Pete Waterman is guest editor in this months Rail Express Modeller. He doesn't seem to have enjoyed Model Rail Scotland in late February "if this is the way the year is to unfold then we are all in deep trouble"
His perception of a problem seems to be bedded in the difference between "box shifters" and "modellers" and that exhibitions should make clear what field they are focusing on. As a "discerning modeller" he wanted to meet "fellow modellers" who apparently will not attend exhibitions of "toys" or swap meets.
Now I have to admit to be vaguely offended at the description "box shifter" as I fall into the category as one of their customers - does this mean I'm not a "discerning modeller" I wonder? Do discerning modellers never go to swap-meets - if so they are surely missing out as I've seen some very fine models there. Also they tend to be populated by middle aged gentlemen having a good old chin wag (nothing wrong with that) but they can't be discerning modellers either then, can they?
Now , I've been going to Model Rail Scotland every year since 1974 and I was an intermittent visitor before then courtesy of my parents . It is the premier show of the year in Scotland and has actually become a bit of an institution not just with modellers but with the general public too. And surely this is the secret of its success, that it caters for a broad swathe of the public, modellers, and indeed, promotes the hobby to people who are not (yet) modellers at all. It would be a shame if it were just modellers , discerning or not, that turned up. I suspect it wouldn't be economically viable either.
I enjoyed the whole show, as I do every year , and congratulate the AMRSS on the fine job it does organising it. I enjoy looking at all the exhibits - yes from "Wee Jimmy" the Scottish equivalent of Thomas, the more mainstream Perths Almond Bridge, Aithrey Park , Paisley Central (fantastic buses)the tram layout (that I finally got a go on- the benefits of having my wee nephew with me on one of the days) through to watching the intricate shunting on "Ferring"(P4) and Barrowmores "O" Johnstone Road. All excellent- so where should the cut be made Pete ?Ferring and Johnstone road in a small show for "discerning modellers", along with JLTRT, leaving the rest for us customers of "box shifters" ? Who else would you allow in?
You say the time has come for tough decisions so that exhibitions connect with their intended audience. Sorry Pete if it ain't broke don't fix it . Model Rail has successfully connected with its intended audience for many a year, modeller and general public alike under one roof . What you are suggesting is elitism and would lead to a closed shop and the inevitable decline of the hobby .
Russell (available at short notice for pop videos)
His perception of a problem seems to be bedded in the difference between "box shifters" and "modellers" and that exhibitions should make clear what field they are focusing on. As a "discerning modeller" he wanted to meet "fellow modellers" who apparently will not attend exhibitions of "toys" or swap meets.
Now I have to admit to be vaguely offended at the description "box shifter" as I fall into the category as one of their customers - does this mean I'm not a "discerning modeller" I wonder? Do discerning modellers never go to swap-meets - if so they are surely missing out as I've seen some very fine models there. Also they tend to be populated by middle aged gentlemen having a good old chin wag (nothing wrong with that) but they can't be discerning modellers either then, can they?
Now , I've been going to Model Rail Scotland every year since 1974 and I was an intermittent visitor before then courtesy of my parents . It is the premier show of the year in Scotland and has actually become a bit of an institution not just with modellers but with the general public too. And surely this is the secret of its success, that it caters for a broad swathe of the public, modellers, and indeed, promotes the hobby to people who are not (yet) modellers at all. It would be a shame if it were just modellers , discerning or not, that turned up. I suspect it wouldn't be economically viable either.
I enjoyed the whole show, as I do every year , and congratulate the AMRSS on the fine job it does organising it. I enjoy looking at all the exhibits - yes from "Wee Jimmy" the Scottish equivalent of Thomas, the more mainstream Perths Almond Bridge, Aithrey Park , Paisley Central (fantastic buses)the tram layout (that I finally got a go on- the benefits of having my wee nephew with me on one of the days) through to watching the intricate shunting on "Ferring"(P4) and Barrowmores "O" Johnstone Road. All excellent- so where should the cut be made Pete ?Ferring and Johnstone road in a small show for "discerning modellers", along with JLTRT, leaving the rest for us customers of "box shifters" ? Who else would you allow in?
You say the time has come for tough decisions so that exhibitions connect with their intended audience. Sorry Pete if it ain't broke don't fix it . Model Rail has successfully connected with its intended audience for many a year, modeller and general public alike under one roof . What you are suggesting is elitism and would lead to a closed shop and the inevitable decline of the hobby .
Russell (available at short notice for pop videos)