Northern Modelling Exhibition

Does central have a different meaning south of Watford?

Unless I've missed something, I just dont understand these comments.

Ian P

Well, it seems there was nothing new or original at the show that was worth "borrowing".

It seems there have only been two new innovations in the last couple of years, first and give them due credit, at Ally-Pally the organisers bucked the H&S paranoia trend and allowed SMEE to let Mr and Mrs Joe Public and their offsprings to have a go on a lathe. Second, MHS for free entry on the Sunday, upon presentation of a copy of ME or MEW, again a suitable round of applause should go to them for the brave idea.

chriStephens

I went to the recent Manchester Show; by train from Lincs to a hotel in the city, then by bus to the show on Saturday. This gave me a rare and special holiday to see M.O.S.I. and a few other interesting places in the city.

I enjoyed the show, which I expected to be smallish, but there were more mod eng stalls, dealers and clubs, than I thought there would be. There was plenty of space in the hall so another metre on all of the aisles would have been welcome. Like most people there, I entered clutching my secret hoard of money in a little poly bag and, whilst feeling lucky and excited to be there, I concentrated on tools (for clockmaking) and prices, working quickly whilst there were fewer people there.

There didn't seem to be any reason for breaking concentration to look downwards. I do hope that I wasn't one of those who prodded the gent in the wheelchair - I wouldn't want to do that at any price. I sympathise and will try to remember what he says, but I can't see things improving much.

I was surprised at the value placed on secondhand books which seemed to me to be on obscure subjects - £40 was not uncommon. Figures like that tend to put me off from spending valuable time at the stall browsing through the other books to the left and right of them just because I have £3 burning a hole in my pocket. I would have expected the £30 - £40 ones to be apart from the cheaper ones and away from light fingers. Perhaps they were all £40! The dealers know their business best, of course.

Being new to this forum I don't understand the reference to E.I.M., presumably the Tee Pub organisation. I wish that they still did their packs of brass, aly, etc.

Although not an aeroplane man I enjoyed seeing and hearing the Vulcan. The tean deserved the applause.

Perhaps I misremember, but about ten years ago when I went to a mod eng exhibition at Harrogate, I had a very long walk from the cat to the hall (and back) which would have been no fun in the rain, or if I had bought something heavy.

I sense that there are tensions in the forum between business interests; I hope that they work in our favour.

Sandown. Diversify. It has been said more than once that the heyday was the multidisciplined shows a decade or so ago. There were lots of boat models which are a traditional part of Model Engineering at the show so get a dozen boat traders in. I've been to more than one show where I couldn't even find some stainless for a prop shaft let alone a propellor.

If there are any kids at the show with their interest sparked is dad going to buy them a £5k loco. I don't think so. Get a couple of stands selling Airfix (or who ever it is now) and meccano. Then the kid will want to come to the show again for the next 50 years.

Don't listen to the old grouches who are only interested in steam engnes. Dolls houses are a perfectly respectable area of modelling and provide some light relief for spouces.

CNC may be too expensive for most but how about adopting the RepRap community and offering a gathering opportunity for them.

As regards suggestions I was serious about making enquiries about National Express coaches for various parts.

Same about lectures.

Chris S, than you for the offer on the lathe, I may take it up with you because I'm never too proud to admit I still learn new things every day.

Hi John,

I'm with you there, the person with a closed mind has no mind at all.

chriStephens

Thaey dont need to be big to be good. we could do with a decent trade show, but

this is what is available in Canberra, one / year

http://actmrs.org.au/information-types/actmrs-members/malkara

Almost no trade dealers except for railway layouts, but a great mix of steam, dolls houes, trains, cars, planes, boats, sometimes tools.

Place is packed for two days and supports Malkara special school. 95% of the visitors are not yet model engineers. my youngest, now 16, started going when he was about 4, still enjoys it and criticallly examines every layout and steam model on display.

I have to wade in for Birmingham. There are several really good venues and the costs would be less than for a London venue too.

I work in Brum and have hardly been to London in 16 years, then bang- three times in the last few months, and again next tuesday! It's four hours by car or an hour and a quarter by train from Lichfield (who needs HS2?) And I must say I'm up to here with 'the city' - the air stinks of pollution (even compared to Brum) and you realise just how much the view from London is coloured by teh 'capital city' view.

I think it would be fantastic to se the ME show in Birmingham, perhaps alternating with one in the south. The MMEX by meridienne is OK, but doesn't seem to attract the 'big names'.

I would happily assist the groundwork for such a show.

Neil

I used to have a car like that................................

John S.