Midlands MEX 2016

Looking forward to our trip to the show later this month. It looks as though there are plenty of trade stands and exhibits as well. Last time we went it was very, very crowded and a job to see stuff. Maybe I should avoid soap and water until the visit is over – a little clear space around me should do the trick what? I cannot take the credit for this cunning plan - several others had already worked hard at it last year - phew !!

Rik

Rik, when I used to go to the show with my girlfriend, we played at 'collecting' the whiffy ones, also (and sometimes they were one and the same) the ones who had no concept of personal space.

Typical scores would be 5 - 4 to her.

John.

I've got my tickets but I'm hoping to avoid the great unwashed.

I,m just not bathing from now until next Monday you should spot me so come up and say hello

H

Extra points could be awarded for a good thump from a backpack or being jabbed in the face by some sharp purchase, I was jabbed in the cheek by a metal rod in a backpack, uncomfortably close to my eye.

Mike

Gentlemen,

Where is the Midlands MEX, is that the Fosse way site.

Martin P

Edited By martin perman on 08/10/2016 15:09:38

I missed the Doncaster show so I am planning to go on Thursday, don't be giving negative vibes on crowds 🤔

Yes, it is near Warwick/Leamington Spa.

Mike

Backpacks! I'd forgotten about the bl**dy backpacks!

Regards,

John.

I've been clouted by those things too many times. Blasted carbuncles they should be banned at shows!

Roger

Now there's an idea for a free subs gift - the MEW backpack with extra spikes

Neil

Hi Neil, would it be included with an optional offending odour of ones choice, to help one getting to the front of the stalls?

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 09/10/2016 13:39:46

Nick,

Just a perforated pocket on the front of the backpack, to contain 1 or 2 pairs of old pants!

Though I think some of the visitors I have hurried away from only possess one pair.

A very enjoyable visit to Midlands MEX today. On arrival the car park seemed packed (photo shows only a small part of the park) but when we got inside we found plenty of room to move around and see what was on offer. Other years we have found it to congested but this time it was not. All smiles then!

I have included a random selection of pics one of which shows one of the most comfortable looking drivers seat I have ever seen on a small steam loco – the owner obviously likes to travel in style and I don’t blame him.

Lots of interesting trade stands encouraged me to part with my cash for a long coveted 5-20mm keyless chuck from RDG and pair of vintage matching left and right hand tool holders by ECLIPSE will get my shapers juices flowing nicely – with 5/8” shanks they will also fit my QCTP when needed.

True to form the show attracted several niffy characters one of whom threatened to clear the main hall – he was well pass the soap and water stage – only a bucket of embalming fluid would have floated his boat.

Stinks apart it was a fine show and the organisers deserve a pat on the back. We look forward to going again next year.

Rik

I, too, attended today. Took my wife along and she enjoyed it (bought herself a model railway kit/set thing - miniature 1/450th scale. Now running it!).

I actually found it better than Donny. Not so big, not so busy and easier to get to. I avoided the trash, but did buy some carbide cutters and a couple of arbor blanks. No real bargains for any second hand stuff - I suspect there might be some late on Sunday, mind!

Edited :not 1/145 scale but 1/450!!

Edited By not done it yet on 13/10/2016 20:16:53

Hi, I went yesterday and also thought it is a good show. I bought a couple of 4" toolmakers clamps off the Myford stand, which I found were the cheapest ones I found and the look to be OK, also bought a few other things, one of which was a nice 2" square off Warco for £4.00.

The Meccano in Rik Shaw's photo is pretty imprssive, but I did like the Double Tangye type mill engine on the Birmingham SME stand, which was running on compressed air.

Regards Nick.

I was going to go on Sunday on the basis that there was no shuttle bus service which might help. Going on a new tool mission instead. Sunday traffic levels are lower and I will need to go a long way.

I did go last year and hadn't been for a long long time. My feeling was far too cramped compared with where it used to be held and food not as good as better car boot standards. My wife did like looking at the models though. Me too in many cases. The rest to me was maybe a bit of a let down. I expected more spectacular offers. Several tooling items that I might have bought were in a poor state to the extent that I couldn't tell if they were any good. If that was down to people playing with them I'd probably give them a miss anyway.

John

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I'm going tomorrow with a friend, its only an hour away so not far if disappointed but reading the above I doubt I will be so, hoping to get a 5 - 20 mm drill chuck as seen above and some taper sleeves.

Martin P

Edited By martin perman on 14/10/2016 16:00:00

I went on Thursday a good run up the M40. Another good show. Could do with a bit more space between the stands though. Plenty of traders to lighten your wallet!

Photos *** HERE *** if anyone would like a look.

John

Went, today, (Friday) with a friend. With lots of goodies to tempt us, we both managed to clear our shopping lists, but for once, avoided a major impulse buy!

A good show with so many excellent models on display, and did not seem to be as crowded as usual.

Managed to meet a few friends (from Lincolnshire and Hereford) who happened to be there, so it overall it was a good day out. Received the usual friendly welcome from Jenny Blackwell, Howard Proffitt and Lindsey (on the Warco stand)

We both got a bit tired before we had seen everything.

Well worth going.

Now have the task of making our club stand at Spalding next year as good as the club stands at the Fosse!

Howard