate the smaller traders and only had 1, possibly 2 max box shifters, a tradition that continues to this day. Pete Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 A big thank you from me to the participants in the theatre over the course of the weekend; John Waite of Telford MRG, Dennis Lovett (a reality check for the hobby as it is now), Simon Kohler (still flying the flag), Ben Jones, Charlie Petty (that was brave but fun!), Richard and William from the OO Live Steam club, Graham Muspratt (he mentioned GWR once but I think he got away with it) and by no means least Tony Wright who was hugely entertaining (even soliciting a request from one layout owner to turn the sound up so they could hear him from the layout). Thank you to everyone who took time to attend the theatre sessions some of which were very well attended and to all visitors to the show from me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverlink Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Sorry Pete, What do I know about model railway exhibitions after all I've only been involved with organising them since 1979. I've also had the pleasure of both exhibiting layouts and demonstrating model detailing at many shows. As for the 'small quality suppliers of the lifeblood of the modelling fraternity' perhaps I haven't heard of them but I'd like to bet I have. I've attended the Warner's shows at both Doncaster and Peterborough both with my exhibition layout and as a 'specialist' and found the organisers both helpful and professional. As I live in the North of England I have to confess I have attended very few shows in the south of England but have visited many in the north. Most have the usual 'box shifters' and but a few 'specialist traders' the only show I've found that has a good selection of specialists is Warley. You will never find a show that has everything and with this in mind I find the Warner's shows no different to any other (Warley excepted) Now that we have the internet at our finger tips our 'specialist model railway parts' are only an email away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Cram Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Expo Em, Railex and Scaleforum have mainly specialist traders and usually I can find all my requirements at any of these shows. I do not buy RTR so that is of no interest and as a consequence neither are the Warners exhibitions which tend to cater for mainly RTR. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 A big thank you from me to the participants in the theatre over the course of the weekend; John Waite of Telford MRG, Dennis Lovett (a reality check for the hobby as it is now), Simon Kohler (still flying the flag), Ben Jones, Charlie Petty (that was brave but fun!), Richard and William from the OO Live Steam club, Graham Muspratt (he mentioned GWR once but I think he got away with it) and by no means least Tony Wright who was hugely entertaining (even soliciting a request from one layout owner to turn the sound up so they could hear him from the layout). Thank you to everyone who took time to attend the theatre sessions some of which were very well attended and to all visitors to the show from me. Many thanks Andy, May I also thank all the organising staff at Warners/BRM for being so professional and helpful? I can say that now as an 'independent' without being accused of bias I hope. I've mentioned it on Write Writes, but may I thank all those who attended my talks for the thought-provoking questions, comments and for the enthusiastic applause at the end? Perhaps it's because I'd finally finished my ramblings! Many thanks, too, to all those who I spoke to generally (whilst operating Edgeworth - I never thought I'd be saying that!), but it's so good to be back chatting to so many good old friends. Though the fact might also appear on the appropriate thread, show visitors may like to know that the Dave Shakespeare diorama was sold (for £250.00), and the new owner will cherish it completely and make sure that irrepressible Shaky spirit will live on, incorporated into a new layout. Julie, Dave's widow, was present, selling the final books - so well done to her and to her grandson Josh for swelling the pot for cancer research. Gilbert Barnatt was also present for a time, and he deserves the greatest praise for his marvellous and efficient efforts in selling off Dave's model railway equipment, ensuring it goes to good and caring new homes. I wonder how many folk realise how much time he's put in. All in all, I believe well over £5,000 has been raised towards beating the awful illness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Write Writes, Tut tut. That gets you back for picking me up on my 'yam yam', "He was sat on the wall". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Tut tut. That gets you back for picking me up on my 'yam yam', "He was sat on the wall". Well done York! You've spotted the deliberate mistake. Award yourself a gold star! My God, after 68 years, I've forgotten how to spell my own name! