The National Festival of Railway Modelling 2014

[Claude_Dreyfus]

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 had HO of both types on board.

 

How odd... I could not attend the show, however I did notice a very limited number of overseas layouts (i.e.1) in the attending layouts list, but wondered if there may a couple of later additions...perhaps they were classifying some of Ian's 'Small N Working' as overseas! It appears my suspicions were not unfounded, which begs the question; what was the 'Continental Corner' about if there was only 1 'overseas' layout?

 

Perhaps it was to protect the seemingly increasing number of those who are liable to an instant coronary the moment they see something that isn't British, Steam and/or Green... 

[40F]

How odd... I could not attend the show, however I did notice a very limited number of overseas layouts (i.e.1) in the attending layouts list, but wondered if there may a couple of later additions...perhaps they were classifying some of Ian's 'Small N Working' as overseas! It appears my suspicions were not unfounded, which begs the question; what was the 'Continental Corner' about if there was only 1 'overseas' layout?

 

Perhaps it was to protect the seemingly increasing number of those who are liable to an instant coronary the moment they see something that isn't British, Steam and/or Green... 

 

 

Perhaps the fact that the exhibiton is organised by Warners who publish BRM BRITISH Railway Modelling. May be that is a clue. Yet the exhibition is called Festival of RAILWAY MODELlING . Doncaster is the Festival Of British Railway Modelling

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Perhaps the fact that the exhibiton is organised by Warners who publish BRM BRITISH Railway Modelling. May that is a clue. Yet the exhibition is called Festival of RAILWAY MODELlING . Doncaster is the FEstival Of British Railway Modelling

 

Perhaps, but the blurb at the beginning of this thread refers to Overseas/Continental layouts attending. If a show was aimed solely at British models, then fair enough - there are specialist gauge, country and era shows all over the place - but that was not the case here...

[Maltazer]

My only problem with shows is that to me the trains always look much smaller than my own.  I go away with crazy thoughts of 'O' gauge in the box room!

 

Mal

[john w]

enjoyed the show some good layouts and traders had a catch up with some fellow modellers and it was nice talking to mike kelly who was there with his cromer layout.

[tomstaf]

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 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??

The catering at most of these large venues is shocking. Not only is the food very poor quality from a taste perspective, it is some of the most unhealthy food available in the UK. The carbohydrate heavy, minimal protein and nutrient food, is so so SO poor. It's all shades of brown and beige. Obesity in the UK is now at a shocking level and these events just add to it. Cost is said to be an issue but the food at shows is always incredibly expensive. Whereas vegetables, breads and pulses are cheap. Meats and fish are a tad more expensive and where they are available do they really need to be battered and fried? I suggest a lot of people would be happier paying a little bit more for a) something nutritious and tasty, and b) their health and ultimate longevity. I know that if I eat junky poor food that I feel tired and lethargic very quickly. But fuelled on something healthy I'm sprightly and alert for much longer periods. I'd love the celebrity chefs and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to tackle this issue and reduce poor food availability as much as possible. But perhaps Warners Group would consider getting the movement going making model railway shows enjoyable and healthy weekends out?

 

Cheers

 

Tom

[gr.king]

I was actually tempted to use the phrase "disgustingly colossal girth" in my previous post. I've certainly felt deep seated disgust at the sight of one individual, spotted two or three times now at events, whose waist measurement must equal his height, or another who I once saw carrying his flabby gut around in front of him on some sort of trolley......

[trevora]

The wife & I traveled from north Devon for the show

stayed in the hotel/motel at the entrance to the show ground

Walking up to the show a kind gent gave us a lift and invited us to stay in his car

until opening time 9.30 Thank you Sir

The show had lots of bits and pieces that cost the earth to post

& for me many bit to alter model that I was not brave enough

to order on line  (needed to see in the flesh)

So thank you for the show

trevor

[Jaz]

Here's one that will probably appeal to ChrisN

rmweb3209peterbshow28

 

rmweb3219peterbshow29

 

rmweb3211peterbshow30

 

rmweb3212peterbshow31

 

rmweb3213peterbshow32

 

rmweb3214peterbshow33

 

rmweb3215peterbshow34

 

[cravensdmufan]

I find these comments about the catering a little strange.

