Exhibitions

[Komata]

FWIW (again): there is another aspect to this which was unintentionally alluded-to with the reference to the little boy and the dinosaurs (lovely story BTW); the matter of 'education'.

Over time, we (my wife and I) had noticed that children love to count and search for things, and decided to make use of this at the shows we attend.  This would also mean that my voice would survive, as the children could do the work themselves...The vehicle in this instance was 'Six-Mile Bush' my NZN-Freelance micro layout.

We put together a series of questions relating to things seen on the layout, laminated these and put them on a display board adjacent to the layout.  The questions included:

How many black and white cows can you see (seven in this instance)"

How many sheep?  (Fifteen; with the qualification that they are not all in one flock; the viewer has to go searching)

How many cars can you see: (Seven; it's a busy place)

How many people are wearing blue? (Five)

There are many more, and we rotate the sheets as necessary.

There are also 'trick' questions which require the viewer to 'go search'.

The kids (and, noticeably, many adults as well) love it, and we have had some hilarious conversations over the years, as the children talk amongst themselves and decide who is correct.  That in itself is an education...

Adults (from new parents to great-grans) also get really involved and I have even had a group of 20-something males on their knees searching for things on the list...

While doing-so everyone (especially children) is learning counting, learning about geography and history, and about their country.

I have also had some delightful conversations with retired people who can identify with the area I model, and these in themselves are wonderful experiences as they detail (in many cases) a way of life that has now long vanished. 

Perhaps Unsurprisingly, in view of what I have related above, the area immediately around the very small layout (it only measures 2ft 6 in x 2 ft. 6 in) does tend to become somewhat crowded as a result...

And, after it all, everyone, goes away with the feeling that they have had a 'good time'; always a source of satisfaction. 

As I said, FWIW; it may be useful for some...

[Skyline2uk]

Its only since the last year or so that I feel able to comment on this subject with anything other than "I like it when there is a modern image N gauge layout at a show".

I am putting in my two pence as I have now had the privilege to be "guest operator" on some layouts at a few shows, plus "Tea boy" at another.

Being the other side of the control panel was a real eye-opener. I fully agree that its nice to be able to speak to the operators at shows. However on the more complex of the layouts I have worked, that might have resulted in a "opps" moment, which would then distract from the viewing experience further.

Even the more basic layouts I have run could see a rake do two consecutive laps if I am in convo with somebody.

I guess what I am saying is; sorry to anybody who viewed a layout one day and wanted to ask about something only for the big hairy goon with his tongue sticking out in concentration to apparently ignore you. I was "learning the route" as they say. I think I would be / have been more sociable at more recent shows as I think I know what I am doing now!

Skyline2uk   

[PLD]

I have been thinking about recent exhibitions and the standard of the layouts.

Some interesting and valid points Chris, though some time some things need to be put in context...

3. Trying to fix broken locos during the exhibition.

If there is a spare body to do it, and any 'test running' needed can be done off-stage (in the fiddle yard or a dedicated test track) without interrupting the operation, I've done it and at times I've even attracted an audience interested in seeing how to maintain their locos. There's a video somewhere of me with a loco in bits in the Hoglington fiddleyard and there are more watching me than the layout next door! 

.
4. Perhaps controversially, unpainted locos and incomplete layouts. Some may like to see a loco still in brass being used but personally I just see it as something not ready to be used on a layout. A layout under construction is fine if it is at an exhibition for the purpose of the builders discussing building layouts with visitors. A layout that isn't complete but is being run normally is simply one that is not ready to be exhibited.

I too dislike the unpainted loco (especially the ones where the same loco is seen show after show and never gets painted!), however I do like the 'work in progress' layout provided it is billed as such, and there aren't too many in the same  show. I do like to see obvious progress on the layout and preferably it appear at the same show complete within a reasonable time frame.

the vast majority of layouts start with flat baseboards ... ... ... In real life land is very rarely flat and, according to the gradient profiles, neither is rail line. Goods yards are usually level but often at a different height to the main line which is usually on a gradient.

