Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Announcements, recommendations, visit reports etc. Discussion of the Society's own shows.
Mark Tatlow
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Mark Tatlow » Mon Sep 26, 2022 8:42 am

I had a good time; although I do not wish to see tables and chairs that need carrying for a while!

I thought the show was successful as an event and would wish for it to continue but this does depend on how successful it was financially.
Mark Tatlow

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jsherratt
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby jsherratt » Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:00 am

I thought the show went well and I enjoyed my visit. It was good to see friends after what seems a long time. Thanks from me to everyone who put in the hard work behind the scenes and over the weekend :thumb

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TonyMont
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby TonyMont » Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:28 am

Hi All,

I enjoyed the exhibition very much, the venue was amazing, travelling by car I found it easily and the parking was excellent, the catering was brilliant and the standard of the exhibits was one of the best I have seen. I think the show overall was pretty busy, there was so much space that it never felt full. Roll on next year, I hope that it was a financial success and that this venue can be used for a good few years. Congratulations to the organising team.

Regards, Tony.

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PeteT
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby PeteT » Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:48 am

Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen! The venue was great, and nicely close to a good array of food & beer selling establishments for the evening. A good range and balance of exhibits, and good on site catering too.

It was great to catch up with people and meet new ones, and after a quiet workbench during the summer the enthusiasm has been suitably fired up to make a bit more time available for it.

Martin Kelly
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Martin Kelly » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:18 am

This weekend was my first ever Scaleforum and I really enjoyed it. Nice airy spacious venue with decent catering. There was plenty of parking even if I arrived after it was fully occupied but that didn't matter because the alternative John Lewis car park option was close by.

I liked the selection of demo, layouts and traders - plenty to enjoy.

And, as an unexpected bonus, I picked up a couple of bargains at the bring and buy sale.

My only complaint is that the presence of some exquisite diesel RTRs from Sutton and Accurscale (spelling?) is almost enough to tempt me to change my plans.

Many thank to everybody involved and all those unsung heroes who put in the hidden effort to make the event possible.

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Lord Colnago
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Lord Colnago » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:27 am

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Scaleforum for everything they have done to make the show the success it was. There are too many to mention and I wouldn't want to upset anyone by forgetting them, so whether you were on the organising team, stewarding, operating a layout, demonstrating, trading or snowed under on the Bring and Buy, thank you for all your efforts. Thank you to all those members who came along, I hope you had an enjoyable time.

John.
The second best priest

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Lord Colnago
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Lord Colnago » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:30 am

A number of items were lost over the course of the weekend and were handed in to the Society. If you arrived home minus something that you had bought then please PM me or email chairman@scalefour.org and I will make enquiries to see if we can re-unite you with it.

John.
The second best priest

mikeknowles
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby mikeknowles » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:50 am

Just finished unloading Boston Frodsham from the car and wanted to thank the organisers for their efforts. Great show, great venue and excellent on site catering. A few issues with Premier Inn/Brewers Fayre but nothing to do with the society.
Really pleased and amazed at the comments and feedback from the visitors. A show such as this mainly attracts modellers rather than families with children to entertain so we were constantly responding to queries and comments, apologies if this at times got in the way of actually operating the layout!
Also good to catch up with Phil Sutton and give his 25/3 a run on the layout, can't wait for mine to arrive. Also good to meet the guys from Cavalex, I can see me getting a 56.
So thanks to everyone, let's hope it can continue.

20220925_134153.jpg
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Neil Smith
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Neil Smith » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:58 am

At the risk of sounding like the broken records of previous comments, but I had a fantastic time there.

My first proper Scaleforum, having joined not that long after the 2019 event, and while what followed virtually was superb, it was just great to have the chance to attend a real event, see some stunning modelling, pick the brains of demonstrators, and talk to traders and make the odd purchase.

However, for me the biggest plus was the friendship extended by people who until now were just names on a computer screen.

Thank you all!

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android
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby android » Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:31 am

Lord Colnago wrote:I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Scaleforum for everything they have done to make the show the success it was. There are too many to mention and I wouldn't want to upset anyone by forgetting them, so whether you were on the organising team, stewarding, operating a layout, demonstrating, trading or snowed under on the Bring and Buy, thank you for all your efforts. Thank you to all those members who came along, I hope you had an enjoyable time.

