Scaleforum 2013

Announcements, recommendations, visit reports etc. Discussion of the Society's own shows.
Andy C

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Andy C » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:22 pm

I was dissapointed at not being able to attend - Aylesbury is eminently do-able from the NW even for a one day visit but to make it worse, Terry had invited me to do a demo with North Ballachulish, so not being able to go was a double whammy :( (I was taking my layout in the "other" 4mm finescale gauge to Loughborough show last weekend!). Sounds like I missed a good weekend and a damn good show, not least missing seeing fellow Rochdale Group member Graham Bucknell's first attempt in P4 run round the test track.

Will be there next year though, come hell or high water!

Metropolitan

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Metropolitan » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:37 pm

Terry Bendall wrote:
Metropolitan wrote:
I still wonder about a one day show.......


Wonder away John :) It won't happen. It is not worth it for large layouts and most of the trade would not be interested



I can see that it wont happen. And I can see that for large layouts it would be pain! Incentives would be needed. But I do not agree that most of the trade would not be interested. My guess is that 85% of their sales were on Saturday.

If it was a Saturday show we could expect the Saturday attendance figures plus a proportion of the Sunday lot? Trade sales on the Saturday would be proportionately higher without the extra overhead of an extra nights accommodation and grub etc? At least that is what I found when I talked to many of the Trade stand folk. The trouble is that next years attendance figures are unfortunately likely to be lower than this years.

Saturday was a superb day; probably the best Scaleforum ever. Sunday was grim.

Regards
John A

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jim s-w
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby jim s-w » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:55 pm

Andy C wrote:Will be there next year though, come hell or high water!


Well that's an increase of 1! :D
Jim Smith-Wright

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Over thinking often leads to under doing!

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Tim V
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Tim V » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:57 pm

Incentives?

Let me see, it takes about three hours to set up, and about an hour and a half to break down. So four and a half hours of intensive work, for about seven hours of running.

Bit of a no brainer, the answer is no, I don't do one day shows.
Tim V
(Not all railways in Somerset went to Dorset)

Andy C

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Andy C » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:03 pm

jim s-w wrote:
Andy C wrote:Will be there next year though, come hell or high water!


Well that's an increase of 1! :D


In actual fact probably 5 as a car load of us would come down! :D

As for numbers being down next year - err why? or is there something Terry and the organising team should know about?

Metropolitan

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Metropolitan » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:08 pm

Tim V wrote:Incentives?

Let me see, it takes about three hours to set up, and about an hour and a half to break down. So four and a half hours of intensive work, for about seven hours of running.

Bit of a no brainer, the answer is no, I don't do one day shows.


Everyone has their price! :D :thumb

Metropolitan

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Metropolitan » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:11 pm

Andy C wrote:
In actual fact probably 5 as a car load of us would come down! :D

As for numbers being down next year - err why? or is there something Terry and the organising team should know about?



Just a intuitive guess. Believe me or believe me not. :D

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Paul Willis
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Paul Willis » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:14 pm

Metropolitan wrote:If it was a Saturday show we could expect the Saturday attendance figures plus a proportion of the Sunday lot? Trade sales on the Saturday would be proportionately higher without the extra overhead of an extra nights accommodation and grub etc? At least that is what I found when I talked to many of the Trade stand folk. The trouble is that next years attendance figures are unfortunately likely to be lower than this years.

To answer the first question, the answer is almost certainly "no".

Particularly those Society members that come a long way (notably those from Australia, Azerbaijan and Wimbledon said hello to me over the weekend) would also be less likely to do so for just one day. And we still had new visitors late in the day. I saw at least one non-member paying to come in at 3pm on Sunday as I walked past the front desk.

You also need to consider that whilst many people spent heavily on the first day, if they are weekend visitors that meant that they could spend the second day devoted to the layouts and the demonstrations. If it was a choice between spending six hours at a show on either layouts/demos OR trade, I am sure that people would spend the balance of time in non-spending activities, for you can't buy time in front of Blackgill over the internet...

As Deputy Chairman, I also spent some time on Sunday talking with many of our traders. Many of them were happy with the weekend overall, and one that mentioned specifics gave numbers that suggested that the per capita spend per visitor was actually up.

