Scale Model World Show - Any good??

[Guest]

I'm certainly going again this year, again only taking a few notes with me and a nose bag. All for meeting up for a chat, yet to decide the day but thinking Sat but need to run it past SWMBO!

Rich

[Guest]

However, I think this particular show is the only one I've been to where 'under the bench' sales don't happen (Mind you, I've only been to about a dozen shows in total so maybe I've just not seen enough). D'you reckon the other shows allow it and take the chance they might be closed by the H&S Nazis, or is Telford such a prestige event they daren't risk being closed?

I don't want to second-guess the behaviour of other organisers, and the ruling is not concerned with the kit sales, it's for keeping exit aisles clear. If a fire breaks out, and people's vision is impaired, you don't want someone tripping over a carton, or running into it with a wheelchair, and others, following, piling over him.

There is a thick dossier of rules, drawn up by the EU, which, however many groans that engenders, are designed to keep people safe. You are not supposed to use paper for table covering (fire risk); you're not to have banners which hang over the aisles, and can fall and do damage.

That's just a small sample, and I'm not going to talk about actual money, but can you imagine (if the committee, by negligence, allowed the show to be closed down) the reaction of the traders, who basically fund the show and, at the very least, would want their money back?

Should that happen, the committee, as directors of a limited company, risk jail, if the society, as a result, goes bankrupt (I'm talking as a former committee member, and co-organiser of the old Halton show.)

Quite frankly, in a really big show, under-table sales can be a flaming nuisance, since it's so easy to barge into somebody's backside, as they suddenly bend down to see that must-have bargain, and shove them into the tables, scattering models, and bodies, everywhere (I've seen it happen.)

Having the separate Kit Swap has worked for several years, now; it's tried and trusted format, and Telford is big enough to handle it, without hassle.

Edgar

[Guest]

Whilst I'm qualified in occupational health and safety studies i will say the biggest problem is peoples interpretations of the rules and regs and not necessarily the regs themselves! Enough said, anyod going Sat? Note: this post may contain nuts! Rich

[Guest]

I'm hoping to be there on the Saturday.....

.....as long as I can get my hard hat, toetectors, high viz jacket, safety glasses and ear defenders sorted out.

You'll probably see me walking around

:thumbsup:

[Guest]

Any takers for sorting me out with that skyraider? I would obviously pay for it and a little something for their time

[mossiepilot]

Just a little request.

Please, please, please take loads of photos of the show and post them on here for us poor souls who gotta work and can't get there.

Thanks in advance.

Tony

[Guest]

Possibly (probably) the biggest show in Europe, with hundreds of tables,with clubs, SIGs, traders all vying for your attention. If you're an IPMS member (any nationality,) take your card, because you'll get in free, but the car parks fill up fast, so don't leave it too late to arrive, or you could have a bit of a hike. If you are a bit weak, when it comes to money, leave your wallet and credit card at home; I knew of one modeller who saved £1,000, each year, and blew it at the show, every time. I've only missed a couple, in 30+ years, and part of the fun is meeting people, just the once, each year, and it feeling as though you've never been apart. If you want to look for bargains, or that special bit of resin/PE update, make sure to attend on the Saturday, because some items get cleared out in the day. If you can, take your own refreshments, though, the prices can seem to be set by a great white shark.Edgar

The parking is likely to be worse this year, as creating the new hall has drastically reduced the car park itself...

[Guest]

Was told at the model club meeting today that I have started attending that there is apparently some roadworks outside the exhibition centre that may present a problem. I understand the advice is to allow an extra half hour for your journey. We are told the police may be possibly helping with traffic also!

Rich

[Gern]

Thanks for the heads up about the roadworks Rich. I'll be setting out a few minutes earlier.

I know this has been asked already, but does anyone want to meet up for a chat etc? I'll be there on the Saturday for sure and probably the Sunday as well. It'd be nice to say hello to anyone else there.

Gern

[Dave W]

Im going on the Saturday.Intend leaving Southend at 5.30am to get there before the car park is full (Hopefully!).Will take some photo's with my iphone and post some pics on here.

[Guest]

What sort of time does the car park usually fill? Simon wants to leave earlier than half 5 and we are only coming from Milton Keynes hehe