 

My pal and I arrived at the restaurant around 12.30 on the Saturday and we had nice healthy meals which were both nourishing and hot.  I had chicken and he had fish and we chose new potatoes, carrots and peas with generous portions at a cost of £8 each.  I thought it was great value, particularly as we could eat in comfort sitting at large tables (with linen tablecloths!).

 

I have to say that I found the lunch facilities better than most of the many exhibitions I have attended (I'm thinking particularly of the NEC and SEC Glasgow with their usual fayre of burgers and pizzas).  

 

Maybe it was just the exhibitors' and traders area menu food that was limited?

[Ryde-on-time]

I find these comments about the catering a little strange.

 

My pal and I arrived at the restaurant around 12.30 on the Saturday and we had nice healthy meals which were both nourishing and hot.  I had chicken and he had fish and we chose new potatoes, carrots and peas with generous portions at a cost of £8 each.  I thought it was great value, particularly as we could eat in comfort sitting at large tables (with linen tablecloths!).

 

I have to say that I found the lunch facilities better than most of the many exhibitions I have attended (I'm thinking particularly of the NEC and SEC Glasgow with their usual fayre of burgers and pizzas).  

 

Maybe it was just the exhibitors' and traders area menu food that was limited?

Have to agree, we ate in the restaurant too and were impressed. Best food I have had at an exhibition. Perhaps the poster above did not realise there was a restaurant in addition to the vans outside

 

Great day out all round. Stunning layouts, managed to get the bits I wanted from the traders, caught some interesting things from the talks and decent food was the final bonus!

[tomstaf]

I find these comments about the catering a little strange.

 

My pal and I arrived at the restaurant around 12.30 on the Saturday and we had nice healthy meals which were both nourishing and hot.  I had chicken and he had fish and we chose new potatoes, carrots and peas with generous portions at a cost of £8 each.  I thought it was great value, particularly as we could eat in comfort sitting at large tables (with linen tablecloths!).

 

I have to say that I found the lunch facilities better than most of the many exhibitions I have attended (I'm thinking particularly of the NEC and SEC Glasgow with their usual fayre of burgers and pizzas).  

 

Maybe it was just the exhibitors' and traders area menu food that was limited?

I noticed the chicken but didn't see any fish - perhaps they'd sold them all by then. I agree the East of England Showground food is different and better to what you'd get at the NEC and SEC. It's still pretty basic and not very well cooked I found. I really hope they all move further into the good food direction

 

Cheers

 

Tom

[dagrizz]

Criticism of the food at Peterborough is, I think, a little harsh. I go to quite a few shows around central England and I think the food at Peterborough is very good. I took my girlfriend to her first ever model railway show this weekend; she likes her food and enjoyed the steak pie, chips and veg. Phew! disaster avoided. I wouldn't have dared taking her to the Warley show at the NEC where the food is overpriced junk.

 

Graham

[Maltazer]

I don't understand how anyone could go to an exhibition expecting the food to be good.  And judging by the number of people I saw tucking in to a packed lunch, I'm not the only one!

 

Mal

[Strathwood]

Have to agree, we ate in the restaurant too and were impressed. Best food I have had at an exhibition. Perhaps the poster above did not realise there was a restaurant in addition to the vans outside

 

Great day out all round. Stunning layouts, managed to get the bits I wanted from the traders, caught some interesting things from the talks and decent food was the final bonus!

Just a point of note the exhibitors food vouchers or facilities is usually at many shows only for those who are with the layouts, the traders have to fend for themselves in my experience.

 

Kevin

[Graham_Muz]

I would point out that GR.king's comments regarding the food at the show was with respect to that provided to the exhibitors which differed from that available to the public and there was certainly not a vegetable in sight or offered either day (the fact that they had cook some for the public side of things makes it even more surprising)  I know at least one notable exhibitor that was told that there was not any vegetarian option available for exhibitors!

 

Still enjoyed exhibiting at the show though and thanks to all members who came and said hello at the layout.

[gr.king]

Ta for clarifying that. Yes, it did say so in the original post but I've now made it much more prominent. Meals provided for the exhibitors were the problem. I see that you and I agree on proper use of hobby show terminology too. Exhibitors in our context have model railways to show. Those who are there to sell things are TRADERS, not exhibitors. It's a pity somebody cannot bash that into the brain of the person who draws up the headings in Warners' show listings......

