Model Engineer Exhibition

[SteveW]

Guys,

I've just got back from Sandown and have to say I should have listened to myself when I said I shouldn't waste my time going there a couple of years back. They are shooting themselves in the foot by retaining both the venue and timing. Dover or Portsmouth are likely the next most useful venues (NOT!).

Yes, the standard of models was excellent (although sparse) but the other reason for going is the spending of eight quid to avoid postage and packing etc and touching the bits and pieces for the next project. However, with traders split between two shows almost in the same month it can't be economic for anyone.

I did enjoy the fact that today wasn't very busy, I heard it was packed on Friday.

One item I was very interested in was a guy selling a kit for a skeleton Spitfire in brass (see www.bigwing.biz ). It is sort-of in a similar league to the clock kits where one gets to add your own quailty by the final polish, construction and lacquering. It's almost the same as the old Keilcraft die-cut balsa models but water cut out of brass sheet. The chap hopes to extend the range to Hurricanes etc. Mosquito would be my hope or even an Cadet Mk3 glider as once flown by the Air Cadets years ago (I used to fly 'em). Either way this item is a nice blend of engineering, craft and nostalgia (thinks! AND would look great on my mantlepiece). (usual disclaimer)

[3405jimmy]

Yes he was at the first Pickering model show this year (just). Very impressive and it looked to follow the lines of the original very well. I cannot wait until the guys with eyes like night hawks and fingers like feeler gauges start skinning the frame with silver paper or sum such.

Jim

[GeorgeRay]

It wasn't packed when I was there on Friday between 10 and 2. One of the North London chaps told me it was packed on Thursday but there were very few around comparitively on Friday. Maybe it picked up latter. For the first time I was able to approach almost any of the useful trade stands and look without any difficulty, and get served almost without waiting. The only place that seemed to be packed was the food area where finding a seat relied on someone going as you arrived. I enjoyed the models but the lack of soem of the tradde stands meant that I came home heavier in the wallet than usual.

[Chris Kelland]

Having read all of the above, I can only agree. It was pointed out to me that this year was the 75th anniversary of the show, I did not know because there was no show guide or even a floor plan, very poor, I saw a number of photos on the way out, in the foyer, was this the sum total of the celibration. I did notice even fewer club stands this year.

Apart from notable attendees, Myford, Warco etc. downstairs resembled a car boot sale, two good stands for materials though.

Us four lads from Oxford came to the conclusion that Sandown may not last very much longer.
I only hope to be proved wrong, it will only be bad for the hobby!


Chris

[houstonceng]

Well. I've bin and gorn and dun it (as we used to say when we were kids). I've distilled a few of the thoughts expressed here about MEEx 2005 and sent an e-mail to the editor. Let's see if it gets published.

[chameleonrob]

I hope they do, but it will probably be along side anouther one saying how good it was

[greasemonkey]

HI All
I cant see how there would be as everyone I have spoken to thought the trade stalls, with the exception of a few, was nothing more than a glorified car boot sale and the models and club stands so well hidden and unsigned as to be nothing more than a side show. It would appear that the organisers couldnt organise a party in the proverbial. What worried me most as an exhibitor was the complete lack of security for the models. A small team of blokes, a van and a diversion and it would be very easy for things to go missing! There were no checks on who was wheeling what models out of the building at the end of the show.
regards
Andy

[davidimurray]

Personally, I think one of the best shows around at the moment is the Bristol show! Why?
Well first of all it is very convenient for me as I only live just over the water.
2) its not too big and it is well arranged, there are only a couple of aisles that you have to squeeze down but generally it is well laid out - gives you chance to step back and look at things with your mates.
3)The venue - it is well sized, as a result the exhibition feels a lot bigger than it is.
4)A great combination of clubs, individuals and trade stands.
5) A good section of 'live' events. Boating pool where you can have a go, jet engine demo, model traction engines running around, the big thing is that you can walk up to all the live exhibits, chat with the owners etc. There is no sense of them and us.

I attended wembley a few years ago and the major draw of that was simply the sheer size. Having attended the midlands exhibition this year I felt that it wasn't worth the 3 hourish drive compared to bristol 40min away.

Cheers

Dave