Midlands model engineering show

Good for him indeed.

I believe Michael got the intent, as indeed did I, we just added a little jesting, nothing else

Fair comment David. It always pleases me to hear things like that,

There was a whole range of items at a Midlands show a few years back which were exhibited by the the recently deceased engineers wife (engines, spinning wheels he had made for her and a part built clock. The clock made me smile as it represented a man who was not afraid to start new projects. Maybe we all have to be a little optomistic to do the things we do.

Incidentally does anyone know what happened to the old boy who used to bring the Deltic engine to shows? We used to enjoy looking forwards to chatting with him. I never knew his name but I was in no doubt of his politics! and if anyone ever mentioned Beeching, well . . .

regards Martin

Wife and I visited first day and intended going Friday as well but things intervened. First time I have ever had any of my stuff exhibited - on the Northampton stand which I am reliably informed won first prize for best club stand. Congratulations chaps!

We always enjoy attending the show and this one was no exception with plenty to see and buy Wifes favourite was the music box stand where at one point one of their blokes gave a talented rendition on a squeeze box for which he was heartily applauded.

My favourite was the Northampton NSME stand - not biased then?

Rik

I was with a friend who was given adequate attention on the Chester stand discussing a DRO for his existing mill and possible upgrade to a 626. Then also getting into conversation on both the stands selling DROs. Maybe you have to exude the right vibes about looking like a real potential customer.

Rik, I saw your name tag on the exhibits. Quite nice to be able to think 'I (sort of) know him." Quite envious of the Northampton club facilities.

I went on the Saturday and it was busier than I've seen for a few years. Spent the better part of three hours buying stuff. It was a good show this year. I was questioning the price (in my head) at how much one of the materials dealers was charging for metal and I came back looking at the relatively small amount and the large credit card slip but overall lots of goodies to be had if you shopped wisely.

.

Of course it was, Martin

All I did was recognise that a young man might have set his heart on something which, at a £34 launch price in August 1946, might have been out of his financial reach ... and that he's now able to afford to fulfil his dream.

I fondly remember Mr Mole [of N. Mole & Co. Watford] showing me the RoundBed Drummond, still in its original packing crate, that he was saving for his retirement.

My sentiment was entirely positive ... Sorry if you took exception to it.

MichaelG.

HI Martin,

The `old boy` you referred to is Clen Tomlinson. As well as the deltic he has built most of a quarter scale napier sabre engine (24 cylinder sleeve valve). I was also going to build one but looked too complicated for me !

There is some information on this on the web site of the `Bay area model engineering site` (San Francisco USA)

I keep in touch but he does not spend as much time on model engines as he is building a house.

John Feeney

I enjoyed the show but went specifically for the lecture between 12-00 & 13-00 hours on silver soldering. I left in my car in plenty of time but 400 yards down the road the electric window jammed so I had to go home cover the window with polythene & get my van. Then the M25 had an enormous traffic jam. I arrived at 5 mins to 1 o clock !!!!

Massive traffic jam coming home & i got home at 22-00 hours. Went to bed at 22-30 & my car alarm then then decided to go off 3 times due to the half open window.

I had to get up at midnight in my pyjamas in the pouring rain & disconnect the battery to shut the d..d thing up

Good show though & i spent enough for a few stands to consider it worth coming back next year just for me alone I think !!!!!

Edited By Sam Longley 1 on 23/10/2017 20:18:29

Sounds like there was a lot of tyre kicking going on.

Following Chris's comment about the lack of IC subjects at the show I found it quite interesting to see the number of IC engines at a smaller US show held on the same weekend. For those that like a bit of smoke this is the first post with pics and they carry on to the next two pages.

The other major difference is that 90% of those engines will be run during the show rather than our usual static exhibits.

J

Lots of nice IC subjects at that US show Jason, not sure we'd be able to have the revolvers on display here but, and certainly not them making smoke (and bangs) during the show!

Chris

Guildford show manages to have an area for the engines to be run so can't see why not at other shows though it is nicer to see them running on the exhibitors table an chat about them.

Eric Offen and me running a couple of engines at Guildford. matching boots not a requirement!

Hi Old school,

Seems like the sales team got their sums wrong with your lad.

My friend worked in car sales all his life and he always maintained that the most important thing was to make eye contact first and then to follow up with the sales chat. He said,you might not make a sale right away,but you make a contact,and if you got it right,they would be back. He had the best sales record in the team !

Seems like some others have a lot to learn,a young guy has to start somewhere,but then,I,ve been there,seen that.

Same as my namesake I got fed up of being ignored and spent my £375 a couple of stalls away where they were only too glad to show me their systems and take my money.

Perhaps I should have waved money at Wxxxx and begged them to take it, would that have been enough to show that I wanted to be a customer?

Edited By Ian Hewson on 25/10/2017 20:21:03

First year that I have not gone, (on holiday).

Hope that it does not fade away, (despite the crowding in the narrow aisles).

We have now lost the Spalding Show, after only four years, and it got bigger and better every time.

Wish that someone would take it on, so that East Anglia had show within fairly easy reach.

Howard

Hi Sam,

Sorry you missed the talk. It was certainly well supported.

Was there anything specific you wanted to know?

If so, send me a pm and I'll try to help.

Regards

Keith