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteScR Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Sorry Pete, What do I know about model railway exhibitions after all I've only been involved with organising them since 1979. I've also had the pleasure of both exhibiting layouts and demonstrating model detailing at many shows. As for the 'small quality suppliers of the lifeblood of the modelling fraternity' perhaps I haven't heard of them but I'd like to bet I have. I've attended the Warner's shows at both Doncaster and Peterborough both with my exhibition layout and as a 'specialist' and found the organisers both helpful and professional. As I live in the North of England I have to confess I have attended very few shows in the south of England but have visited many in the north. Most have the usual 'box shifters' and but a few 'specialist traders' the only show I've found that has a good selection of specialists is Warley. You will never find a show that has everything and with this in mind I find the Warner's shows no different to any other (Warley excepted) Now that we have the internet at our finger tips our 'specialist model railway parts' are only an email away. Ah well so long as the masses turn out for the RTR shows the magazines will keep churning out opportunities for the big traders to sell their wares and the smaller guys wont get the opportunity to get their designs and products to market due to the overhead costs of attending and the lack of modellers who support these events as opposed to out the box modellers. If you enjoyed the weekend, then good for you, I am sure many did but how many even fitted a screw link or pipes to that loco they bought, or changed a number? The hobby should be all about interaction with suppliers and bouncing ideas around, so that we get the parts we need and they make a few bob. The internet is a convenience, not a solution. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandyman Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Well I had a really enjoyable couple of days. My agenda was not only to visit a show from the other side of the barriers, but also re-invigorate my modelling for over the winter months. Also get some ideas for the future of where I want to go! So the first day was taken up by a tour of the exhibition (plus trips to the bar for consultation of the showguide) The mix of layouts was good and all scales seemed to be catered for, with the exception possibly of the larger above O gauge scales (oh and TT and T). Boggarts Leap the 009 layout I found particularly fascinating as it is at the other end of the size scale compared to “Cliffhanger” but it is the same size of layout I saw forty odd years ago that got me interested in 009 in the first place. Karolina Falls the On30 layout with its working waterfall also took my interest, well narrow gauge with a waterfall just has to be a “must see” for me. There were many other noteworthy layouts, none of which failed to impress me in one way or another. I also managed to attend the theatre to see the “00 live steam system” talk which was a very informative description of how the Hornby system was initiated and works. Then Tony Wright who discussed “The Changing Hobby” and I think he just about hit the nail fair and squarely on the head. It was probably the best attended and deservedly so, I won’t divulge what he said because you had to be there but I totally agree with all of what he said. This talk (discussion) probably ticked off the box for motivation for the future. That night I stayed in a hotel and happened after dinner next door to find myself with Andy Y and Ian talking over various subjects (none of which I can now remember) In the morning of course I again pledged never a drop of alcohol will pass my lips, Well that lasted until I got home. Sunday (and another £10.00 later) That is my one grip of the weekend really. Why is there not a weekend ticket available? I would take it a step further actually and say that if a yearly pass for all “Warners” exhibitions was available in December for say £60.00 I would probably go to at least three and it’s money up front. Anyway by now the guy’s on the door were beginning to remember me and the stamping of the hand was done on first entry for my numerous smoke breaks. Another tour was made and then I took my seat down the front of the theatre for the sessions I had missed the day before. The talk from “The Stokesay Team” was informative on how to plan a layout build. The Q & A sessions with Dennis Lovett (Bachmann) and Simon Kohler (Hornby) by Andy were both informative and enlightening. THEN the session with Ben, well I was there, Unfortunately he wasn’t , Andy carried the day again though and we both went for a smoke. This also gave me a chance to look at the Stokesay layout with a better understanding of what they are trying to achieve and I have to say it’s all looking good and (excuse the pun) on track. Back to the theatre and Graham Muspratt’s Q & A with Andy about his history, layout and Southern Grouping models was brilliant. Then the renowned Charley Petty, well if he wasn’t before he is now. Suitably late and a natural gift for the sublime it was a very entertaining background into the pitfalls and success of bringing products to market, I did however feel a bit sorry for him when in the Q&A session he was put on the spot about replication by main manufactures, but I was impressed by his handling of the situation. So having seen all the presentations at the theatre (bar one Ben) I decided on one last tour and head home. On the whole I had a marvellous time, my thanks to Andy and Ian for a great night out and to Tony for the kick up the ass I needed to go forward. Jeff Oh and the other thing I have to do is get a new camera. All photos taken were over exposed which with a digital camera is hard even for me to get wrong! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 I did however feel a bit sorry for him when in the Q&A session he was put on the spot about replication by main manufactures, but I was impressed by his handling of the situation. Yes; Charlie deserved a gold star for keeping his cool at that moment! The question had nothing to do with the presentation and exploration of the substance behind the question revealed an empty void. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandyman Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Sorry but aren't all void's empty (by definition) I think the problem was the title of the interview "Developing Products" which maybe in hindsight was a little vague. But I agree Charlie handled what could have been a fractious situation very cleverly Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisf Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 I found the show more enjoyable than last year. Little things like shopping and gossiping meant that I did not catch as many theatre presentations as I might but from what I saw of Charlie Petty I foresee a career in stand-up if sales of his 143s do not meet expectations. It was heartening that more bods were listening to TW than there were seats and his words were wise. As always, some layouts appealed more than others and there were some little touches that made all the difference. The signal box on Rumbling Bridge, for instance, was well observed: one does not often see modelled a box placed on the top of a cutting with the rodding going down to track level via a framework [there must be a better word than that!], reminding me of a long-gone box on the Vale of Glamorgan. On Ackthorpe, always worth more than a passing glance, I spotted a five coach train of Gresleys in three different liveries and with connected gangways. This is a job that improves the appearance so much but that very few purchasers or builders can be bothered to do. In its simplest form it can be accomplished with a couple of bits of plastic and some paper. My shopping turned out to comprise mostly books. One in particular has been out of print since before I realised that it would be good to have and I only paid £10 for it! The show guide was an improvement over the table cloth format of bygone days. Not entirely to my surprise there was a discrepancy in the floor plan comprising a reference to a real ale bar which turned out to be another tea point. At least the tea was "only" £1.50 and if John Smiths was on sale elsewhere in the complex then I missed nothing. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Revolution Ben Posted October 20, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 20, 2014 Hello all, Thanks to the organisers for putting on another very enjoyable show. Unfortunately, I was only able to get there for a couple of hours and after spending time at all of the layouts did not manage to see any of the live presentations, which is a shame. I thought there was a decent balance of traders, and I was able to pick up several "harder to get" items - I get the impression that a concerted effort was made to invite a greater variety to this show than, perhaps, others in recent years. As a predominantly N Gauge enthusiast, I enjoyed watching seeing the Stokesay project and I liked the visible notes showing the operating sequence - it gave very helpful background with setting the scene. At another N Gauge layout though I approached alone, there were three operators chatting to each other (but otherwise doing nothing) and although I enjoyed looking at the scenics I was pretty disappointed that at no point did anything move. I probably stood there 2-3 minutes and there was a DMU in the platform. It never pulled away. And on another layout, I heard a little boy asking his Dad why there weren't any trains moving. A small (relatively) O gauge MPD layout with only 4 sidings on the other hand was very entertaining as it seemed there was something happening all the time. I genuinely think that *if* you choose to accept an invitation to exhibit a layout, unless it's done as a static display then when people are watching you should try to keep trains moving. You are, after all, in the entertainment business - albeit just for a weekend! cheers Ben A. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Steve Purves Posted October 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 20, 2014 I enjoyed the show generally, although was left underwhelmed on occasions. there seemed to be a lot of layouts that didn't have much going on. Sunscribed to BRM to take advantage of the offer and picked up a few bits and bobs. Welton Down was worth the journey for me alone. It has exactly what I am planning to achieve with Melton, in a similar size. I am now left with the dilemma, 2mm finescale, or finescale N. that track was to die for! Good to see the Tetley's Mills diarama, and to speak to our own Redgate for a while. Picked up a secret parcel in the carpark, small layout enthusiasts keep your eyes peeled! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 OK we did Peterborough, and I took some pictures, but we did not return Sunday after all, so I do not have a good selection of those on offer. As you went in the building on the left was rmweb3182pertershw.1 It may be larger than 00, but I found it had some nice elements in in. rmweb3183peterbshow.2 I like the track here rmweb3184peterbshow3 and some nice texturing rmweb3185peterbshow4 Still on Kendal MRC rmweb3186peterbshow5 rmweb3187peterbshow6 rmweb3188peterbshow7 the larger size allows for some lovely detailing rmweb3189peterbshow8 I have to say, it was a good welcoming layout. On the other side of the main entrance was The Great Train Robbery, there appears to be some controversy about this layout, but I queued to go inside and listen, the spotlights picking out pertinent parts in another wise darkened area,as a recorded talk walked you through, I found interesting.....and well conceived. Outside a display of facts and a charity donation box. In my opinion I thought it was in good taste, others may have a different opinion. Something of interest for history buffs..... edit= being 'inside' I did not take any pictures. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
