Melksham Megamodelex

4261 Views 16 Replies 5 Participants Last post by dwb, Oct 2, 2006

Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · Sep 30, 2006

Here are some intial photo's of this weekends Melksham Megamodelex. So if you like large layouts this ones for you:

A general shot of the Venue taken by me hanging from one of the light fittings

This is an overhead view of the modualar layout Meon Valley

This is the DDC/ RR&Co operated Hinton Parva and a very slick operation too

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Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · #2 · Sep 30, 2006

Here's some more photgaphic detail of the Excellent Modular layout Meon Valley /
Fiddleyard detail
Soberton

Triangular Junction junction

Station

Viaduct Modual

Station

Bend joints

Bend Supports

More Bend supports

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dwb

· #3 · Sep 30, 2006

It looks like a great day out. I like the photos.

Was there plenty of action on the lines or did you have to wait for ages between trains?

David

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These shots are from the On30 layout Idaho Springs

there was plenty of action on all the layouts, it really was a great show, BTW I got there quite early
Mrs W_ is in the Blue sweater - she's highly supportive.

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Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 30, 2006

I'm not normally into modern image layouts, but Riverside really caught my eye with the huge amount of detail.
This is an ever expanding modualr layout currently close to 50ft in length, it's hardly suprising some operators were communicating via Blue Tooth. Enjoy

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Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 30, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

Finally the simply Hinton Parva, regular trains, stunning layout, brilliantly enjoyable

You'll notice Mrs W crept into this shot !

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dwb

· #7 · Sep 30, 2006

So the "mega" in the title means the layouts must be really large? No shunting planks and messing about with crochet hooks and bits of watch chain?

Is this an annual event or a one off?

David

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Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 30, 2006

This is the first event in a new venue. Brilliant venue, large enjoyable layouts, excellent coffee - and I got a few more tools for my collection.

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dwb

· #9 · Sep 30, 2006

Do you think the attendance was high enough to convince the organisers to do it again next year?

David

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Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 30, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

The ones I spoke to were optimistic and pleased about the new venue, having moved from municipal premises in central Chippenham. I certainly hope it runs next year. The gauge one live steam was also excellent, but moving too fast for photograpy without a flash. The range of venders was good, I managed to buy a very usful angle guillotine/chopper with replaceable blades for a respectable £7 a multimeter for £6.50 and a nice wire bender for peanuts.
The DCC modern image layout Horton with full signalling, layout runing under full RR&Co control (lenz) was highly impressive. I sure being the main controller required a lot of concentration.
The ride for kids at the back of the hall kept them amused.
Good show.

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dwb

· #11 · Sep 30, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

>nice wire bender for peanuts.
I didn't know you could get wire benders for peanuts. What recipe are they used for? Dry roasted, salted, peanut butter?

David

(and I still think the pix are great)

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neil_s_wood

· #12 · Oct 1, 2006

Excellent piccies MMaD, thanks for posting them. That looks like a great exhibition. I usually find these event inspiring and come back with lots of new ideas for my layout.

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37114

· #13 · Oct 2, 2006

Glad you all enjoyed it. I spent most of the weekend operating Maiden Lane as well as the clubs own layout Highbridge Road.

In answer to the above questions of will we do it again:

The Mega Modelex was a 1 off show and the first club show using the Melksham venue. We had just about 900 people through the door, we really needed a 1000 to break even so unless we get some sponsorship etc we are unlikely to do it again.

In future Trainwest (which was held in Chippenham previously) will be held in the same venue in Melksham. The Melksham venue provides better facilities than Chippenham in terms of sufficient car parking and improved catering.

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Makemineadouble

Discussion Starter · #14 · Oct 2, 2006

I'm sorry to hear this was a once off show, as the concept of large active layouts is an excellent one. I understand that many people have space restrictions, but the shunting plank is unfortunatley over done at many exibitions. Melksham is certainly a good venue, I was suprised at the lack of people, this was also noticable at the Toy and collector fair at shepton Mallet the week before. Perhaps we need to conscript attendee's in the future some sort of Goverment edict

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37114

· #15 · Oct 2, 2006

The problem is in terms of attracting visitors peoples interests are so diverse that you need a large number of layouts to keep all the punters happy. Bigger layouts means less choice in the same space. For example we had no N gauge Layouts or Narrow Gauge UK layouts there.

My personal preference as a viewer and an operator is for a layout where you have shunting and operational interest. Highbridge road which was at Melksham is a simple double track main line, no points at all on the scenic section. It is popular with our younger members especially because it allows them to run long trains at fast speeds, whereas my personal favourite club layout is Pengwynn Crossing because of the shunting potential. I am sure I am not alone with this view so potentially the big layout tag which was attractive to most visitor, potentially turned some people off who prefer shunting etc.

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Doug

· #16 · Oct 2, 2006

Thanks for posting - great pictures.

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dwb

· #17 · Oct 2, 2006

I wish I could promise that I would attend a show next year if there was one, but this time of the year is a problem for me at present as for 3 weekends about this time I have to act as the "uni shuttle" which wipes me out. The shortest round trip is 450 miles.

As regards shunting movements, is there no way to have a marshalling yard along side the main line, or a large MPD where each loco going on and off duty goes through the correct procedure?

David

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