Midlands model engineering show

I spent a few happy hours wandering around the show today picking up goodies for my workshop, trailer and reading matter, there were a lot of bods wandering about and it was busy.I had a good chat with a gas turbine builder, that fascinates me immensely and have often wondered about playing with a Turbo charger, anyway it was worth the drive.

Martin P

It was on the telly!

Central West Midlands local news

Jim

Went yesterday, opening day, couldn't believe the number of people there 30 mins after opening time, took nearly 20 mins to do the last 400 yards. No IC engines on view that I saw, but the trade counters were very busy and they were worth the trip on their own. Enjoyed it. Got what I came for, saw what I came to look at. And had a good lunch there too!

Chris

I went yesterday. The queue at 10 was not very big but by about 11 it felt as though several long trains had passed through and deposited all their passengers at the show, it was really crowded.

Bought stock I want and only I item of tooling. The item I liked the most was the Anzani 'Y' type engine on Wolverhampton MES stand. I am trying to build one (over next decade or two) and got a few pictures to help.

Colin

Correction, I meant to say not many IC engines on display, (compared to say the Bristol show). I saw (drooled over!) the Anzani engine and a Bentley rotary engine, but there was not a lot more IC, compared to the number of steam chuff chuffs. The traction engines in steam outside were lovely too. The SBA launch complete with boiler and steam engine was a delight, beautiful installation. One can but dream!

Interestingly, it was less crowded early afternoon - I left just after 3pm - than in the morning. That helped getting to see what was on the stands!!

Chris

I (well, we) went yesterday. A very good day out.

Met up with a Raglan owner for a chat and introduced myself to forum member Gary Wooding (we are both Centec users), who presented a very interesting talk about properties of precious metals. Interesting to me as there were a couple of surprises. I used to work recovering precious metals back about 30 years ago.

Purchased a few second hand bits - tooling and cutters mainly - and got thoroughly tired out but it was very enjoyable. Can now look forward to the 2018 show.

Very nice day out at the show yesterday. Bought a few bits& pieces but didn't need much. Had pre booked tickets so walked straight past the queue.

I also went, with my Dad. Thouroughly enjoyed it and bought some nice set of Dormer drills from Greenwood. Also rummaged a lot and scored some other goodies

The models on display were outstanding.

This is the first year I have not managed to get there for a while.

Was the chap there demonstrating the home foundry casting this year? I think his name is Noel Shelley.

I went yesterday it was fairly busy bought a few files and a rule I could see. I didn't see many competition entries a few on tables and some on club stands. It was pretty much locomotives and their seemed to be less club stands. Not a bad day out pre booked tickets worked well.

Not too bad but it was noticeable that there were several empty spaces so it may be going the same way as the London shows for lack of trade support. Apparently one regular club didn't go because the usual contact decided he didn't want to but didn't pass over the details to his fellow members to take over.

Most interesting because it was new (to me) was the music box stand but sadly I only just realised that while I spent more time talking to them that anywhere else I didn't take a single photo. Hope they are back next time I go.

I was there yesterday too - spent a few bob (my 'bargains' did seem to mount up!) but I don't know the real damage just yet as I took the wife up with me - and she'd arranged to meet a friend and go out shopping locally and have lunch whilst I was in the show.

So it could have been quite an expensive day...

IanT

My lad had an interesting experience went with £2000 in his pocket to buy a lathe just wanted to see it before he purchased it liked what he saw. The sales staff were not interested in him would rather speak to the old boys. He came home with nearly all the money, bought two files and a junior hacksaw and some blades.

Had a similar experience with Wxxxx, visited several times after being told only the M.D. could advise me on Dro’s, gave up and then purchased elsewhere.

I am an old boy of 73, but many older looking just wanted to chat and monopolise

Edited By Ian Hewson on 22/10/2017 23:03:23

Haha maybe they are like that with everybody named Ian, I had the same experience last year and went across and ordered the same lathe in a different colour with Chester. Had no problems with it at all but don't know where to go if I decide to upgrade to a bigger and better lathe in the future as the sieg's don't seem any bigger or better than the one I have now!

One interesting snippet I did pick up. Chatting to the bloke on the Myford who told me they had sold a new one to a 91 year old last week.

I have to say "good for him'.

regards Martin

.

He's probably been saving-up for one since August 1946

MichaelG.

Wasn't that about the time they made the last true 'new' one?

It was moree a post regarding 'living optimistically' than about Myfords.

As I said good for him.

Martin