40F Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Whilst there were some good layouts there , there were no Continental or American layouts despite there being a " Continental Corner ". May be do away with that name and ides and just invite some good Continental and American layouts and mix them in with other layouts. It would work and I know that some at least two traders had HO of both types on board. As for smaller specialist traders are that many left now? As peolpe say less and less people are using them and therefore the costs of attending shows may not be worth their while. Perhaps they could be given special rates and more made of their attendence. Also I felt that the trade was to much alike this year with more RTR for sale. I think a long hard look ought to be taken at the show and the overall project revamped especially the Attrim area Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Still in what might be termed the welcoming foyer area there was also another piece of history. A diorama work by David Shakespeare was on display and is being offered for sale. rmweb3190peterbshow9 rmweb3191peterbshow10 rmweb3192peterbshow11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Strathwood Posted October 20, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 20, 2014 "Once again at the National Festival of Railway Modelling there will be a range of quality exhibitors showcasing their products with a small selection of the items on sale" is a direct quote from the website (with my italics). I know it is nonsense but what impression does that give to somebody browsing the website and wondering whether to go because they wish to buy what they need for their model railways? That wording is quite simply dreadful and does the traders no favours at all. Who writes this stuff? Tony I have to confess we have pulled out from attending all exhibitions now with our sales stand with some sadness. Reasons being partly the huge costs for traders for their stands at such shows imposed by the venues and the organisers, possibly reflected by the catering folk in fairness with some hefty prices for pasties and teas etc. But also the duplication of many traders who are forced to compete hard with each other, often with sometimes crazy discounts considering their overheads, otherwise their competitors go home with at least enough profit to cover their costs. Whilst otherwise they might not even cover their own costs if they don't join in. We viewed that as our range of books were usually on offer through several retail outlets it was crazy and unfair on them if we continued to attend exhibitions as we would reduce their "takings" and possibly make such larger shows uneconomic for them. To attend exhibitions as both a trader or with a layout demands more time than many visitors would credit. For example for us being based in Inverness we have to pack everything into a hire van early on a thursday morning and set off on the 480+ mile trek to Peterborough, breaking our almost ten hour drive somewhere en-route to stay overnight in an "economic" chain of hotels and dine out in another "economic" chain of restaurants. Then on the friday morning set off to complete the long journey to Peterborough to wrestle with all the other exhibitors to get unloaded and into the halls and set up. Hopefully to be away and back for our second night away in a hotel and restaurant by 7pm. Saturday up early and at the venue for just after 8am to get everything right for the opening. Stand up all day until 5pm grab a bite to eat if you can, out of sight of everyone in fleeting moments of peace. Back to the hotel for night three away and another meal out and a well earned beer. Sunday morning dawns and again we are at the Showgrounds an hour before the doors open as its our best chance to have a chat with fellow exhibitors and to see the layouts, assuming the covers are off that is and something is running. All to often they are not, as we do not get the chance to see them much during the day. So another long day on our feet, when the show ends its chaos as everyone often loses sight on both common sense and good manners as everyone takes the view they will get their exhibit/stand down as fast as they can and into their vehicle, as they have a long way to go home and after all its been a long day! Meanwhile as we would still have a ten hour drive back to Inverness, we take our time and are often among the last to leave so as not to get in the way of the great "bun fight" to get away (by the way the one at Warley has to be seen to be believed). So its Sunday evening and we are back at our hotel and in the restaurant exhausted, but hopefully in front of all the expenses incurred so far. Monday morning breaks