Model Engineer Exhibition

[greasemonkey]

Hi All
Been to Sandown Park today and taken my models over. I shall be on the Guildford Stand on Saturday pop by and say hello. Anyone else going?
regards

Andy

[GeorgeRay]

I'm hoping to get there on Friday. I've got the ticket just need there to be no snow or Ice on the M3.

[3405jimmy]

Too far away for me, I was watching the rolling news channels yesterday that had Kent awash with reporters looking at 2” of snow. Must have been a slow news day?

Jim

[Alan]

Hi.
let me be the first to say the show wasn't as good as last year, and that was bad. Too much of this and too little of that.

No seriously. Lets hope its a good one.

After all. if we wanted to make it better, we could offer our own items up for display or competition rather than just moan about lack of things to look at and the cost of a sandwich.

Alan

[jgb7573]

I shall be on the Ickenham stand on Friday and glad to meet and chat with anyone passing by. Got some shopping to do (grin) so call by later if I'm not there.

[waggy]

I fully agree with Alans remark about those who show models making the exhibition. However, I've said it before and I say again, Sandown Park is an awful place to get to from the North. I was there in July and it was not a good journey, cold weather can only make things worse.
It is my own opinion but I think us "Northern Lads and Lasses" are being put off attending just by the journey. If we were to exhibit we could well end up doing a double trip. I know models can be collected and returned but I for one, would like to be there as well.
Perhaps alternate the venue between north and south? We don't bite but like our babies well cooked!
All the best!
Waggy.

[Uzzy]

I must admit I went to Ali Palace last year and Sandown a couple of years ago and to be honest I have not seen anything like when it was at Wembley. Next year I am condemplating a trip from Kent to Harrogate to what thats like but to be honest I have not seen anything worth while as far as travelling and entrance prices for a very long time.

[gwrfan]

Waggy and Uzzy's comments about the Model Engineering Exhibitions got me thinking (OK Phil, I know you think that's difficult for me, LOL), about the number of exhibitions held annually. When I lived in Coventry in the mid 80's there were (I believe) only 2 MEX's - The Wembley one and the Midlands one. There may have been others, but I don't know. Currently there is a definite North-South divide, with Pickering in Sept (1st Annual), Harrogate in May (12th), Midlands in Oct (28th), Bristol in Aug (4th), London in Jan (10th) and the Model Engineer Exhibition in Dec (75th).

I have to admit that the last MEX I attended was in the Ally Pally, and before that, Wembley. Living as I do in Cornwall, all of them involve traveling quite a distance. However, I would think that perhaps there are just too many large exhibitions now, spread across the country, and therefore attendances are possibly more local. For instance, the_viffer probably finds Sandown an easy venue, and I would perhaps find Bristol easiest for me.

I would suggest that many clubs have a dwindling membership these days, except for the larger ones such as Guildford, Birmingham and Bristol, to name just some. Oh, and I'd better mention Malden DSME for t_v!! I would also suggest that it's mainly the same members who frequent these shows year after year, and possibly the numbers doing so reduce for various reasons, with few newer, younger members attending. That's not to say there is a problem, but just that perhaps there are just too many shows now, for the same number of visitors that used to attend one of 2 or 3 shows? I haven't a clue what the cost of hosting such shows would be, but I guess the MEX is possibly the most expensive. The problem now is, over and above the current 'problems' with the ME magazine, where could the exhibition best be held? Also, late December doesn't appeal to many folk to travel long distances, and to a venue outside of a large city.

OK, that's enough from me, and over to you guys for any comments - good or bad.

Geoff in Cornwall, where it's been 8 Degrees below overnight, 2 inches of snow this morning, and now it's raining!!

[3405jimmy]

waggy said:

IIt is my own opinion but I think us "Northern Lads and Lasses" are being put off attending just by the journey.

I would guess for people south of London the venue is ideal. Your right though inside the M25 just about makes it all too much trouble at this time of year.

Jim,

[3405jimmy]

gwrfan said:

The problem now is, over and above the current 'problems' with the ME magazine, where could the exhibition best be held? Also, late December doesn't appeal to many folk to travel long distances, and to a venue outside of a large city.

Well we could all get on a bus trip to Sisenheim (sp?) Bin the winter shows and rely on Harrogate and the (creeping further south all the time) Midlands.

Jim

[ChrisCrosskey]

There are definitely fewer traders there this year, the exhibits are good but not mindblowing..... had my wallet given its bi-annual murdering by Myford, the food is very expensive so take your own and I couldn't find a bar open anywhere....

