Hobby

Payback isn't straight away, though, it's over several years, even decades, and I suspect they'd be aware that Hornby's initial prices were artificially low as has been said as introductory prices so were more than likely to increase, as they have. To me Heljan backed out with undue haste, if they were serious they could have had their 31 out long before Hornby's. Anyhow, as usual, just speculation! Keeps the thread going until the arrival of the HSTs and 50s, though I'm not interested in them or a 66, it's what comes next that interests me!

Definitely not Bridgnorth, their building isn't as posh as that one!

I was at the Classic Car show in hall 5 a couple of weeks before and the PAs were all clear enough, though the hall was full, I do wonder if it might be down to the fact the hall is half empty, thus distorting them? TBH where we were (B43) we could hear them clear enough.

Did Hornby ever officially put a price tag on the 66 in the early days, I don't remember any "below £100" quote? Regards Heljan, of course it makes sense to let someone else take the risk, but having said that they were prepared to go ahead on their own with one loco, surely Hornby then coming in should have been a positive move as it will help their initial sales... Or perhaps they just weren't that interested and took the easy option.

Stick microphones on refs like they have in Rugby, if they knew their rants would be heard I doubt they'd be as vocal.

Of course many classic car shows are also free to the car owner, I've been to lots over the last couple of years years in our car and haven't had to pay at any.

That's an interesting point, I'd regard those shows as different to a Club show (which, it's worth remembering that despite it's size that's what Warley is!). I'd assume that a show run by a commercial business will firstly look to make a profit for that business and secondly will have factored in exhibitors expenses and made it clear at the outset what people can claim for. Perhaps that's the one positive thing that came out of this sorry part of the discussion, the need for clarity at the outset from both sides, hence my original post on the subject where I felt (and still feel) that it would have best been discussed between the individual and the club privately rather than aired on here.

Surely someone doing one of the Demo stands is the same unless it's demonstrating a product/service which they are then selling, in which case they're a trader? Thanks to the others for clarifying the "Ltd Co" background and why many clubs do it, I think many Societies are the same, certainly the 009 Society is.

I think the point being made was that Heljan seemed to indicate with their announcements that they were much further down the line than "3 or 4 years away" and so cpuld have got in first. Perhaps they weren't being as truthful as some gave them credit for...

I'd expect that from someone claiming for use of a personal car for business use. But this is for a hobby. I'm not in it to make money so if they cover my fuel costs (which are for a normal car, not a gas guzzler) I'm happy, I won't bother claiming if I was going to go anyhow. Perhaps some people regard their appearance as some sort of profession, perhaps they are in the wrong business! Above is a personal opinion BTW!

Fussy b*ggers! :)

Ours won't eat anything else!

25p/mile equates to 28mpg, that must be one thirsty car, I've a feeling 25p would easily cover most people's fuel, I'm surprised they didn't tell you the rate beforehand, everywhere I've exhibited has... Regarding the rest I can't help thinking that you may have been better airing your complaints to the organisers first and await their response.

Such as an 08... Once they'e issued the green version which should be out sometime next year...

It's not a cut and shut, there a guy who produces characatures of various standard gauge diesel locos and DMUs in a size to suit 009 and mount on a Kato chassis. He has a whole range of them!

So's Marston Green and is only a couple of minutes away.

The Classic Car Show seem to take up 6 halls this year, which I think is more than last year! I was helping out on a stand in Hall 5 thinking that I was going to be here again in 2 weeks time!

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/chaos-on-scotrail-services-between-wick-and-inverness-333969/ "Chaos"?!! - a slight exaggeration! "Blockage on both lines" - it's single track judging by the photos, perhaps both directions?! Do HSTs really get that far north?

Who's selling the ducks, @Phil Parker, and how much?

I'm pleased that I'll be getting to see one of my layouts there, albeit no longer owned by me! B18 "A Taste of Alber", Czech 760mm narrow gauge in TTe using Z gauge track in 1:120 scale. Nice one David Paylor (the new owner!). How it started and how it ended up:

It's also about the length of the loading bay, many SUV "estates" are quite short.

I'll try to keep within the HC, Alastair, like most other people!

We were talking about specific roads, Alastair, not your 166, on the two I mentioned there is plenty of room to stay to the left and leave room to overtake and yes they would cross the lines to do so. As I said there are those who deliberately try to block overtakers by hugging the middle of the lane and even the white lines. I'm not bothered about the legalities of it all, though you seem obsessed by it. I've no doubt you'll come back with loads more telling us all how to behave, have fun!

Therein lies the issue, one person who doesnt want to be overtaken and doesn't understand the "keep to the left" bit... the A5 north of Shrewsbury is the same.

Such as small boot for size of car and short loading bay... Yes, probably isn't estatey enough!