The Society Committee does actually consider all of these aspects and discusses them on a regular basis. Most of the "glitches" this year were unforeseen due to a new venue to us, no matter what the experiences of Railex have been, so will be ironed out for 2014. The important thing is that we don't lose sight that this is a show first and foremost for Scalefour Society members, and over the course of the weekend was pleased to see a great number of them there, and enjoying it.

Cheers
Paul Willis
Deputy Chairman
Beware of Trains - occasional modelling in progress!
www.5522models.co.uk

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jim s-w
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby jim s-w » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:22 pm

Metropolitan wrote:
Andy C wrote:
In actual fact probably 5 as a car load of us would come down! :D

As for numbers being down next year - err why? or is there something Terry and the organising team should know about?


Just a intuitive guess. Believe me or believe me not. :D


Do you mind at all if i believe the chap behind the Manchester show who doesn't agree with you? :D
Jim Smith-Wright

http://www.p4newstreet.com

Over thinking often leads to under doing!

Metropolitan

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Metropolitan » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:26 pm

Flymo748 wrote:
Metropolitan wrote:If it was a Saturday show we could expect the Saturday attendance figures plus a proportion of the Sunday lot? Trade sales on the Saturday would be proportionately higher without the extra overhead of an extra nights accommodation and grub etc? At least that is what I found when I talked to many of the Trade stand folk. The trouble is that next years attendance figures are unfortunately likely to be lower than this years.

To answer the first question, the answer is almost certainly "no".

Particularly those Society members that come a long way (notably those from Australia, Azerbaijan and Wimbledon said hello to me over the weekend) would also be less likely to do so for just one day. And we still had new visitors late in the day. I saw at least one non-member paying to come in at 3pm on Sunday as I walked past the front desk.

You also need to consider that whilst many people spent heavily on the first day, if they are weekend visitors that meant that they could spend the second day devoted to the layouts and the demonstrations. If it was a choice between spending six hours at a show on either layouts/demos OR trade, I am sure that people would spend the balance of time in non-spending activities, for you can't buy time in front of Blackgill over the internet...

As Deputy Chairman, I also spent some time on Sunday talking with many of our traders. Many of them were happy with the weekend overall, and one that mentioned specifics gave numbers that suggested that the per capita spend per visitor was actually up.

The Society Committee does actually consider all of these aspects and discusses them on a regular basis. Most of the "glitches" this year were unforeseen due to a new venue to us, no matter what the experiences of Railex have been, so will be ironed out for 2014. The important thing is that we don't lose sight that this is a show first and foremost for Scalefour Society members, and over the course of the weekend was pleased to see a great number of them there, and enjoying it.

Cheers
Paul Willis
Deputy Chairman


Hi Paul

As I said earlier lets wait for the figures.

Cheers
John A

David Bigcheeseplant
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby David Bigcheeseplant » Tue Oct 01, 2013 4:56 pm

How ever many roads sign are put out some visitors will swear there are none, we have had people park in the car park ask were the exhibition was held, plus others who have brought a ticket at the main desk and got lost between there and the door to the hall!

At Railex we pop our signs out on Friday afternoon and take them down Sunday night and in nine years we has not yet had a problem.

Also a big two day show is much less stressful than a one day show for those running the show and exhibitors. I did enjoy Scaleforum and it did feel different to Railex and I hope it will continue to be so, even though we do have more or less the same traders and the same layouts at times (we have Blackgill for 2014).

I must admit I was looking at ways Terry had done things if we could use them at Railex, and I am sure Terry will be doing the same in reverse for Scaleforum!

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jim s-w
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby jim s-w » Tue Oct 01, 2013 5:04 pm

David Bigcheeseplant wrote:At Railex we pop our signs out on Friday afternoon and take them down Sunday night and in nine years we has not yet had a problem.


Reported that is, I don't think we've ever got to the venue without getting lost, with or without railex exhibitors pack. Scaleforum was no different!

Cheers

Jim
Jim Smith-Wright

http://www.p4newstreet.com

Over thinking often leads to under doing!