For our next layout 'Lockwood Street' (based on Cannon St Station in Hull) we can legitimately claim to be the exception to the rule on this one...
The area is very flat so a flat top baseboard is exactly the way to go. The only variations in height are man made being the gradient as the main line climbs on to the embankment and a drain...

[PLD]

Just a quick observation whilst on this subject -   Who decides the height of the exhibition tables ?   I'm speaking from the point of view of an uncle with a train mad 4 year old nephew.    I really enjoy taking him to shows and exhibitions,  but have to make sure to take a step stool along so he can actually see anything  !!  (usually to envious glances from other parents).    Of course the best view for the majority is to have the layouts at a height where you don't have every visitor bending over,  and you will ever please everyone,  but again,  we need to promote the hobby to the next generations too.

Rather inconveniently Human Beings aren't a standard height so you can't build layouts to a standard height that will suit all viewers...

That being the case the only sensible option is to build it for the comfort of the operator who has to play with it for 7 or 8 hours in a day rather than any particular sub-set of the audience who will watch it for 7-8 minutes if you are really lucky...

For the younger ones, the best option is the step-stool which many shows do now provide usually for a nominal hire charge or a returnable deposit.

[PLD]

Going back to the OP, and being part of an exhibition managing "committee" I have to agree with him, it takes me only a few minutes to walk around our own exhbition, all too often nothing is happening, no trains are moving, there is a failure on a lot of layouts for the operators to interact

Sorry Graham, but is that not as much a "failure" on the part of you and your committee in selecting and vetting of layouts for your show as the layout operators themselves? Does no-one properly view the layouts prior to inviting them? If so, and they are a disappointing as you describe, why are they invited??

We have the same traders every year, the same type of layouts

It is standard practice to have the same traders return every year. If you have a winning formula stick to it, if not then change it so it does work. Traders are businesses and like a high degree of certainty provided by a regular booking. If you invited traders and told them you didn't want them to return year after year, you would have very few takers...

Sorry if this next bit seems harsh; You describe yourself as a member of the exhibition management committee. - If you are as dissatisfied with your own show as you appear to be, use your influence in that position to drive change. If you feel you don't have any influence, I'd say you were not an effective member of that committee and should consider your position...

[PLD]

Despite what others may believe, when at exhibitions, we are 'entertainers' and as such no different to any of those appearing on Blackpool Pier or at the Royal albert Hall. Our job is to 'entertain' and give the paying public a 'show'; they've paid good money for the privilege!!

As a result, exhibitors we are there to present our 'best' to the public. Anything less is not acceptable.

I agree with the last line to some extent but what is 'best' will depend on the audience.

Our job is to Entertain, Educate, Inform and Inspire though admittedly the balance between those will vary from show to show with the profile of the audience.

At the local club show 'Entertain' may be to the fore, at the specialist Expos, the other aims will be more dominant.

Dinosaurs are essential (Hunting them keeps the kids occupied and gives the parents time to look at the layout which is before them).

Shunting / switching is an absolute waste of time.  The public don't care - they want to see trains (any trains) moving.

Timetable and 'prototype' operation , means zilch to the viewing public. Again, they don't care and only want to see trains running.

Except to the rivet counters, 'accurate' train colours / consists mean little to the general viewer. A 'blue train is a blue train, a red one is a red one. They won't get involved in discussions about Mk 1 carriages or Sulzer diesels.  They SIMPLY DON'T CARE!!

Those are all rather sweeping statements, and in every case should be prefixed with "For the audience at some (a minority of?) shows..."
Again it is a matter of knowing your audience and the exhibition organisers selecting layouts appropriate to that audience.

A layout may not be suited to the audience group to which you belong, but that doesn't make it a bad exhibition layout. There will be other types of shows where its higher prototypical fidelity will be appreciated.

[Graham Walters]

Sorry if this next bit seems harsh; You describe yourself as a member of the exhibition management committee. - If you are as dissatisfied with your own show as you appear to be, use your influence in that position to drive change. If you feel you don't have any influence, I'd say you were not an effective member of that committee and should consider your position...