The Deltic is coming on nicely and has a stand to itself next to the IC clubstand......

chrisc

[houstonceng]

Please excuse the ramble, but I need to vent some feelings - having returned today from the Sandown show.

As a regular attendee of the MEEx at Sandown (ex Olympia, ex Ali Pali, ex Wembley, ex - - - ), the Midland, Lemington Spa (ex Donnington) and London, Ali Pali (ex Wembley, ex Lee Valley), I'm contemplating never again attending the first named show organised by Highbury House.

Since the Wembley days we have been promised - by the organisers - that the show was now in a "better venue" (each time the venue was changed) and that the show was being changed in format so that it "was better aimed at Model Engineers" (by excluding models, clubs and trade stands which were not representative of modeling in ME & MEW). Sorry. Wrong on both counts.

I stayed loyal to the ME/MEW show - up to now - because :-

1. It was an opportunity to see excellent examples of Model Engineering in the competition models, loan section and on club stands. This aspect hasn't changed - all be it that there are fewer of these models for reasons touched on by other contributers to this group.

2. It was an opportunity to meet and greet a few old friends and contacts from the ME field. This aspect hasn't changed - all be it that there are fewer of these persons around due to "natural wastage".

3. It was an opportunity to buy tools and material from companies dedicate to model engineering - without paying the postage. This aspect has changed, greatly, to the point when, this year - apart from a very small number of ME related trade stands - the flavour of the trade was "wall to wall" non-related junk, vehicle tools, sandpaper and varnish products, "keep your car windscreen clean products", car performance boosters and LRP replacement products, a patent woodscrew setting device, overpriced adhesives, etc, etc and yet more unrelated junk. Key suppliers such as EKP and Chester were missing this year. Rotogrip, Blackgates & Reeves stopped attending back in the Olympia days.

I've come to the conclusion that the London MEEx, Midland & Guildford shows have outstripped the Sandown show and are better value for money. I have yet to attend Bristol or Harrogate, but the "jungle drums" tell me that they are both worthy of the name "Model Engineering Exhibition".

I'm grieved that the present management of the MEEx (HHC plc) has let the "premier Model Engineering Exhibition" deteriorate to such an extent. I think we would be better off without it (and as a loyal fan up to now, that was very hard to say). Let's transfer the accolade, effort and loyalty to the other shows.

I have no "magic solutions". Better and more numerous club stands and/or more competition models are NOT the answer, if the genuine ME Trade stands are missing.

I've rambled enough. Anybody want to shoot me down in flames ? Anybody got any builds on my remarks ?

Yours, disgusted Orpington (aka Andy)

[gwrfan]

Hi Andy,

Oh dear! Not a very happy story at all. I hope that, not withstanding the current 'problems' with Model Engineer Magazine, you will voice your opinions to them, and see if they are prepared to print your letter, and comment on it. I hope you do, and I hope they will do so, for the sake of our hobby and all of us.

I haven't been on this Forum as long as many others, but it strikes me that our site is something quite unique, and we mostly speak using the same hymn sheet. Hopefully other members here will follow your lead, and write to the ME management. If they know that 'we' are not happy at all, they might just listen, and do something about it, unless, of course, it's already too late.

Must go, work now, and it's blowing a gale and lashings of rain in Cornwall.

Geoff

[waggy]

Looking at the replies it seems all is not well! Lets hope the organisers look at this site from time to time.
Another problem with the ME exhibition is the display of models entered for the Duke of Edinburgh cup. If you don't go you don't see, and they are always worth seeing!
To qualify for entry you have to win an award at the ME exhibitionand then return another year to enter the DoE competition, quite a monopoly!

Now, how about we all write to Prince Phillip and ask him to change the rules and move the competition around between the major exhibitions so enticing greater competition? You never know, we may all end up in the tower and then we can have the best ever exhibition?

For all those who haven't yet ventured to Harrogate, you must go. It's the dogs thingies! I and a friend from work have been for the last 8 years and have seen steady growth and quality. Three occasions I've been on two days, so much to see and there's plenty of room.

See you in chains, Happy New year to all.

Waggy.

[the_viffer]

Nostalgia is not what it used to be is it?

I thought the ME show was good. I've not been for a few years on account of it being drossy. This time I had a most interesting couple of hours studying some fine work. I chewed the fat with some friends for a bit. I bought some steel and I helped someone out by lending him my wheel brace.

Only slightly negative bit was that on the stand of a famous outfit based in the Midlands I had to wait 10 minutes while 2 apparently senior members of staff finished their chat before I was asked rather abruptly what I wanted ("Err, to give you some money.") and then given the Foxtrot Oscar as they couldn't be bothered to deal with my query.

