Pacific231G Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 A list of invited layouts has today been added to the exhibition website. http://www.cmra.org.uk/stalbans.html CP Thanks Christopher I agree that exhibition organisers do themselves no favours by not getting details onto their websites and these days I suspect more modellers get to know about shows online (including RMWEB of course) than from the modelling press. In a way it's a bit like advertising a concert and not saying who's playing. St. Albans is one of the shows that I'd normally go to anyway but every year there are several "maybe" shows that get missed because it wasn't possible to find out the line-up. Advertising "over ten quality layouts" or whatever isn't enough. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Looks a very good line-up, shame Leamington clashes with it, may be a tough call on which to go to. Then again, how far is Leamington from St Albans?....I wonder? According to the AA's website, 77 miles from St Albans to Stoneleigh (where the Leamington show is hosted). Straight up the M1 and the M45, all but 15 miles on motorway. Both shows are two days, and about the same size, so worth getting to both if possible. The good news is that next year the shows don't clash. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Middlesea John Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I hope it's a good show. I'll be there with Steve Farrow's Pen-y-Madoc. Apart from our show in Hull it'll be the first exhibition I've attended since we took P-y-M to Sedan in France over a year ago. I apologise if I say "Combien de mouton" to any children watching. Seriously does anyone know what the traders are like ? Will there be anyone there selling Southern stuff ? Or a good secondhand stall ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnb Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Traders, well there will be a good selection from the bits and pieces people through the specialists to the R-T-R end of things. Second hand is usually pretty good. However it is not a regular trader, but a stand run by the CMRA that sells on behalf of members of the CMRA member clubs. Therefore although there is a wide variety of things for sale the selection can vary considerably from year to year. Already there is a good selection of OO from steam to diesel being prepared for sale, generally r-t-r although there are some kit built steam locos this year. We are expecting a bigger than usual selection of books. There may be some N but we have not had confirmation yet. In Continental and American models areas there will be a few US HO diesels, there are often some Continental HO models but nothing confirmed yet. As for what else might be expected, that is a bit of a lottery as much arrives early on Saturday morning, so please don't flood me with queries as to what might be there as I won't know!! Hope you can make it johnb Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John C Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 SWMBO gave me a day pass can go today Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baby Deltic Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Went to the show today. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was very warm in the building. Bumped into a couple of rmwebber's, and stopped for a chat with missy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenser Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I forgot the camera but the layout selection was good. Halifax King Cross hasn't been mentioned in the thread; there's a rather nice 3mm layout up in the gallery along with Christopher Payne's latest , Sweethome Chicago has gone New Yortk Central steam , there's the 2mm finescale tramway that is on the southern circuit, Farkham is on the stage there are a number of pleaant 4mm branch termini. And downstairs is as sweltering as ever... If this show were held in summer they'd have a real problem Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
great central Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Very good show, only one layout disappointment, but I won't mention it by name. Took a few pictures, oddly enough all N gauge, not my scale at all but these were standouts. all pictures taken hand held without flash, apologies if they're a bit hazy. Batty Moor, based on Blea Moor, LMS/BR Stoney Lane depot, NSE Finally, Totnes GWR which was awarded the trophy for best scenery, well deserved in my opinion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenser Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I should have mentioned Stoney Lane TMD for its sheer excellence. I don't think I've seen modern south London modeled that well by anyone - and there are a moderate number of 3rd rail layouts set in S London about, most of which are good. Stoney Lane is better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Portpatrick Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I found the show more enjoyable than sometimes of late. Some excellent layouts and well balanced trade. I very much liked Batty Moor. Totnes looked fantastic, but on the 2 occaisions I spent time in front of it there was not much moving - which was a pity. The first occaision was soon after opening so it might have been the first minutes gremlin I know too well! It had some superb stock. Apart from 3 years when the show clashed with returning daughter to Uni, have often attended for some years. I sensed the gangways were a little wider than of late which was a relief - H & S catching up perhaps - or was it just that attendance on Saturday morning was down? I might well offer to bring the elder grandson next year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Bigcheeseplant Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I thought this years show was lacking a bit, some regular traders were missing International Models, Langley and C&L so maybe that was the reason, as there were a number of demos in the spaces these traders took. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galtee More Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I thought this years show was lacking a bit, some regular traders were missing International Models, Langley and C&L so maybe that was the reason, as there were a number of demos in the spaces these traders took. David David, Both International Models and Langley were at the Leamington & Warwick show over the weekend, at Stoneleigh Park - a good show, incidentally in a good venue (undercover car parking, as well ! ) Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenser Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 And Mike Sharpe has sold up/retired from running C+L's exhibition presence Looks like a case of force-majeur Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisf Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I was there today. There were plenty of good layouts, many of which I have seen before, but nothing to make me go "wow!". I am not easily excited. American stuff does not grab me anyway so I gave the layouts concerned the most cursory of glances. It was a great pleasure to meet Missy and admire her Flying Banana [stop sniggering, it's a 2mm scale GW diesel railcar]. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Lambton58 Posted January 16, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 16, 2011 I went down this afternoon. I thought it was a good show, albeit a bit quite. Great to see Halifax Kings Cross there; it's one layout I never tire of. Stoney Lane Depot too; always seems to be consistently good and reliable. I also rather liked East Wheal Dream (7mm Cornwall mineral line with with working beam engine and boat bobbing in the harbour). Nice also to see the L&Y represented with Ogden Fold. Edit - forgot to mention Totnes, which was really nice. It's never been the strongest show for traders, but the N-Gauge fraternity seemed well catered for. More generally there was Eileen's Emporium, Ten Commandments & Dart Castings were there as was Major Clanger (Wizard Models/MSE etc) occupying his usual spot in the bunker. The one thing I've always liked about this show is the number of families that seem to come. Ralph Lambton 58. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANT Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Hello I went over on Saturday with David Bigcheeseplant (many thanks for the lift). For me the most interesting layout was the Moorton Bottom Yard by Paul Windle of the Hull Group, its a lovely little 009 layout surrounded by warehouses, were lost shunting took place so that there was something moving all the time, and it was running perfectly. I also liked the 3mm layout Whatlington by Peter Bossom. I thought that the programme was well put together and had a large number of pages. God knows how much it would cost if it was not given out free! Thanks SEEYA ANT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Finally, Totnes GWR which was awarded the trophy for best scenery, well deserved in my opinion. It seems to have doubled in scale since the last time I saw it (And that's Angela Halliday observing if I'm not mistaken, original builder of the P4 layout Hayling Island) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windjabbers Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I went on Sunday and would agree with many of the comments here:- Good range of layouts, trade a little light, free programme a plus. Parking fine and free on a sunday take your own refreshments. In the diary for next year. For me Halifax Kings X is just spot on. Took some photos:- http://davidcharlesworth.fotopic.net/p68739741.html http://davidcharlesworth.fotopic.net/p68739746.html http://davidcharlesworth.fotopic.net/p68739743.html http://davidcharlesworth.fotopic.net/p68739742.html Best Wishes David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edcayton Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I agree with Chris about the high standard but no real show-stopper this year. Catering-I still reckon their bacon butties are a match for anywhere! I still find the venue opressive(sp?) and have to get out at lunch time. Not a bad thing because you are in the middle of the main drag with a wee Tesco opposite. What I didn't do this year was to take a free ride on ye olde bus, because I had to attend to my dog. Going back in just after lunch was good because the crowd had thinned and I was able to get close to everything I wanted to. Overall- good, but needs a better venue. Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jol Wilkinson Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I went down this afternoon. I thought it was a good show, albeit a bit quite. Great to see Halifax Kings Cross there; it's one layout I never tire of. Stoney Lane Depot too; always seems to be consistently good and reliable. I also rather liked East Wheal Dream (7mm Cornwall mineral line with with working beam engine and boat bobbing in the harbour). Nice also to see the L&Y represented with Ogden Fold. Edit - forgot to mention Totnes, which was really nice. It's never been the strongest show for traders, but the N-Gauge fraternity seemed well catered for. More generally there was Eileen's Emporium, Ten Commandments & Dart Castings were there as was Major Clanger (Wizard Models/MSE etc) occupying his usual spot in the bunker. The one thing I've always liked about this show is the number of families