John.


I would like to add my thanks to John's. Following a three year hiatus and with a new venue I would not have stood a chance without the help of all these wonderful people. There would not have been a show without the support of the members who came to enjoy it; thank you for all the very positive comments that I received both during the show and here on this forum and RMWeb. Thank you all!

Andrew

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steve howe
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby steve howe » Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:07 pm

We made the long haul up from deepest Cornwall for the weekend and had a very enjoyable couple of days, taking in Pendon on the way home! Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to bring this event off. The venue was great (although a bit warm in the sports hall) and excellent catering! plenty to see and buy and good to meet up with a fellow members after a long break. My only comment (and it is a very minor one) was there seemed to be a high proportion of 'works in progress' compared to completed layouts which is probably fine for the specialist attendee, but possibly disappointing for the regular punter? In all, well worth the trip, thank you.

Steve

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Rod Cameron
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Rod Cameron » Mon Sep 26, 2022 1:35 pm

The DRAG demonstration contingent had a great time, we all liked the venue for its light and spaciousness, and the hotel/restaurant was fine. Everyone seemed to like the catering, although more low-carb options would be welcome.

The quality of the show looked very good, I wish I'd had time for more than a passing glance! Thanks to everyone who visited and chatted about Lewes and I appreciate the many complimentary comments made, makes the effort worthwhile :)
Rod

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ChrisMitchell
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby ChrisMitchell » Mon Sep 26, 2022 5:59 pm

I really enjoyed the show, even coming back on the Sunday and staying longer than intended. My favourites were Boston Frodsham and United Mills. Great to chat to Phil and Richard on the SLW stand and also to talk to James Walters. And spent more money than I intended.

It will be interesting to hear what the overall attendance was, as the space seemed to give the impression that it wasn’t too busy.

I did think parking was an issue, particularly first thing on Saturday, when there seemed to be multiple other activities underway in the vicinity of the school. It seemed to me to be worse than Aylesbury.

regards, Chris

BrockleyAndrew
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby BrockleyAndrew » Mon Sep 26, 2022 8:47 pm

I went on Saturday and had an excellent day. The people on the door/reception did a great job: helpful, organised and friendly. The Battery Control advice desk was very inspiring and I was early enough to buy a starter kit from the stores. I went around the various rooms of layouts and traders several times and all that I talked to/asked questions of were welcoming and helpful. Food was good and I didn't need to resort to my emergency sandwich quickly bought en route at Marylebone just in case.

My standout layout (SE London bias) was Bankside which I went back to quite a few times. In the morning the sunlight from the large window backlit the layout and gave it quite a dramatic feel with its cramped urban setting.

Many thanks to all who gave their time/skills to make Scaleforum happen.

Andrew

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Ian@Exton
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Ian@Exton » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:08 pm

Can I add my thanks to the organising team and exhibitors for an excellent show. I was there on Saturday, and really enjoyed it. The venue works well, and is easy to find (if like me you are coming by car).

I thought the balance between layouts, demonstrations and trade was just right, and most of the layouts were new to me.

It was good to meet up again with friends who we haven't seen since 2019, and I hope that the economics will enable Scaleforum to be re-established as an annual event.

Ian

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Bernie
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Bernie » Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:02 pm

Super venue, so light and airy. So clean.
The layouts, oh such super layouts. It felt ‘offside’ to take pictures of bits of layouts, so I didn’t bother. So many have ‘come on’, it seems, over the lockdown period.
It was ‘great’ to spend so much money!
My greatest gratitude is for Mr Chris McCarthy, thank you for explaining the history of your Q1 and WC. The tale of the 6mm drill bit in the Makita makes the Q1 all the more glorious.

Many thanks to all who made it happen,
Bernard

MarcD
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby MarcD » Tue Sep 27, 2022 5:54 am

It was my first time at the show both as a member and as a trader. I was made to feel very welcome and the happy friendly atmosphere was very enjoyable. I thought that the standard of modelling was very good and the advice I got has been most helpful. And the iceing on the cake was picking up a bargain from the bring and buy.

Thanks to the team for organising the event I will be back next year for definite.
Marc
www.pregroupingrailways.com for everything built before 1923

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jjnewitt
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby jjnewitt » Tue Sep 27, 2022 11:13 am

A big thank you to all who organised the show. Well done for making the effort to put it on.

