Model Engineering Exhibitions

[engineernut]

I just wondered what members thoughts were on Model Engineering Exhibitions in general with regard to this credit crunch?

I have missed Ally Pally for the past two years through work commitments and unfortunately , although due to go today (Sunday), had to give it a miss at the last minute. I was not very happy at missing it as there was one less attendee for the total head count at the end of the day. I always believe in use it or loose it.

I have attended both the Model Engineer Exhibitions at Ascot, which I thought was a very good venue, as was Sandown. This is apart from ease of access for me living in the South being only an hour or so drive compared to two and a half hours for Ally Pally. (Plus the 1hour stuck on the M25 4yrs ago to get there).

Unfortunately ME magazine has not yet come up with a venue/date of their exhibition this year. Although David in the MEW magazine did write a small piece about the exhibition venue possibly being changed a short while ago. I do hope they have an exhibition this year as it will be a shame if that goes missing.

The only other exhibition now in Southern England will be the Guildford Show in July. I think this is a brilliant show and I will now have to wait to replenish my stock in the workshop when I attend this exhibition and give the traders some of my cash.

Getting back to my original question, as I just hope that this credit crunch does not deter traders, clubs, or even organisers from laying on or attending these events as it would be a tragedy if any of them vanished.

[spamcanman]

I went for the 3 days personally I think Friday was the busiest but it did tail off by 4.00pm although it was open till 5.30PM. Saturday had more children/dad's etc. but not as busy as Friday and Sunday I thought was quite only busy for a couple of hours in the peek time.
I walked round numerous times looking at stands and noticed Chester and Waroc were not taking orders like last year. I bought my machines last year from Warco and they had sold most of there machines on display a bit cheaper so they did not have to take them back. Today I did not see one machine on there stand with a 'Sold' ticket on it so I think that says something.
As for models being sold VeiwModels stand had sold one loco and another had an 'offer' on it and they sold a traction engine.
StationRoadSteam had a 5"Britannia and 5"Castle for sale amongst other locos and traction engines they sold nothing. I think that tells me people are not spending money or have not got it.

[davidmew]

Hi There
Looks like it might be Sandown and in mid November.
Awaiting confirmation.
regards David

[stantheman]

Hi David. That is, from my own and our Clubs point of view a great choice. Of course we are biased with the majority of us living within a good spit of Sandown. Apart from that we found, as model engineers, the atmosphere was always good, with ample parking not too far away from the doors and access for delivery nearly always easy. No matter what anyone says there will of course always be some amongst us that will complain about the choice of venue, so be it. Good luck with the confirmation. Look forward to taking part again. Stan. (Staines Society)

[engineernut]

Brilliant news David and lets hope it materialises. Will really look forward to that.

[spamcanman]

if it's true that's great news the venue has everything!

[Old Biker]

Looks like ours will be well attended by both clubs and traders. Check out details here.
In Somerset, just down the M5.
Mark
Taunton Model Engineers.

[stantheman]

I wonder if David has any more news on the venue for the M.E Exhibition this year (2009). Mention was made of them taking it back to Sandown Park racecourse during November. Be nice to know from him so that plans for the coming year can be finalised regarding shows etc.

[SteveW]

Feb 22, 2009 15:29:12 GMT @stantheman said:

<snip> Mention was made of them taking it back to Sandown Park racecourse during November.<snip>

Arrh! NOT Sandown PLEASE.

They might as well stick it at Dover.

[russell]

Now Dover might be good for me!

Russell.

[alanstepney]

The one thing I can GUARANTEE, is that no matter where the exhibition is held, some people wont like the location.

[Laurie_B]

Jan 21, 2009 16:09:41 GMT davidmew said:

Hi There
Looks like it might be Sandown and in mid November.
Awaiting confirmation.
regards David

What has happened to the Ascot venue?
I've been to the Sandown venue and it was very good,fairly easy to get to and plenty of parking.
However,living in the Midlands,for me the Ascot venue would be nearer and more convenient to reach.
Are there any other suitable venues to the north of London that could be used?

Laurence.

[stantheman]

I have to agree with Alan on this one, never have I found or heard of any venue that suits everybody, logical I suppose when you consider we don't live in each others back pockets (thank goodness).
On the subject of Ascot against Sandown, little in it if you are traveling from afar. The chances are you would end up on the dreaded M25 anyway. So instead of turning off say at the A30 Junc 13 turn off and head towards Ascot, you would carry on a short distance round to the A3 (London bound) and go as far as the Esher turning.

[Tony K]

Just to remind us of what we said about it last year Here
Might give it a miss. However, I usually give in and have a good day out! ;D

[alanstepney]

The ideal venue would be one that has easy access to several main motorways, is on an Underground route (to cater for overseas visitors) has good rail access (for those who dont drive) excellent parking, and a lrge straight length of land to run a railway on.

As the majority of people live west of London, it really should be that side of the Capital.

To cover all those requirements would be difficult.
About the only location that springs to mind is Heathrow, but running a 5" track along the runway could upset a few people. lol

[mutley]

What about somewhere like Bletchley Park MK?

Andy

[Andy Clark]

Feb 24, 2009 14:42:56 GMT mutley said:

What about somewhere like Bletchley Park MK?

Andy

As someone who knows BP very well I don't believe that it has any suitable accommodation for the event or sufficient parking. There might be better facilities in central MK.

Andy

[spamcanman]

Why not consider EXCEL LONDON www.excel-london.co.uk/ nearly all of the shows have gone there from Olympia, Earls Court and Alexandra Palace from Motor Car/Cycle Shows, Boat Shows,Building Shows etc.
It has ample parking and all means of public transport to the door including it's own airport for foreign visitors.

[Tony K]

So, it is Sandown then. Here....Under Model engineer

And the venue Here

[GeorgeRay]

True David intimated that it would be Sandown Park a month ago on this thread, but I think its a little unfair to say its hiding. The topic on the Model Engineer board and since it is the Model Engineer exhibition that seems to me to be the logical place to put it.