This year will be my second exhibiton, last year I designed the hall layouts under the wing of the member stepping down.
This year I have suggested;
We look to booking layouts more than a few months in advance, ie we should be looking at 2017 as well as 2016.
The answer given to that was "We don't need to"

I suggested that people entering the draw be asked to provide us with and e-mail address and post code, so that a) we can inform of the of the exhibition the following year, and offer some money off entry, b) to find out how far some of our visitors were travelling.
The answer to that was "We don't need to do that, it's too much work"

I suggested we number the flyers we leave at other exhibitions with a money off coupon for a cuppa or admission for the same reasons as above.
See above for the answer given

I personally contacted Phil Parker of RM Web fame, he offered to do one day, and do demo's for his return rail fare and cake.
The answer to that was "Who's he?"  "We don't pay anyone to come", "We don't need to do that"

All these answers were given by the Exhibition co-ordinator, without so much as a minutes discussion.

I do try.

I am at present trying to get the club to spend £200 on some roller banners to advertise the exhibition when our layouts go out on the road, the same person is voiciferously blocking every design I come with.
The club has over £15k in the bank, and the same person recently suggested I use stud and probe on a layout rather than switches, because "it's more reliable" and "cheaper". he has also suggested that any "expensive" items we use builidng the running night "N" layout, should be moved to the exhibition layout when we construct it.

[Komata]

PLD

Point taken.  I had overlooked the fact that, in New Zealand, all MR shows are 'public' shows; the only 'closed' show being the biennial National Convention, hence what you call 'sweeping statements' (which I stand by BTW).

Thanks for reminding me of the different way things are done in the colonies.  It was appreciated, and I know which I prefer...

[PLD]

Sorry if this next bit seems harsh; You describe yourself as a member of the exhibition management committee. - If you are as dissatisfied with your own show as you appear to be, use your influence in that position to drive change. If you feel you don't have any influence, I'd say you were not an effective member of that committee and should consider your position...

This year will be my second exhibiton, last year I designed the hall layouts under the wing of the member stepping down.
This year I have suggested;
We look to booking layouts more than a few months in advance, ie we should be looking at 2017 as well as 2016.
The answer given to that was "We don't need to"

I suggested that people entering the draw be asked to provide us with and e-mail address and post code, so that a) we can inform of the of the exhibition the following year, and offer some money off entry, b) to find out how far some of our visitors were travelling.
The answer to that was "We don't need to do that, it's too much work"

I suggested we number the flyers we leave at other exhibitions with a money off coupon for a cuppa or admission for the same reasons as above.
See above for the answer given

I personally contacted Phil Parker of RM Web fame, he offered to do one day, and do demo's for his return rail fare and cake.
The answer to that was "Who's he?"  "We don't pay anyone to come", "We don't need to do that"

All these answers were given by the Exhibition co-ordinator, without so much as a minutes discussion.

I do try.

I am at present trying to get the club to spend £200 on some roller banners to advertise the exhibition when our layouts go out on the road, the same person is voiciferously blocking every design I come with.

You have exactly the right ideas to improve and modernise the exhibition Graham, but it does sound like you are up against a stubborn old guard - "we've always done it that way" mentality, in which case keep pushing. As you become more established as part of the team your influence may grow...

[Graham Walters]

Sorry if this next bit seems harsh; You describe yourself as a member of the exhibition management committee. - If you are as dissatisfied with your own show as you appear to be, use your influence in that position to drive change. If you feel you don't have any influence, I'd say you were not an effective member of that committee and should consider your position...

This year will be my second exhibiton, last year I designed the hall layouts under the wing of the member stepping down.
This year I have suggested;
We look to booking layouts more than a few months in advance, ie we should be looking at 2017 as well as 2016.
The answer given to that was "We don't need to"

I suggested that people entering the draw be asked to provide us with and e-mail address and post code, so that a) we can inform of the of the exhibition the following year, and offer some money off entry, b) to find out how far some of our visitors were travelling.
The answer to that was "We don't need to do that, it's too much work"

I suggested we number the flyers we leave at other exhibitions with a money off coupon for a cuppa or admission for the same reasons as above.
See above for the answer given

I personally contacted Phil Parker of RM Web fame, he offered to do one day, and do demo's for his return rail fare and cake.
The answer to that was "Who's he?"  "We don't pay anyone to come", "We don't need to do that"

All these answers were given by the Exhibition co-ordinator, without so much as a minutes discussion.

