I've never been to a show... 

Quote from: Pete33 on September 04, 2013, 11:23:12 AM
I've never been to a show... 

Or me looking forward to the experience.

Armpits, backpacks and rude people aside it is still a great show and one I will keep going back to Can't say the same for Warley, wouldn't bother with that again


Paul

I agree with Paul about Warley.  I'm operating an O Gauge layout there this year, but this will be the first time I'll have been back in five years.  Dreadful place.  By the time you've paid to get there, car parking, entry and something to eat, you could almost have bought a new locomotive and had it delivered in the post.

Andy

Most of my thoughts are along the lines of others here.

Ref Photos, I like asking as its an excuse to strike up a conversation. I have met so many nice layout owners this way. This year at Trainwest I got myself a posed photo of the (not yet released) Class 70  through asking.

I also met a really nice chap (shame on me for not remembering the layout name, but it has featured in NGS Journal) who was so grateful that I actually asked for a photo, that he went on to answer all of the (numerous) questions I had.....

QuoteWas at an exhibition a few years ago (can't remember where?) viewing Bevois Park & St. Denys

Agree with Sprintex on the operators of this fine layout. I once went to "RailWells" specifically to see it and, after asking, was allowed to take lots of close up snaps of the track work (I was ballasting Filton TMD at the time). Were it not for that experience, I may not have decided to paint my track.

Inspiration from top class layouts should always be the biggest draw to shows :-)

Quote from: Pete33 on September 04, 2013, 11:23:12 AM
I've never been to a show... 

If it is any consolation, neither have I but this year I am taking the opportunity!

I am getting quite excited, like being a boy again!

(Well my wife says that it is normal for me MOST of the time! What does she know! )

Regards, Peter.

Quote from: petercharlesfagg on September 05, 2013, 07:13:53 AM
If it is any consolation, neither have I but this year I am taking the opportunity!

I am getting quite excited, like being a boy again!

(Well my wife says that it is normal for me MOST of the time! What does she know! )

Regards, Peter.

That's at least three of us, then. There's one in October that will be local to me, so I guess I'd better get myself along and see what it's all about.

Peter

I agree it is only polite to ask if you can take photo's, I have never been refused and normally get a lot of information and help, as for flash if the layout is well lit I never use flash as my camera seems to cope very well without it.
Regards
Graham

Wow, it's like reading that you guys are more at the running of the bulls then at a train play day. I have never had an issue at any here then again we most liely don't get the crowds as you guys.
Sound like if I ever got the chance to come over and see a show, it sounds like I'd bring the breathing apparatus off the fire truck and some riot gear protection
Bart

Quote from: 1936ace on September 06, 2013, 09:44:33 AM
Wow, it's like reading that you guys are more at the running of the bulls then at a train play day. I have never had an issue at any here then again we most liely don't get the crowds as you guys.
Sound like if I ever got the chance to come over and see a show, it sounds like I'd bring the breathing apparatus off the fire truck and some riot gear protection
Bart

Do not forget the stretchers and the ambulance with the bell on top, and nursing staff and ambulance personnel dressed in 50's attire, that should keep us entertained for 10 minutes.   

 

Yeah I remember I was remembered as the "curly haired bloke", I really should introduce myself 

Thanks again for that, you guys are a credit to the exhibition circuit.

No I didn't notice the Mk2's, I have a bit of a blind spot with coaches, mainly cos I haven't got the space for long trains on my layout, but good scoop none the less 

Skyline2uk

Some good replies on here.

I agree about asking before taking photo's with a flash.
I've never minded people videoing or taking photos of my layouts at exhibitions but flash can blind the operator!

As a punter I would suggest the following:
When looking at a layout, try to make space for any kids if you can as they are the hobbies future and we all want them to have maximum exposure to keep them hooked! 
Obviously have a wash, use deodorant and antiperspirant, use a compact camera or mobile for photo's, leave the giant rucksack at home as traders have things called carrier bags these days to put your goodies in, try not to push and shove as a polite 'excuse me' often works best and give way to those in wheelchair/mobility scooter users coming towards you as they have the toughest time of all at exhibitions.

As an exhibitor I would suggest the following, from my own experience:
Smile! Unhappy looking operators tend to drive people away from your layout.
Be polite and try to answer questions even if they've been asked a 1000 times before.
Try to keep something running as this keeps the viewers interest.
If something stops when it shouldn't, don't be too embarrassed to give it a prod as the public then know you have the same problems as they do at home!
Obviously if it keeps happening you need to do something about it.

The above are only from my experience and may not suit everybody...

QuoteTry to keep something running as this keeps the viewers interest.

But please exhibitors try not to leave the same train running contiuously for more than a few minutes, I recall once seeing the same train looping continuously for over 15 minutes (I was on an adjacent stand)

Quote from: GeeBee on September 05, 2013, 11:39:15 PM
I agree it is only polite to ask if you can take photo's, I have never been refused and normally get a lot of information and help, as for flash if the layout is well lit I never use flash as my camera seems to cope very well without it.
Regards
Graham

I agree, I always ask if it is OK to take photos and try not to use flash (if I think I'll need it I'll say.)

As I see it if you ask to take a photo or two you show you are interested in the exhibit and are more likely to get a positive response from the person behind the layout.

I have had locos/trains positioned so I get the best possible shot for my own personal use.

I must confess I never thought some layout operators would have a problem with me taking photos so I'd never thought to ask.  But then my pictures would always be quick snaps with a mobile phone or small camera.  In the future I'll be more considerate, having now spent a little time on the other side of the layout (in a manner of speaking) I do appreciate that a camera flash can be a pretty distracting thing.

Watching the crowds at TINGS yesterday I have to say that anything carried on the back is a downright liability.  Getting clouted by a back pack doesn't bother me too much, I'm big enough and ugly enough to withstand a bit of a battering.  But I saw someone carrying a baby on their back, who nearly knocked an old lady over.  Luckily it was only nearly but I know I'd feel pretty bad if I accidentally knocked someone over.