and a hearty breakfast is consumed as we have ten hours drive to look forward too back home to Inverness, answering telephone calls on the way. Back home about 6pm if we are lucky and a home cooked meal for the first time in almost five days. Tuesday morning and empty the van, take it back to the hire company before 9am, then start work again to catch up with all that was missed since 9am last thursday. Whilst layout exhibitors often get many of their costs recouped by the exhibition, they DO RELY on the goodwill and the sterling efforts of volunteers who give their time and expenses to get to the shows to help out. What of the traders, everyone who attends the shows wants a bargain and expects a discount, but perhaps now you might appreciate the traders who give a lot of effort also to attend shows, not many from this far away, but we are not alone. My record in the UK is from the Highlands to Redruth to do a show. Whilst when living Perth in Western Australia we drove all the way to Sydney to take our stand to a large Model Railway Exhibition, thats over six thousand miles as a round trip. So our measly 980 miles or so trip to Peterborough if we had gone this year would have been a cinch in comparison. Except that was in 1989 and I was much younger and there were a lot more people attending the shows back then with ready cash to help make it all worthwhile. These days for us to attend Peterborough, Doncaster or Ally Pally with our sales stand means five days away and costs of more than £2,000 after we have paid for our stands at such shows. We are not alone at having to make a living from the hobby in order to support it and help to make it what it is still today. Hopefully enjoyable for as many people as possible whilst still financially worthwhile for all of the traders, otherwise things will have to change eventually. Kevin Derrick Strathwood Publishing Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisf Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Kevin, above, is not alone in his views. I have heard of several instances where show organisers have rented trading space to too many traders in broadly the same line of business with the result that none of them make sufficient to justify the expense of attending. Although I was happy to tour all the booksellers at Peterborough I did feel that not all of them would have been laughing all the way to the bank. I must leave individual traders to speak for themselves but it would explain why many of the traders at the finescale end of the market were not present. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Graham_Muz Posted October 20, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 20, 2014 Well I had a really enjoyable couple of days. <Snip> Back to the theatre and Graham Muspratt’s Q & A with Andy about his history, layout and Southern Grouping models was brilliant. <Snip> Many thanks I am glad you enjoy it and the rest of the show. <snip. and by no means least Tony Wright who was hugely entertaining (even soliciting a request from one layout owner to turn the sound up so they could hear him from the layout). <snip> My Bold, guilty as charged, thanks for answering your phone... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr.king Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 I think the old chestnut of Warners and alleged profit from shows has been argued about extensively in the past and I'm not sure that it can ever be settled conclusively. I don't feel that any of us without access the full accounts for the shows and an appreciation of the wider involvement in the hobby of the various organisers can authoritatively state which shows are good for the hobby and which are not. In any case, how can any goodwill or increased interest in the hobby that is promoted by the shows be valued? Whilst I hadn't expected to go to this particular show this year until I was drawn into a suddenly depleted operating team for Waterloo Road, I can say that as an operator I certainly had an enjoyable time at the event, save for a worrying period on Saturday when the layout suddenly sprouted a very awkward electrical fault after behaving nicely at the beginning. Thanks to the timely arrival "Robert the Devil" and his incisive mind, we overcame that crisis. When Waterloo Road behaves properly it is a pleasure to operate, thanks in no small part to the fact the key players like to keep the whole thing light-hearted rather than getting "precious" about it. We barely had a serious moment in out conversations. Given the different reasons for various specialist traders not being represented at this event, I don't know whether some paying visitors would have been frustrated or disappointed. My shopping list was short one, which I managed to complete, although a couple of the items on it weren't available from the most obvious specialist suppliers. Thank goodness for the small traders who WERE there and who stock "something different". Dare I risk a gentle prod at the catering arrangements? Real Ale bar shown on the show plan I received via Model Railways Live was totally non-existent, the marked site actually being an ultra basic coffee shop. False advertising???? Lunches and a saturday evening meal FOR THE EXHIBITORS (and I mean exhibitors in proper hobby terminology, not in Warner-speak for traders) very much appreciated of course, but no mention of any vegetarian options (not a direct concern for me) and not a green vegetable in sight on any occasion. Pie and chips Saturday lunch, no veg. Baked potato, chilli and baked beans Saturday evening. Coleslaw and grated cheese available in limited quantities as extras, but either such limited quantities of grated cheese as to be unrealistic for the numbers dining, or somebody at the head of the queue having been very greedy when helping himself. Sausage and mash with no veg on the Sunday. What would a dietician make of all that? Is there any wonder that some of those regulars struggling around the shows have such colossal girth?