Exhibitions

[Mr PJ]

Hello,
I agree with many of the views expressed, one of the things we forget is that many, if not most, people at exhibitions only have a passing interest in railways - if any. I actually remember seeing the Rev W Awdry's little layout many years ago, and he explained all the shunting operations and what was going on. A bit of interaction with the public goes a long way, and makes things entertaining for the public. We need to try and get new people excited about the hobby after all, otherwise it will die off in the long run. Remember it takes many years to become a skilled modeller (40 plus in my case...), so its good for any exhibition to show a variety of skill/detail levels, and perhaps showing layouts under construction -and how about displaying some modelling actually taking place?

Regards,
Paul

[Chris Morris]

It's been interesting and thought provoking to see the postings so far. The comments on interaction are useful. Also having layouts with different "skill levels" is an interesting comment. Having thought about it I can see that if every layout at a show was at the pinnacle of modelling excellence it could put folk off getting started as they could never reach that level. Much better to have some layouts where people think "I could do something like that".

[Komata]

FWIW: Another thought (yes, it does happen): When exhibiting, if asked 'how do I get into model trains', I NEVER mention 'N' as being 'the chosen scale above all others', but rather suggest that whatever can be purchased at the local toy shop or big box store would be a good way to start.

This is for two reasons: (A) 'N' trainsets (the usual way to start into the hobby) are almost unobtainable in NZ on a local level, and (B) The 'audience' is frequently of the 'Thomas' generation and small children simply can't handle our sized trains. Far better to get them into some model train (indeed, ANY train) than put them off completely as parents search for what cannot be found (ie, 'N' scale trainsets) and small fingers find they can't put the trains on the track anyway.

The intent is to encourage into the hobby 'by any means'; the matter of 'scale' can come later.

'Softly, softly catchee monkey' and all that... 

[Kris]

I've seen great scenery modelled at exhibitions.
I've seen rubbish scenery at exhibitions.
I've seen fantastic operation at exhibitions.
I've seen awful operation at exhibitions.
I've seen my own layout at exhibitions.
I've seen layout owners at an exhibition are proud of what they had achieved.
I've realised that the last fact is more important than the rest.

[JasonBz]

In a general sense I think any layout at an exhibition should be well-executed, whether it is Thomas the Tank running round and round on a table top trainset or the finest of finescale replica of "somewhere" it should look as if some thought and effort has gone into its development and construction.

[Sparks]

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.

[JasonBz]

"heights" really is a tin and a half of worms.....

Im firmly in the adult heights for adult train sets camp..

[railsquid]

I hardly think it's realistic to expect exhibitors to build and operate their layouts at a level low enough for small children to see. The onus would be more on the exhibitors and/or parents/guardians to provide something suitable, methinks. Speaking as a parent who will probably take a young Railsquid to an exhibition some day. Good idea with the footstool.

[Komata]

FWIW: Where the layout is not self- supporting, standard New Zealand practice is to place layouts on top of trestle-type tables; usually those provided by the venue / hall owner and are 760 mm (2'6" approx.) above the venue floor. .  The small fry seem to have no problems with this (although toddlers do tend to try and grab at moving trains as they go past), while those who are wheelchair-bound are equally appreciative.

A spin-of for the parents of small children is that by getting down to their children's level, they actually tend to see more than they otherwise would.

As I said, FWIW.

[Newportnobby]

More reading for those interested in this ..........................

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=29312.0

[mod]Topics merged to save duplication - Thanks [/mod]

[Chris Morris]

I've seen layout owners at an exhibition are proud of what they had achieved.
I've realised that the last fact is more important than the rest.

A very important point. Anyone who has got as far as achieving a completed, working layout has put in a lot of thought, time and emotion to get there and deserves a well done. Bearing this in mind how do you tell an exhibitor that some things could be better? Is it rude to even try even in the politest possible way?

As an exhibitor I know my layout won't win any trophies but when a visitor said "for me this is the best layout in the show" it made my weekend. People will comment on the areas and aspects of a layout that they like so I should give more thought to the areas people don't comment on as these are probably where improvements could be made. It is worth listening to what children say to their parents about your layout as they will speak with an unconstrained openness and honesty that becomes lost in adulthood.

The best complement is when an exhibition manager looks at your layout and invites you to his show. I look upon this as an honour. The exhibition manager could of course be thinking "I've got a gap to fill which is the size of this layout and the owner looks cheap".

[paulprice]

I cant wait until the next Exhibition outing of Foster Street, it certainly acts as a focus for your modelling and makes you get a "shift on" with outstanding projects, or at least it should 

I must admit the comments the children make at the exhibitions are the best, we regularly run a train that has a number of Elephants on it, and at one exhibition we had a couple of Dinosaurs present to, which was very popular.

One little chap watched the layout for several minutes, counted the Elephants, and as they passed, then looked at the Dinosaurs then waited for the Elephants again and recounted them, and then stood there in deep thought. When one of the team asked him what's up he said "Those Dinosaurs must be "vegitabletraians" like me" his reasoning was that they had not eaten any Elephants, well at least not while he was watching 

"vegitaletarians" - classic

[Kris]

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.

I decided on the height for my layout. I know that it would be too high for your nephew. It was designed to be comfortable for me to operate and use at home (where it spends almost all of it's time), and it was also designed to give a particular viewpoint for an adult of an average height. I realise that this does not suit suit everyone, particularly the young and those in wheelchairs.

The layout that I am currently (very very slowly) building will also be at a similar height. This however has got a viaduct section that will allow better viewing for those who's viewpoint is lower (it will possibly give a better impression of looking up at a train crossing a viaduct than a normal sized adult will get). 

[Bealman]

I cant wait until the next Exhibition outing of Foster Street, it certainly acts as a focus for your modelling and makes you get a "shift on" with outstanding projects, or at least it should 

I must admit the comments the children make at the exhibitions are the best, we regularly run a train that has a number of Elephants on it, and at one exhibition we had a couple of Dinosaurs present to, which was very popular.

One little chap watched the layout for several minutes, counted the Elephants, and as they passed, then looked at the Dinosaurs then waited for the Elephants again and recounted them, and then stood there in deep thought. When one of the team asked him what's up he said "Those Dinosaurs must be "vegitabletraians" like me" his reasoning was that they had not eaten any Elephants, well at least not while he was watching 

"vegitaletarians" - classic

Isn't that cool? Great stuff. 

[paulprice]

it certainly made me realise all the effort and the frustration of building the layout was well worth it