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 Author | Topic: Ally Pally (Read 1,666 times) |
alanstepney
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|  | Ally Pally
« Thread Started on Jan 19, 2012, 8:22am » | |
Just to remind everyone, the London Model Engineering Exhibition is on Friday (20th) to Sunday (22nd).
(That is the one run by EIM, not that by Model Engineer.)
I will be there on the Sunday.
(As an aside, I feel it is foolish to have two exhibitions in London, and wish that both organisations could get together to hold ONE show that was larger, lasted longer, and at a better location!)
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Smifffy
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #1 on Jan 19, 2012, 8:59am » | |
Hmmm Ally Pally is a pain to get to, but I'll be there tomorrow 
Smifffy
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steamlaser
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #2 on Jan 19, 2012, 9:24am » | |
I live on to the north of London so it is not easy for me to get to Sandown park. "Ali Pali" is a bit easier to get to and I can use the car. (SWMBO gives be a day pass to use the car)
The show itself is a not that exciting, but I can stock up on essential raw materials and tools. I do not have to carry Kilos of materials onto public transport as my car is nearish by.
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johnstevo
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #3 on Jan 19, 2012, 12:53pm » | |
Go early because the Snooker championships have now signed up to run there at the same time as the show.
Fully televised and the top 16 players are there so be interesting to see what effect that has on the show, parking for a start ?
I fully agree that two shows in the same location in just over a month is ludicrous, perhaps Meridian got advanced warning of the double booking happening and that is why they are looking at Manchester in March ?
Leave London and the high costs to Sandown.
John S.
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pondok
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #4 on Jan 19, 2012, 1:45pm » | |
"(As an aside, I feel it is foolish to have two exhibitions in London, and wish that both organisations could get together to hold ONE show that was larger, lasted longer, and at a better location!)" - now THAT would be a serious attack of common sense eh.....
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greenglade
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #5 on Jan 19, 2012, 8:45pm » | |
I'll be there Saturday I hope..:)
Pete
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Uzzy
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #6 on Jan 19, 2012, 9:43pm » | |
I wont be there I went to Sandown but whole heartedly agree 1 show would be better. Bring back WEMBELY thats what I say.
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springbok
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #7 on Jan 20, 2012, 5:55am » | |
I would have thought that the beancounters would have got together and
sorted this out. Only went to Ally Pally once with my grandson we did not like it. we found it a cold, sterile and unfriendly place
What is wrong with say the NEC or are the london bod's frightened to go past Watford.
Also I agree 2 shows in such a short space of time is crazy, my pocket money only stretches so far
so organisers get a life and get real
And 2 shows on at the Ally Pally at the same time with it's limited parking suggests nightmare time.
wife watches snooker I hide in the workshop.....
Moral
Come to the Bristol Show in Thornbury near almost every motorway junction there is bar the carpark called the M25.
Run by ME's for ME's warm, friendly, lots for the kids 3 major halls and the big boys selling everything.
Will now get off my soapbox
Oh we went to Sandown with our club in a coach on the Sunday and it was great. fantastic day and spent to much and so did he on the ME stand.
Bob
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Prowe
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #8 on Jan 20, 2012, 5:05pm » | |
I wholeheartedly aggree that the two exhibitions so close together in the same area is a waste, however as to whether the two organisations would ever get together is another matter. It seems to me that they have only recently acknowledged the other, I remember not all that long ago they were constantly trying to outdo each other with claims about the number of models that were to be displayed.
I remember as a youngster being taken by my father to the exhibitions at the Horticultural Halls when they were run by model engineers for the enjoyment of model engineers - yes I know I am dreaming!
Phil
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heronsgate
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #9 on Jan 20, 2012, 6:11pm » | |
Went to Ally Pally today (Friday). Despite previous messages of woe the parking was relatively easy, the shuttle bus was running up and down faster than the proverbial underwear. The show was busy but reasonably enjoyable. The space seems better around most of the stands. Plenty of sitting space and a good amount of outlets for drinks and food, at fairly good prices when compared to other venues. The shuttle back to the car park was easy, the exit from the hill to turn right was as usual a delay, but in general terms a good easy day out and plenty to see and buy. Of course there will always be some that see it in another way, so be it.
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alanstepney
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #10 on Jan 20, 2012, 6:19pm » | |
I too went to Horticultural Hall, and since then, to all the various London venues.
The NEC might be OK, but we have had Midlands exhibitions for many years, ( I went when it was at Granby Halls), and the NEC isnt London!
What is needed is ONE exhibition, in or around London, with easy access via the Underground, as well as by car.
It does, or used to, attract lots of overseas visitors, so acess by public transport is essential.
It really needs to be longer than 2 1/2 days too.
Commercial rivalry is fine, but the present situation just means less visitors for both, and higher costs for exhibitors and for the organisers.
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Smifffy
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #11 on Jan 20, 2012, 7:15pm » | |
I was there today, arriving close to 12. It did seem a little quieter than before, certainly less crowding in the aisles.
This one to me, is much more of a trade show, where as Sandown is more of an exhibitors show.
Smifffy
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springbok
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #12 on Jan 20, 2012, 8:08pm » | |
Hi Heronsgate,
you obviosly live in the London area, but the bulk of people comeing to shows are not from london and do not easily have access to your underground. anyway I think it pongs.
Yes Sandown is more of an exhibitors show but there is lots of traders that will supply everything you need and show world class exhibition models.