Andy C

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Andy C » Tue Oct 01, 2013 5:15 pm

Theres a general rule of thumb about attendance at model railway shows, in that your attendance this year is in direct relation to the public perception of your last show. Ergo if you have a generally perceived good /very good show this year your attendance next year will be as good if not (and it usually is) better. And vice versa if your this years show is perceived as being a shocker. Of course there are variables which can affect that rule of thumb - the weather for example, a change of venue, or in the case of Manchester one year, an IRA bomb!

My take on Scaleforum this year, going off all Ive heard about the show so far from independant sources, is that it was good to a cracker of a show, so therefore I'll have a fiver on attendance up in 2014! :D

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Horsetan
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Horsetan » Tue Oct 01, 2013 5:20 pm

jim s-w wrote:
Metropolitan wrote:
Just a intuitive guess. Believe me or believe me not. :D


Do you mind at all if i believe the chap behind the Manchester show who doesn't agree with you? :D


It's probably some filthy plot to undermine Scaleforum so that he can push his own "OO" agenda :twisted:
That would be an ecumenical matter.

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ChrisMitchell
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby ChrisMitchell » Tue Oct 01, 2013 5:37 pm

First of all, thanks to Terry and team for organising a great weekend, and for giving me the opportunity to show my little opus, West End. And a special mention to Mark Tatlow for stepping in to give me a bit of relief on both days.

As far as bringing a layout to a one day show is concerned, this is a definite no for me, as I live in Belgium. Funnily enough, things definitely went a lot smoother on the second day with my three link couplings, after I "attacked" my Lanarkshire Models coupling hook with a pair of pliers!

Roll on 2014

Chris

Philip Hall
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Philip Hall » Tue Oct 01, 2013 6:02 pm

Metroplolitan wrote:
Saturday was a superb day; probably the best Scaleforum ever. Sunday was grim.


Maybe the last part of this was written tongue in cheek for I cannot for the life of me understand it. Sunday was every bit as enjoyable as Saturday, and for me it was almost as busy (and even busier towards closing time). There was space to talk and browse and even more space to move around, not that we really needed it. It is often the case that the Sunday of a big show is more relaxed, as the bugs have worked their way out of the mechanicals and we all take time to enjoy ourselves. To describe Sunday as 'grim' really isn't fair at all!

Philip

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Captain Kernow
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Captain Kernow » Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:12 pm

Brinkly wrote:Will Scaleforum be at the same venue again next year Terry? (Thinking ahead for booking accommodation.)

Regards,

Nick

After the major success that this year's show seems to be, I'm sure it will remain at Aylesbury next year, Nick.
Tim M
Member of the Devon Riviera Area Group.

David Thorpe

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby David Thorpe » Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:17 pm

I certainly hope it's going to be at Stoke Mandeville again next year - even I, reluctant trraveller as I am, intend to venture south to it if possible. It may well be my last opportunity to cross the border before I require a passport to do so!

DT

Petri Sallinen
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Petri Sallinen » Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:39 pm

This was my first time when I visited in Scaleforum exhibition. Many thanks to all who had made a lot of work for making excellent show — that was the best I have ever seen. I and my three friends spent all two days in the exhibition. We arrived to Aulesbury in Friday and left the city in Monday. I found two very useful tools (= the roller and the rivet tool) made by GW Models and there were also many items that is difficult or impossible to order to Finland. We discussed with many enthusiasts by our terrible English but everybody was very gentle. Thank you for that! Scaleforum is very good place to get information of different kinds of things — and also there were wonderful layouts.

Petri Sallinen
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essdee
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby essdee » Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:57 pm

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Saturday, parked in the compound by 10 (the penultimate space!), a clear run from my father-in-law's at Bassingbourn, Cambs. Yes, having attended Railex 2011 certainly helped me home in on the venue; that approach has changed a lot - but will not change for the foreseeable future now, surely. I had expected crowding, but there was a very relaxed spaciousness to it all, much enjoyable catching up with mates, and no scrums to view the layouts.

Dubbieside was an old friend much admired once again, Blackgill showed once again what rich potential Co.Durham has. Worth the trip for either of these two alone, but also much to admire in the other layouts - so many thanks to all exhibitors for your efforts.

