I have never shown any of my layouts at an exhibition but I have now been invited to show my small shunting layout. My initial thought was great, another achievement would be ticked off. However the show is 200 miles from home, and I would be setting up and running the layout on my own for two days. Is this sensible, possible or should I spend the weekend at home? My only experience of exhibitions so far is as a paying visitor.
Depends on how keen you are, I guess - where I live, 200 miles is nowt.
If you would get satisfaction out of exhibiting your layout (and most do), then go for it is what I say. :thumbsup:
Exhibiting can be great fun and a chance to meet and chat with fellow enthusiasts, both public and exhibitors. Yes it's a "feather in the cap" to be invited :D
I assume you'd be accommodated somewhere on at least the Friday and Saturday nights? You really don't want to be travelling 200 miles on the Saturday morning and then the stress of setting up and operating for the day.
I'd say even with a small shunting layout you'll need someone to at least cover lunch and comfort breaks, give you time to go round the show etc. Perhaps someone from the hosting club if you're not able to bring someone else with you? Perhaps put out a request on here for anyone able to come along and help?
Clean and service locos and stock beforehand, and make sure the trackwork and electrics are at their best. Be prepared with spare locos and a general set of tools for running repairs.
Make sure the layout is well protected for transport and can be secured in your car. Remember it may be windy/rainy and you don't want scenery ruined whilst carrying from car to the hall.
Absolutely do go for it for the experience if nothing else! It is a big complement to the layout if an exhibition wants to invite from that distance.
First priority however is get yourself some help. We would never contemplate doing an exhibition single-handed. By the end of two solid days, you'll never want to see the layout again. This is one of the advantages of being a member of a MR club! If you don't have a friend who can help out, then perhaps someone from the forum local to the show with exhibition experience could help (tell us where the show is maybe someone will volunteer)
Beyond that, just be prepared - make a list of everything you need - all the fittings, cables etc for the layout, stock, controllers, tools, personal kit to survive a weekend away (it's a long way home to collect that vital bit you missed)! Make sure it all packs in to the vehicle. Plan the journey, leaving time to set up without rushing or getting stressed.
As said above - you need someone to help. Running a layout all by yourself for a whole day is no fun. Running it with on other person will be. Trust me on this, I've been there and I know.
Does the inviting club realise you're 200 miles away?
Certainly I'd be driving up on the Friday and asking for overnight accomodation for at least Friday and Saturday night. I'd also be thinking very hard about whether I'd want to drive 200 miles on the Sunday night. Traffic is heavy on a Sunday evening with everyone travelling home or back to work for Monday plus you will be starting tired. The time of year may also play a part in your decision making process here.
You don't mention if anyone will be operating with you. Some exhibitors exhibit alone but you will need comfort breaks. The hosting club will probably help by supplying a minder while you take a break but it's polite to warn them of this beforehand.
If you go for it, take lots of spares - simply replace and keep things moving if at all possible. Remember to look up, smile and engage with whoever is there. Also, you don't have to have the answer to every question. Honesty is appreciated above everything else.
Good luck.
Thanks for all your replies, I really want to go but it does seem that the sensible least stressful option is not to do it alone, and none of my friends are into this hobby. i would have had to pay for the hotel, food and fuel as the show only provides free lunches so the money saved will go on a new Hunslett for the layout. Another time in another place may be more suitable.
Dave
Quote from: Coyote on February 09, 2022, 10:36:40 AMi would have had to pay for the hotel, food and fuel as the show only provides free lunches
Ok that is sounding alarm bells. That is NOT normal practice for the UK exhibition circuit, and we would expect more from any reputable organisers.
There have been a few emerge recently who are in it for the profit (at the expense of the exhibitors) and not promotion of the hobby. [Name and Shame?]
Perhaps this wasn't the right opportunity, but don't let it put you off. Maybe get involved with a local club or seek out other modellers in your area to support you
Quote from: PLD on February 09, 2022, 10:56:09 AM
Maybe get involved with a local club or seek out other modellers in your area to support you
That is on my to do list but has been delayed by Covid etc
Quote from: Coyote on February 09, 2022, 10:36:40 AMI really want to go but it does seem that the sensible least stressful option is not to do it alone, and none of my friends are into this hobby.
If you were to say which show and the dates then there might be some people on this forum who are already planning to go along and might be prepared to lend a hand for a couple of hours or so.
Anybody nearby ? It's a tough call and wish you well. I would keep in touch on this forum and maybe consider attending an exhibition and making friends.
I think you're right to let this one go.
Driving 400 miles, and forking out for 2 nights in hotels without any help strikes me as an expensive and potentially lonely way to spend a weekend.
Quote from: PLD on February 09, 2022, 10:56:09 AM
Quote from: Coyote on February 09, 2022, 10:36:40 AMi would have had to pay for the hotel, food and fuel as the show only provides free lunches
Ok that is sounding alarm bells. That is NOT normal practice for the UK exhibition circuit, and we would expect more from any reputable organisers.
I agree, definitely NOT the norm for the UK. It's usual to be reimbursed reasonable expenses and to be provided with accommodation somewhere, whether it be with a hosting club member, a cheap B&B or something.
Quote
Perhaps this wasn't the right opportunity, but don't let it put you off. Maybe get involved with a local club or seek out other modellers in your area to support you
Yes, see if your local club has an exhibition you could take part in and get the feel for exhibiting? Perhaps a 400 mile round trip for your first one is a little ambitious.
How did this prospective show come to know of you and your layout as a possible exhibit? It can be a difficult circuit to "jump onto" as a lot of layouts are invited on the back of being seen at another show, an article in a magazine, or you as a modeller are known from previous layouts you've exhibited. Of course that means you need a way to get the first few shows under your belt. For me that was through belonging to a club back in the 70s.
I agree with other comments and let this one pass. Most exhibitions reimburse reasonable expenses and, for the distances you are talking about would certainly arrange accomodation at no cost to yourself.
I see you are located in Orpington. There is a local club, https://odmrs.uk/ (https://odmrs.uk/) refers.
I attend the Tonbridge club, https://www.tonbridgemrc.com/ (https://www.tonbridgemrc.com/) refers. We are just off the High Street, just a short walk from Tonbridge station.
Agreeing with others again. I have never heard of an exhibition that doesn't pay reasonable travel and accommodation expenses. Doesn't sound reputable at all, even the tight ones pay travel expenses! Sometimes we might choose not to claim petrol expenses by way of a donation to whatever cause the show is supporting but I can't imagine paying my hotel costs.
Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 09, 2022, 12:49:44 PM
How did this prospective show come to know of you and your layout as a possible exhibit?
Invite came via a Scale Model Scenery competition, but it is not their show, they have one of the halls.
Quote from: GrahamB on February 09, 2022, 01:46:41 PM
I see you are located in Orpington. There is a local club, https://odmrs.uk/ (https://odmrs.uk/) refers. I have been to their shows and it is the club I will join once all the restrictions are over.
I have been to their shows and it is the club I will join once all the restrictions are over.