GeoffWinter

A decent exhibition, some very high quality modelling on show, no bad models. seemed to be action on most layouts though the odd one was perhaps a little too slow. Didn't spend much but always good to browse the finescale traders to see their latest wares.

OH dear what have I started, never mind, its only a hobby. What I would add to the derision aimed my way and also comments in similar vein to mine but better worded is pride and preparation. I stand by my thoughts about Green Eyre, whilst can appreciate a work in progress, I would still expect a degree of pride to show through and that comes from the little details - buildings that look plonked down and haphazard and wonky catenary and stray looping contact wires together with the seemingly jaded scenery is what created the impression I first described. I do understand the effort involved but have been schooled at work and at Model clubs to build things certain ways, to test and test again and to keep on top of things so they don't get damaged and jaded. Carry a pot of paint or coal dust or ballast to touch up the bad bits, stand back and admire your own work and you will soon see any major blemishes and I would hope you would want to fix them as the layout must be your pride and joy and surely that means you want it seen in its best light. I know I do. Anyway, I'm obviously a cranky old git (Donald???) and not allowed to say anything more on the subject of exhibition layouts according to some on here.

well I found it quite disappointing compared to pervious shows. Whilst there were some lovely layouts (for example, Towcester, Leysdown, Fen Drove, Blackwells Brewery, North Bridge, Kirkmellington, Kettlewell and others) there were some pretty crude and wasteful ones. Some layouts needed no introduction - Copenhagen Fields and Canada Road. I don't do continental stuff much but since there was so much of it, I had a look. Chelma Canyon and Prospect Point were very nicely modeled and were running well. I will get shot down on here but Crewelisle isn't a premier league exhibition layout but in fariness, it was running trains which some others seemed to struggle with. The Freemo American layout was a total waste of time, probably 150ft of running line and if you were lucky, you might see one train moving and a switcher dithering. Simply not good enough and the lack of spectators watching it all day tells its own story. I overhead one of the operators telling a member of the public that they had been robbed of 2ft of space by BRM/MRC and they didn't have enough operators to run it!!! Blinking Heck, it was the biggest layout in the show and to blame a missing 2ft board is ridiculous. If they can't get operators then why are they turning up to a major show where people pay a huge sum to see trains run. Lancaster Green Ayre looked like it was built by school kids in a class project, and not sure that would grace the conference league, scenery was unfinished, some places already showing signs of wear and damage and the station building had a 10 degree list. The less said about the catenary the better. Binns Road isn't my cup of tea but it drew a decent crowd and worked which some of the above should take lessons from. Come on MRC, your standards are usually so much higher. On the plus side, the weather was great and sitting outside in the sun with a pint whilst looking down over little London village and its pointy topped buildings was very relaxing.

Sadly you need to read this thread http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/110042-arc-models-closing-down/ No more models, no new stocks, no business :-(

Are the sleepers having loco trouble or rolling stock trouble? GBRF only do the locos.

very much looking forward to these hoppers, CADs look good.