Yes and I really enjoyed the sausage, chips and beans with a strong tea mash - appropriate after linesiding at Blackgill.

The show joins Scalefour North as a 'must' in my diary, from my Sheffield base.

Well done indeed, Terry and team - here's to next year's show.

Steve

sammakins

Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby sammakins » Tue Oct 01, 2013 11:31 pm

Rod Cameron wrote:
sammakins wrote:Hi everyone,
Visited Scaleforum on the Saturday and had a great time. One thing that jumped out at me was DRAG's scenic diorama. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of it and I cant remember its name! Does anyone know if there's any pics of it online or did anyone get any they could send me? I'm determined to show my dad!!
Cheers
Sam


Some more here Sam http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index. ... hope-halt/ - also the tree interior photo above.

It's called Netherhope, based on a former halt in the Wye Valley north of Chepstow.


Not DRAG's but John Farmer's, DRAG diehard. I shall risk EditorJames' wrath in posting this image of Netherhope.

Apologies (especially to John) - I mis-named the diorama and image. I have corrected the name in the line above. :oops: :oops:


Thanks Rod and Davidb for the info, what an atmospheric little model!

Sam

Terry Bendall
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Terry Bendall » Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:25 am

Brinkly wrote:Will Scaleforum be at the same venue again next year Terry?


YES IT WILL!! Next year is already booked (You can see it on the Stadium web site) The dates are September 27th/28th 2014. There will be a list of places to stay on our website soon, when I have updated what we have already and in response to a suggestion from a member, there will be a list of places to eat and drink as well.

So ... keep the weekend free. DON'T book the holiday, wedding, funeral, sports event, another exhibition, taking the offspring to university, going shopping with the wife or anything else for the same weekend. :D Come to the best model railway show instead! :D :D :D :D :D

Terry Bendall

DougN
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby DougN » Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:46 am

With comments like that Terry I will have to book the air tickets.... Ummm wonder how to convince SWMBO.... Ahh yes chartered accountant sister moving to london in a month or so.... Any one got a place for 2 chartered accountants... (Boyfriend to said sister is also a chartered accountant) pm me.... I need accommodation and a reason other than s4um :D
Doug
Still not doing enough modelling

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Mike Garwood
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Mike Garwood » Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:01 am

DougN wrote: I need accommodation and a reason other than s4um :D


I believe the NFL have booked another game for the same time next year...so...

Mike :D

Tom S
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Re: Scaleforum 2013

Postby Tom S » Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:41 am

It's interesting - I read an article in the paper a couple of weeks ago which said 'if you want someone to respond to your comment on a social networking site, post something negative as positive comments rarely get a responce' - so a Massive thank you to Terry and his team for putting on another excellent Scale Forum, for rising above the negative comments and for booking the same venue again for next year.

I came up this year on the Saturday with two other friends who both model in '00' but who I had convinced that they need to come along just to see all the specialist traders that attend - they were both mightly impressed with what they saw and will definately be back with me again next year. We met up on the not so sunny South coast, put the postcode in to the sat nav and then promptly ignored the instructions to go via the M3 / M25 as one of the guys wanted to drop a couple of sound chips off at Howes on the way. Funnily enough, on leaving the venue we pressed the home button and it sent us back down the A34, no where near the M25 !!

Top marks Terry for inviting the DEMU and DEFine guys this year. It was noticable the number of 'younger' people there this year in contrast to previous years. I recall going to Leatherhead for the first time with my 2 year old son (as it was the only way I could get a pass out for the day) and thinking that whilst he was clearly the youngest one there, I was probably the next youngest and I was 37 at the time !!

As the above would suggest, my interest is in the D&E era which is an area that will only get stronger year on year, thanked in no small part by the excellent articles in RailExpress Modeller - so if I have one request Terry, more D&E layouts in the future please - it's not like there isn't room for them !

I had a great day - spent lots of money to keep the traders happy and picked up my kit from Tim Horn who I asked at Burton this year if he could produce me a kit of a building in Eastleigh depot. To say I'm happy with what he's done would be an understatement - clearly a very tallented chap.

Thanks again for putting on a great show,

Tom Silsbury
6743


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