I took a number of photos and I imagine they or better ones will be on www.modelengine.co.uk soon.

[Ansty]

This thread is interesting as I have only attended the first MEX at Sandown. My thoughts at that time was that I would not return there, instead visiting either the Midlands show or the London show organised by Meridienne. I usually restrict myself to one show a year - a bit expensive on the wallet otherwise. I did visit the Midlands show this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. With so many shows now, this must inevitably mean that suppliers will pick the most convenient and profitable ones to attend. As has already been mentioned the timing of Sandown has over the years become less attractive.
Lets hope that the hobby can learn from the remarks we have posted.

Brian

[heyfordian18]

I have to agree with the concensus of this thread that the Sandown show is dissapointing this year. Too much non ME related stuff filling the floor space, which I suspect that otherwise would be empty. I know from talking with several regular traders at other shows, that the Xmas - New Year week is not popular for such a show. There semed to be fewer models than previous years, but the quality of what is on display was excellent. For anyone thinking of venturing to the Harrogate show, I would say 'go', make a weekend of it, book a hotel in the town. The venue, topics covered and trade support are the best on offer.

[houstonceng]

Just to add a few thoughts to my previous missive - and some responses to the other contributers.

The ME Exhibition was, as far as my memory serves, (apart from the early 2000 show at Ai Pali) always held around New Year. I always looked forward to my injection of ME related "joy" after the family Christmas and before returning to work in the New Year. Jan 01 was usually included and - back in the better days - there were at least two Sundays so the Ex lasted at least 7 days. I don't, therefore, think that holding the Ex at this time of year is the major reason for it's slow demise.

Ok. Time moves on and the Ex is now only three days and I guess that this is due to rising costs for venues. From a discussion I had at Maidstone Engineering a few years ago, I gather that the genuine ME trade would rather "stay at home" - ie open the shop for those days - and make more money. Who can blame them ?

What does concern me is the whole nature of the show has changed for the worst. Circa 20 years ago - when my children (boys) were 8 and 6 respectively - there were things to interest them - and my wife - making it a worthwhile family day out. The SMEE Track running Steam Trains, the Car racing, the Boating pond, doll's houses, paintings and at least two traders selling Model & Craft books (one of which was run by the organisers) plus other "stuff" to interest families - not just a relatively limited audience.

We keep reading Editorials in ME & MEW (and some Club Mags) on the subject "how do we involve youngsters into Model Engineering ?" I would suggest that the Wembley, Ali Pali and Olympia formats of an overall "model show" had the following advantages:-
1. It had something to interest almost everyone with some "bent" towards models or crafts - plastic, wood or metal. Even my wife.
2. There were a few models - like the plastics - that young children could aspire to making. I started my ME "career" on Mecano and Airfix.
3. It obviously made it worthwhile hiring these better venues than Sandown.
4. Because the cost could be spread further, more traders could afford a stand.
5. Wembley, Ali Pali and Olympia all look - to me - like easier venues for access by a wider spread "audience" than Sandown.

It's also interesting to note that, as the HHC MEEx has moved from Webley/Ali Pali to Sandown and become smaller so the Meridian London MEEx has moved from Picket's Lock to Wembly and now Ali Pali and got bigger !

Conclusions ?
a. Curent MEEx is too restricted in "model" content.
b. Sandown is the "wrong" venue.
c. HHC just can't be bothered (witness their first Ex at Sandown, they didn't even have a stand - just a table in the foyer)

Discuss (Oxford and Cambridge "O" Level 'ology paper, 19 hundred and frozen to death).

Andy

[alanstepney]

The first ME exhibition I attended was in 1956 or '58. when they were at the Horticultural Hall.

Then, it was held in the summer, and, from memory, towards the end of the school summer holidays.

Since then it has moved around most of London, and other exhibitions have sprung up all over the place: even in Yorkshire!

At the same time, many of the large club exhibitions that used to be held seem to have fallen by the wayside.

Whilst one could draw many conclusions from the foregoing, the one thing I think is certain, is that having two exhibitions in / around London within weeks of each other is foolish and cannot be for the best of the hobby or the trade.

Not having been to Sandown this year, I cannot comment on it, but do feel that the present venue is not as good as some that have been used in the past.

[3405jimmy]

I think Andy has a good point about the closeness of the two shows in London, I am sure both suppliers and exhibitors are divided and so ether show is diluted by the which one do I support question.

So what do the boys with blue faces do? I am not aware of any major show in Scotland, why not move one of the London-centric ones to Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Jim