I do try.

I am at present trying to get the club to spend £200 on some roller banners to advertise the exhibition when our layouts go out on the road, the same person is voiciferously blocking every design I come with.

You have exactly the right ideas to improve and modernise the exhibition Graham, but it does sound like you are up against a stubborn old guard - "we've always done it that way" mentality, in which case keep pushing. As you become more established as part of the team your influence may grow...

It's reaching the point where I am considering resigning from the club completely and taking my ideas where they will be better appreciated!

[Newportnobby]

It's reaching the point where I am considering resigning from the club completely and taking my ideas where they will be better appreciated!

It struck me you were negotiating with Notwork Fail, Graham

[JasonBz]

Sorry if this next bit seems harsh; You describe yourself as a member of the exhibition management committee. - If you are as dissatisfied with your own show as you appear to be, use your influence in that position to drive change. If you feel you don't have any influence, I'd say you were not an effective member of that committee and should consider your position...

This year will be my second exhibiton, last year I designed the hall layouts under the wing of the member stepping down.
This year I have suggested;
We look to booking layouts more than a few months in advance, ie we should be looking at 2017 as well as 2016.
The answer given to that was "We don't need to"

I suggested that people entering the draw be asked to provide us with and e-mail address and post code, so that a) we can inform of the of the exhibition the following year, and offer some money off entry, b) to find out how far some of our visitors were travelling.
The answer to that was "We don't need to do that, it's too much work"

I suggested we number the flyers we leave at other exhibitions with a money off coupon for a cuppa or admission for the same reasons as above.
See above for the answer given

I personally contacted Phil Parker of RM Web fame, he offered to do one day, and do demo's for his return rail fare and cake.
The answer to that was "Who's he?"  "We don't pay anyone to come", "We don't need to do that"

All these answers were given by the Exhibition co-ordinator, without so much as a minutes discussion.

I do try.

I am at present trying to get the club to spend £200 on some roller banners to advertise the exhibition when our layouts go out on the road, the same person is voiciferously blocking every design I come with.

You have exactly the right ideas to improve and modernise the exhibition Graham, but it does sound like you are up against a stubborn old guard - "we've always done it that way" mentality, in which case keep pushing. As you become more established as part of the team your influence may grow...

It's reaching the point where I am considering resigning from the club completely and taking my ideas where they will be better appreciated!

If I was you I think I would do that - It sounds like a flash back 20 odd years, when there really were some set in their ways old buffers about in any club I ever encountered .

[Les1952]

As well as modelling I sing with a couple of groups, not just in concerts but on stage - and for my sins have also directed a production of "The Mikado" which was nominated for an award.  To me presenting a production on stage and presenting a model railway at an exhibition are similar.

One musical director I have worked with judges each performance by the standard below which it does not fall. In other words if the weakest aspect is good then overall you can't have achieved less than good.  I try to apply this to my train sets as I want the punter to like them.  You can get an impression of how good they LOOK in Railway Modeller (last August) and the current BRM for one of them, and April's Continental Modeller for the other.  To see the whole effect you'll have to find them at shows.

As a punter I have my own pet dislikes in layouts, as follows-

Trains running so slowly you can count the spokes on the loco wheels.  Most goods trains in steam days got a move on when they could - the driver and fireman wanted to get to the end of their shift and get home.  Likewise shunting tied up the lines so there was an incentive to get on with the job.

Beautiful layouts with nothing happening. 

Wildly mixed periods - EWS diesels pulling Gresley teaks on a sixties-looking layout for example.

As a layout owner it doesn't mean I get everything right in every department, but I do try for a believable whole. As a show manager if I've booked a substandard layout it won't be back again, and if the show ends up poor it is time to hand on to someone else.

Just a few thoughts.
Les