Milestones - Basingstoke model exhibition

[Nexuas]

Not sure how many of you are local to the area, but there is a model engineering exhibition at MILESTONES in Basingstoke this weekend, both my models "should" be on our stand this time round.

Brand new for 2007 - Model Engineering Show
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April 2007, 10am - 5pm
A unique opportunity to enjoy all the usual trappings of a good model engineering exhibition in an unusual setting. There will be plenty for enthusiasts and non-modellers alike, with a range of small-scale and life-size models, a live steam miniature railway, steam and radio controlled vehicles and a model boating lake.
Included in usual admission price.

www.milestones-museum.com/events.html

For anyone that saw PALMERSTON at Brighton modelworld there should be some noticable progress as it now has wheels and axel boxes and the valve gear is almost complete except for the ecentric rods and staps (Waiting for castings from Reeve's which I ordered in January)

[Jo]

I was thinking of dropping in on Sunday.

Jo

[Nexuas]

Come to the reading stand and say hello. I should be there both days. (Ask for Russell)

RUSSELL takes pride of place on the centre of the stand, and PALMERSTON is there too. Looks like it could be a really nice exhibition!!!

[stantheman]

Must say that despite the little problem of access on Friday into the main clubs display area, caused by some selfishness by a few with parking, the whole ambience for this show is good.
Nearly ever member of the staff and those from the clubs were very enthusiastic, reminded me of the days of the Wembley Conference Centre and the time they put all of the clubs in one place. Let those of us in the South hope this venue develops further and continues to provide space for a show like this.
Stan.

[modeng2000]

I have an excellent day at Milestones, well supported by clubs and some trade stands with lots of interesting things to look at.

Here's hoping that it is repeated next year.

The only down side was the Milestones catering. Could have been much better organised. A note to the management is required

[Nexuas]

Yes a very pleasant could of days. Milestones is a wonderful venune (Did not sample the cafe) with all the exhibits being surrounded by traction engines and buses etc...

We did not have too much trouble with unloading on the Friday, we tried to get the cars down and unloaded as quickly as possible and then got them out of the way before setting up the stand, being there at 3pm when unloading began really helped. Packing away seamed quite organised as well, we had all left by 5.25pm.

Thank you to the couple of people ("Greasemonkey" and "the hat") who introduced themselves while talking to me, I have spoken to soo many people over the course of the last few days I may well have spoken to many more of you...

Milestone seam very happy with the takings on the saturday, suggesting this was well in excess of a busy normal weekend. The sunday was a bit quiter but it makes us confident that this will be in next years calender as well... I will post up some pictures later.

[silverfox]

Just read the topic, Went to Milestones today. Very good, spoilt by lots of blokes with bits all sitting drinking tea in front of the shops, buses,lorries etc!!!!

Thanks to all who went to the bother of putting something on. Really enjoyable walking round looking at the club stands instead of countless 'nothing to do with model engineering' trade stands, but i did miss the bloke with the mini bonnet and the ritual setting fire to it on the hour. Picked up a very cheap 2ft metal rule for £2.20.
Really enjoyed both Milestones (first visit)and the Exhib. As my wife said, its only an excuse to go there again.

Well done to all, your effort was much appreciated.

Ron

[NigelMuskett]

Where was this exhibition advertised?

Nigel

[modeng2000]

I saw it advertised in our local free newspaper and on the Hampshire 'What's On' web page.

John

[Nexuas]

nigelmuskett said:

Where was this exhibition advertised?

Nigel

Hey Nigel

I am sure there were adverts for it in Engineering in Minature, not sure about in the ME as all they want to talk about is the Ascot show. I would probably have missed it had I not been informed about it down the club.

I would suggest it is one to look out for in future years, the ambience of Milestones just seamed perfect for displaying models, and once a bit more trade support comes on board it could be a really good show. The number of minature road vehicles was quite staggering, there must have been 35 maybe 40 parked outside the hall on Saturday afternoon (Sadly I did not have my camera)

Also as visitor numbers were not up like Ally Pally or the midland show you could really get to look at models and walk round without being three deep everywhere...

Nigel are you up the FR over interactive (May bank holiday?) If so I may hopefully see you around. I have asked for a list of what footplate trips are still availble (A particular England engine would be nice...) have not looked into accomodation yet... If you are rostored on let me know by PM and I will try to say hello.

[modeng2000]

This morning I had a chat with the manager of Milestones and was able to discuss the poor catering situation. It seems that the visitors on Saturday ate all the sandwiches and so there were none left for those who visited on Sunday . She said that there had been many adverse comments about the refreshments and that the caterers had got things wrong.

It is most likely that the event will be held again next year with wider advertising.

John

[Nexuas]

modeng2000 said:

This morning I had a chat with the manager of Milestones and was able to discuss the poor catering situation. It seems that the visitors on Saturday ate all the sandwiches and so there were none left for those who visited on Sunday . She said that there had been many adverse comments about the refreshments and that the caterers had got things wrong.

It is most likely that the event will be held again next year with wider advertising.

John

That would figure with the comments relating to Saturday's takings being beyond a "normal" busy weekend, if on a normal saturday they only sell a dozen sandwiches they are unlikely to have many more in stock for a whole weekend as they would not normally have been sold. I guess they under estimated the number of people the event would attract?

Good to hear they plan on staging a second event next year...

[hat]

For me, never having been to Milestones before it was a great day out - even her indoors warmed to the event- normally she stays well clear of my metal bashing activities.
So a great day well supported by the clubs - well done to all
Hat

[Nexuas]

Probaly should be in the images section but hey...

[NigelMuskett]

Nigel are you up the FR over interactive (May bank holiday?) If so I may hopefully see you around. I have asked for a list of what footplate trips are still availble (A particular England engine would be nice...) have not looked into accomodation yet... If you are rostored on let me know by PM and I will try to say hello.

Oh yes Nexuas, I'll be there

I will be helping getting the toys out of the box on the Friday and putting them back into the box on Tuesday. As to the weekend I do not know yet what I am rostered for.

For the rest of the week I will be there hopefully trainee driving except for the Friday when I will just have to have my rostered day off when I might just go out for a drive in the car to say to Harrogate.

If you need any help booking or finding somewhere to stay give me a call. (a few local drivers run b&b's)

Hope to see you there.

As to this show I must admit I was tempted but with a 190 mile round trip I wanted to see some advertising first. I had not seen anything in ME and none of the likely traders were advertising their presence either.

Nigel

[Nexuas]

Nigel - Accomodation is booked so i will possibly see you there. I am just sorting out if RUSSELL is going to come too, and so it can spend a weekend at his spiritual home!!! I am not sure if he will go to the WHRp or to the model exhibition at the leisure centre.