[Tony Wright]

Ta for clarifying that. Yes, it did say so in the original post but I've now made it much more prominent. Meals provided for the exhibitors were the problem. I see that you and I agree on proper use of hobby show terminology too. Exhibitors in our context have model railways to show. Those who are there to sell things are TRADERS, not exhibitors. It's a pity somebody cannot bash that into the brain of the person who draws up the headings in Warners' show listings......

May I make a few comments please?

 

Firstly I must state that I am now completely independent, having retired from my position as Assistant Editor/Photographer for BRM three years ago. 

 

I agree that exhibitor's meals were the problem. I don't eat red meat, though I'll eat chicken and fish. I was too busy to get an exhibitor's meal on the Saturday, but I believe it was chicken pie. On the Saturday evening it was meat chilli, a baked potato, coleslaw and cheese. Since I wouldn't eat the chilli, I had to settle for the potato and coleslaw. All the grated cheese had gone and there was no chef to supply any more. Either those served earlier had taken more than their fair share of the cheese or there just wasn't enough. But, a chef needed to grate cheese? I'm a chef! There was no vegetarian option.

On the Sunday lunchtime it was a lengthy sausage, mash and gravy. I asked if there was a vegetarian option, and it arrived. I haven't the faintest idea what it was, but it tasted OK. 

 

Warners have no option but to use the catering facilities at the Showground. That has always been the case as far as I know. But, what might not always be appreciated is that an evening meal is provided for exhibitors on the Saturday, free of charge. In fairness, several other shows also do this (Preston, Nottingham, etc), but in many cases the exhibitor has to pay. Many shows provide no Saturday evening meal at all. When the February show was held at Harrogate, a Friday evening meal was also provided, as well as the Saturday one for exhibitors, FOC. It is not Warners' fault if the food isn't always up to expectation. Certainly, at Harrogate and Doncaster it was. Though things might have changed, at Harrogate tea and coffee were provided FOC for traders as well - not always the case at every show. 

 

As for the range of traders, I commented on that in my presentations. I think it's a fact that more specialist traders are likely to be seen more at the Society shows, though I thought there was a fair range of specialists at Peterborough. Since main-stream suppliers don't interest me much (no insult intended), then I cannot comment as to whether there were too many, or too few.

 

On a personal level, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my grateful thanks to all those who made contact and wished me well. 

[Jaz]

Another from the Peterborough show 2014

 

rmweb3232pterboro35

 

 

it might be hard to see but look near the train for something else moving....full screen will help....

 

 

and more ....

 

 

 

 

[gr.king]

A few of my pictures from the weekend, taken with a highly unsuitable camera I'm afraid (no means I've yet found of getting it to focus at short range, unless I'm an unsuitable user...).

Some nice Southern layouts in evidence:

 

Although discernibly bluer to the naked eye in the exhibition hall, my shade of "Malachite" on that Mikado really didn't look as strikingly different to the rest of Mr Muspratt's fleet as this digital image would suggest, honest guv....

 

Ogden Fold. Did any part of the real L & Y ever look so clean and bright, even on a sunny day?

(I have no idea why that image is failing to display. I've pasted the link in two or three times and checked that it is in the same form as the other image links, but it stubbornly resists. Of course, now that I've typed this, it will no doubt display properly so that my comments here become nonsense....)
Edited following correction, thanks to m'learned friend Mr Weallans.

 

Finally some pictures of Waterloo Road, which I foolishly forgot to shoot until quite late on Sunday afternoon when most of Roger's resident Eastern Region 1960-ish motive power had already been dispatched on important duties (back into the boxes ready for throwing the layout back into the van in the shortest possibl time after 4.30pm!)

Avert thine eyes from that Type 2 paraffin burner at the bottom of that final picture.

[ThaneofFife]

glad to see the thread come back round to the layouts and away from the food.

[Moggs Eye]

glad to see the thread come back round to the layouts and away from the food.

True, but some of us were deeply scarred by the food, particularly lining up for a sausage and mash (those who went earlier got two sausages) while the visitors were choosing between roasts.

On a positive note, we did have unlimited tea and coffee which kept up morale.

I enjoyed exhibiting at the show and wished I could have found more time to have a decent look at other layouts, there was some quality on show and lots of friendly folk to have a chat with.