The venue was a definate step up from Aylesbury; nice and bright and airy. The catering was good and I love the bottomless tea concept! It was also great to meet up with so many people who I haven't seen for three years.

It did feel quite around the venue at times but I do wonder how much of that is simply a result of having so much space. Aylesbury suffered from this. Wakefield by comparison, where everything was packed in a bit more took a lot less people to make it feel busy. I heard a couple of minor grumbles about the exhibition but, as seems to be usual, nothing positive given by way of a solution.

Justin

James Walters
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby James Walters » Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:23 pm

I would add to all the positive comments above and say how much I thoroughly enjoyed my first Scaleforum, so nice to meet friends and make some new ones.
My thanks to all involved in organising the event and especially to the stewards also who were most helpful in co-ordinating things on the ground, especially during set up.
I was told it'd be a friendly event and I wasn't disappointed. It felt more like a social club than an exhibition. :)

Well done everyone.

James

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CDGFife
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby CDGFife » Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:24 pm

Just back home to Scotland a couple of hours ago from the Scaleforum weekend (and a work stop in Banbury yesterday) and catching up with all these good comments. I heartily agree. The value of meeting up with folks that I only ever see face to face at a Scaleforum should not be underestimated. Had a great weekend. Thanks to all who were involved with the organisation.

Cheers

Chris

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Bernie
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Bernie » Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:24 pm

James Walters wrote:I would add to all the positive comments above and say how much I thoroughly enjoyed my first Scaleforum, so nice to meet friends and make some new ones.
My thanks to all involved in organising the event and especially to the stewards also who were most helpful in co-ordinating things on the ground, especially during set up.
I was told it'd be a friendly event and I wasn't disappointed. It felt more like a social club than an exhibition. :)

Well done everyone.

James


John Hayfield pointed me towards you re your point actuation device. You were busy, I’d run out of time, but I’ve found your website! Clever stuff, order incoming.

Bernard

BrockleyAndrew
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby BrockleyAndrew » Wed Sep 28, 2022 7:41 pm

I've already said that I enjoyed the show and all the support but just wanted to add that I had myself and had witnessed many supportive conversations. It was great to hear the common mantra (inevitable in a wide ranging hobby such as ours) of "you can do/achieve this several ways and none of them are better/worse/right/wrong" which is a real encouragement. I think that is the strength of the show - definitely I found anti-elitist and supportive and the works-in-progress are truly inspirational. As are the finished layouts.
So for me it is the inspiration of the layouts (in progress and finished), the friendly advice and encouragement, and the helpful and knowledgeable traders that makes it a winner.

Andrew

Richard Oldfield
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby Richard Oldfield » Thu Sep 29, 2022 6:11 pm

Hi,

For the benefit of Barrowmore Model Railway Group members unable to attend events, we try to publish reports on exhibitions we participate in. I thought this might be of interest to the forum as it gives a different perspective on the Scaleforum weekend.

S4um2022-report.pdf


Cheers,

Richard
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SteamAle
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby SteamAle » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:10 pm

Richard
A very interesting resume from a different angle.
I could not attend due to family commitments but as an exhibition manager its good to hear from others about the good and bad as they saw it. I even read the Comittees report, again, about the future of Scaleforum and shows within shows, that was included.
I'm kickstarting the latter at Workingotn MRE on 19 & 20 November THIS year. At least Six S4 members will be present with one S4, one EM and one OO layout as well as a couple of demonstrations. Exhibition Posting to follow.
I have the 2mm Finescale, Fencehouses, as my 'show stopper' this year! I just hope it brings the punters through the doors as, having advertised admission prices early in the year, we will honour them but things will be very tight!
Philip

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ChrisMitchell
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Re: Scaleforum 2022 - the attractions

Postby ChrisMitchell » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:38 pm

Richard Oldfield wrote:Hi,

For the benefit of Barrowmore Model Railway Group members unable to attend events, we try to publish reports on exhibitions we participate in. I thought this might be of interest to the forum as it gives a different perspective on the Scaleforum weekend.

S4um2022-report.pdf

Cheers,

Richard


Excellent and thought provoking piece Richard

Chris


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