that seem to come. Ralph Lambton 58. Perhaps one of the reasons that their isn't such a strong trade presence (apart from the poor venue) is that the family visitors don't buy from the traders. Whilst a lot of people through the door is the usual measure of success for a show organiser, it is the visitors ability/desire to spend with the traders that defines it as a commercial success for them. I know of one "specialist" trader who stopped doing St Albans some years ago when the CMRA increased their marketing activities locally and started getting in more families. The Watford FSE (held next month) doesn't attract so many families but is commercially a better proposition for the trade. The Leamington show seemed to have a good balance of modellers/families (although several toddlers seemed to think that the accoustics of the hall meant they should give their lungs a good test). I think that both the Leamington and Watford shows are better propositions for the modeller and perhaps it's time for the CMRA to rethink the venue and format of their "flagship" exhibition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Trainshed Terry Posted January 18, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 18, 2011 [quote name=LNWRmodeller' timestamp='1295342166' post='307570 The Watford FSE (held next month) doesn't attract so many families but is commercially a better proposition for the trade. The Leamington show seemed to have a good balance of modellers/families (although several toddlers seemed to think that the accoustics of the hall meant they should give their lungs a good test). ] On that statement I shall through my 2 pen-nth in " I wish that the parents of children keep the smaller one under control as they end up being trip hazards. I am not against under 5s attending shows, but the word discipline comes to mind. When me and mother attended the Leamington event for the first time, there was not a lot screaming going on.( :D Thankfully :D ) just lots of trip hazards dashing left and right and center. Terry. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Clanger Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 The Watford FSE (held next month) doesn't attract so many families but is commercially a better proposition for the trade. I think that both the Leamington and Watford shows are better propositions for the modeller and perhaps it's time for the CMRA to rethink the venue and format of their "flagship" exhibition. Not necessarily - unless something changes drastically this year, I will expect Watford to produce around 75-80% of the St Albans takings, for essentially the same costs. I gave up attending Watford in its Tolpits Lane incarnation after getting fed up of the number of people asking "are you at St Albans" - yes - "I'll buy from you there then". This was when Watford was in November rather than February. I did have a few people at the weekend asking "are you at Watford", so maybe things might reverse a bit. Have to agree with the venue comments though - I like the warmth downstairs, but not the "downstairs" itself, which turns into "upstairs" on the Sunday evening! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Revolution Mike Posted January 18, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 18, 2011 I am a bit surprised about the trader complaints - there seemed to be something for most people there. I agree that the venue is not ideal - the lighting is poor in some areas (we were practically in the dark under an overhang!), plus it got really hot at times. On the flip side at least it is easy to get to. Cheers, Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Lambton58 Posted January 18, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 18, 2011 On that statement I shall through my 2 pen-nth in " I wish that the parents of children keep the smaller one under control as they end up being trip hazards. I am not against under 5s attending shows, but the word discipline comes to mind. I have to say that the children I saw (both under and over 5) were generally well behaved at St Albans and enthralled by the models. I actually experienced more bad manners from supposedly mature adults pushing in and blocking other peoples view. And fair to say that some of the layout operators I saw (generally the ones that engaged with public anyway) were good with the children too. One of them even letting a small child have a go at driving. There was one 18ish month old toddler who was thoroughly enjoying one layout (Bodmin). His mum was holding him and he got a bit over excited and touched the layout. Mum was very apologetic, but the operators didn't tell anyone off or get cross. They simply laughed it off. No harm done, no drama out of a crisis and I'd like to think that family were not put off going to another show. Well done! I agree with Mike (Red Death) about the trade coverage. It isn't wasn't as extensive as previous years, but I was able to buy what I wanted. And yes it's not the best venue. Perhaps bizarrely, I think it's the quirkiness of the venue that in part gives the show some of it's character. Ralph Lambton58 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkitt Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 A very impressive exhibition with lots of excellent layouts. I had some very interesting discussions with a few of the demonstrators, though the gallery they were on was rather cramped and badly overcrowded at times. Here are a couple of videos of Halifax King Cross and Sweethome Chicago, I will add more over the coming days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkFZ88CM15Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIngz-CDRJw Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.