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Tomlinson Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Unfortunately this is the reason why I and a lot of other serious modellers I know would not attend. Warmers shows are actually not geared up for catering for modellers who need detail parts, wheels and materials etc. they just tend to be RTR traders and OO layouts which suits the masses. They do have a few small traders but they struggle because the Warners shows are not their demographic. Pete I visited the Show on Saturday and was glad I did, some interesting layouts and talks, and some useful bits and bobs purchased for various projects. Reading through this thread I was a bit surprised by the comment above. The likes of Shawplan, Hobby Holidays, Replica, H&A, MSE and Eileens may or may not be small, but they are certainly very useful (and helpful) as suppliers of detail parts and materials - apologies to those present I've missed. One of course can think of other specialist suppliers - Judith Edge, 247, Comet, Dart Castings say, but to make a living by attending they need to at least cover costs by profit on sales they wouldn't otherwise make. If you are building a loco kit and need some wheels or nameplates you have to buy these anyway and the Web simply makes this a lot easier, rather than 'phoning, writing letters or waiting for a Show. What was striking for a Saturday afternoon was that despite the supposedly "populist" nature of the show it seemed rather quiet, something confirmed to me in conversation with various traders, including a "Box Shifter". Finally Pete, and this might be a good subject for another thread, I'd be very interested to read a definition of a "serious modeller", a comment not I might say made flippantly but rather a subject that seems to tie in quite closely with the future of the hobby, particularly its demographic. John. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mike Bellamy Posted October 20, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 20, 2014 I have heard of several instances where show organisers have rented trading space to too many traders in broadly the same line of business with the result that none of them make sufficient to justify the expense of attending. Although I was happy to tour all the booksellers at Peterborough I did feel that not all of them would have been laughing all the way to the bank. Good example of this at a local show some years ago - one bookseller who did ok - but then next year they invited two others - result was that none of them covered costs - next year none of them attended and the year after the show didn't go ahead ! . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt B Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 I attended the show on Saturday morning and it was the first exhibition for a few years where I have been able to take my time and have a good look round - previously one or both of my children have been in charge of viewing layouts. I must admit I thought the whole atmosphere of the show felt very underwhelming however the modelling on display was very good and I even had to tell myself off when my non existent rivet counter appeared from nowhere. I did think the who lacked anything much for the children (aside from the Thomas layout) and it was the first show I have been to for a while here the younger generations seemed to be almost completely absent. My eldest loves watching the Hornby three rail layouts where the trains are played with and hurtle round at great speed and it is the children who are the future of the hobby. (Any chance of getting a repeat visit for the g scale layout from a couple of years ago which was very large but modelled at about knee height for an adult - the children could have spent all day watching that one) I agree with Ben's point that if you have bought a layout to a show - show it! by running your trains if I want to stare at an empty railway I can go and find a real railway with no trains on and look at that. I have put my soap box away Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Wellbridge...cont'd.... Wellbridge....OO gauge, and some lovely diorama areas rmweb3193peterbshow12 and their fiddle yards not too shabby rmweb3194peterbshow13 the only way to get a good picture of this area was to stand back rmweb3195peterbshow14 I had to wait ages to get a spot to take pictures......so others clearly liked this one too rmweb3196peterbshow15 rmweb3198peterbshow17 rmweb3197peterbs16 rmweb3198peterbshow18 rmweb31990peterbs19 cont'd....2 rmweb3201peterbshow20 rmweb3202peterbshow21 rmweb3203peterbshow22 rmweb3204peterbshow23 rmweb3205peterbshow24 a lot of fine work has gone into this layout cont'd..3... rmweb3206peterbshow25 I compromised the focus...to see into the distance rmweb3207peterbshow26 rmweb3208peterbshow27 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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