I apologise for being so negative to your comments but it is this Watford gap syndrome comeing out again.
Bob
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houstonceng
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #13 on Jan 20, 2012, 9:23pm » | |
I was a AliPali today, proudly wearing my Modeleng "gear" badge, and not one other was seen, and no-one stopped me and said "hey, I'm a member of that group". Perhaps we need a larger badge on a sweatshirt ?
At the cost of being shot down in flames as as "southerner", my votes are:-
For super quality competition models - last year's ME at Sandown - but the Midland, Harrogate and Bristol had a good selection as well. AliPali (previously Lee Valley Recreation Centre) was never set up as a Competition Show.
For traders - it's a toss-up between Ali-Pali and the Midland. Some traders were at both, some at only one and some at neither. Second comes Harrogate and last Sandown. Actually, I notice that a lot of traders who used to support all the shows have stopped supporting any. they ake more money selling on t'internet.
Ease of getting to a venue by car from S'east or N' London - AliPali (although I now go by Train/Tube - 'cos it's free with a Freedom Pass)
Ease of getting other shows by car - all equal. Apart from the Midland, which is a Club Day Trip on a coach, I usually take the distaff side to Harrogate and Bristol and we have a long week-end.
Ease on Public Transport - Olympia, which - BTW - had the best overall show before the ME/MEW exhibition moved to AliPali, then Sandown, then Epsom (the worst shows ever) and back to Sandown.
Despite the "hype" about a first-time competition at AliPali this year, I didn't see any specific Competition Model Area (or models) - or were they scattered on club stands ?
Oh and Guildford is a great day out in the sun (often but not always shining).
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wiltsrob
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #14 on Jan 20, 2012, 10:28pm » | |
Hia all...
Went today.. way bussier than i had expected for a friday.....
Agree with above posters about lack of exhibits for compertitions and talk by traders of how expensive pitches were which no doubt led to several notable suppliers not being there...
But was well impressed by the general willingness to share info and even one supplier who was quite happy to send me to a competitor to get my parts as he had run out ...
I have now got enough ideas and sugestions and material.. i wont go into how much all this cost but lets just say the bank manager winced at some of the pricing....to remake all my piston valves and liners and bobins several times over to try out suggestions to fix the blow through of steam....
Robert
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heronsgate
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #15 on Jan 21, 2012, 9:02am » | |
Springbok.
I have lead my life feeling happy with whatever I do regarding Model Engineering. I buck the trend whenever I can and go my own way. Negative comments are part and parcel of other peoples views, and the majority I tend to disregard. I know that by the law of averages there are as many, if not more, positive ones out there in this world wide hobby. Important thing is to enjoy your hobby to the fullest extent you can and not worry what others may think of your efforts. favourite reply to any negative comments I may react to is 'show me what you have done then!!'
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Boadicea
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #16 on Jan 21, 2012, 9:51am » | |
Jan 20, 2012, 6:19pm, alanstepney wrote:....What is needed is ONE exhibition, in or around London, with easy access via the Underground, as well as by car.
It does, or used to, attract lots of overseas visitors, so access by public transport is essential.
It really needs to be longer than 2 1/2 days too.
Commercial rivalry is fine, but the present situation just means less visitors for both, and higher costs for exhibitors and for the organisers. |
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I went yesterday and had a nice day out with friends. I went to Sandown and had a nice day out with friends.
Alan, you normally talk sense, but I think the above is just nonsense. Accessibility - shuttle buses provided from tube, railway station and car park - what more is needed? The issue is did people enjoy it - the commercial issues are none of our business.
The show itself was well attended with a good selection of models and traders - what else can people expect. Longer than 2˝days - it is one hour and a half short of 3 days!
Are you just looking for negative things to say about it?
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rodwilson
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #17 on Jan 21, 2012, 11:08am » | |
Jan 20, 2012, 10:28pm, wiltsrob wrote:
Went today.. way bussier than i had expected for a friday.....
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I was there from about 10.30 to 16.30 and didn't think is was as busy as usual..........generally you could pick something up and pay for it without a wait which is unusual.
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cplmickey
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #18 on Jan 21, 2012, 4:49pm » | |
I went yesterday and thought it was as good as previous years. depends what you want - I got everything off my list so maybe that's why I'm satisfied. The queue for tickets was much smaller than last year but then we were an hour later so suspect that is the reason.
I've never been to Sandown but understand the comments about not having 2 exhibitions. My friends who did go came back full of disappointment and tales of trade friends moaning about costs, low attendance and not wanting to support it next year so maybe the problem will sort itself out if Sandown dies a death naturally.
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alanstepney
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| | Re: Ally Pally
« Reply #19 on Jan 21, 2012, 7:34pm » | |
I've been to most shows, apart from Harrogate, over the past 60 years.
Whilst the regional shows can be good, the London show should be THE prime showcase of our models and suppliers. It used to attract a significant number of foreign visitors too.
To do that, it really needs to be open for a compete week to cater for those who can only manage certain days.
It needs to be easy to reach by all types of transport.
It needs to have the support of as many suppliers as possible.
Having two shows means that neither can open for many days as they wouldnt have the "footfall" to make it worthwhile.
Two shows also means that most suppliers cant afford to attend both.
So, one larger and longer show would benefit suppliers and make for a more interesting exhibition.
Will it happen?
Unfortunately, I doubt it.
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