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• THE BLACKPOOL MODEL BOAT SHOW: October 15, 2011 - October 16, 2011

[The long Build]

.

[nhp651]

Was talking to the chap who built the Talus M3 tractor, and he has also built a minature Caterpillar V8 working petrol engine for it,( he said it was easier to make it work off petrol than the diesel that it should be powered by) approximately 8 inches long plus working gear box, but is having problems at the moment moulding his own Distributer cap for the engine.....He told me that hopefully he'll have it ready working and installed for next year's shows.....from the workmanship that went into the Tractor, it will be just incredible.....what a fantastic machine the Talus was.

neil.

[Number 6]

Good to see you Neil, didn't get chance for much of a chat though, will catch up online Im sure. That Talus tractor is incredible, weighs in at 1.5 ton apparently! Didn't know about the engine too! Photo from my mobile, more tomorrow. Dave. 

[nhp651]

yeh, sorry about that, dave.........I took my daughter to the bar for a drink of fanta as they'd run out in the show hall, and bumped into an old college mate from 40 years ago.....we spent nearly an hour in there having a drink..........sorry mate.

neil.

[malcolmfrary]

A few snaps that I managed to grab Sunday morning before the real world reasserted itself....

[Number 6]

Some photos as promised, starting with Neils (nhp651) beautiful Clyde class lifeboat, Grace Paterson Ritchie. She found a new home during the show and Neil made a sizeable donation to the RNLI at the show out of the proceeds, Dave.

[Number 6]

More, the new Mtroniks 'plug and play' sound unit was a good reasonably priced piece of kit too.

[Number 6]

Amazing 1/4 scale Talus tractor built by W.A.Power over a period of 19 years, stunning! Looking forward to seeing it at more shows.

[Number 6]

Last couple...

[nhp651]

just a slight correction Dave.mine was the Grace Paterson Ritchie, CH B was the 70 - 001.

[Number 6]

Sorry Neil, of course it is, been a long day today, I've asked Martin to change it unless another mod sees this 1st. 

[andyn]

Great weekened, good show.... Though still can't believe I got told off for driving my springer too fast and nearly collapsing the pool

[nhp651]

mrs Finnis takes no prisoners you know, andy,

[Number 6]

just a slight correction Dave.mine was the Grace Paterson Ritchie, CH B was the 70 - 001.

Sorted, changed by Martin, what a man. 

[BarryM]

I assume that the Norbreck Catastrophe must rent their exhibition space at a low price otherwise I cannot see any advantage in having the show in a half-darkened hall with problematic parking. Will there be a prize in 2012 for the best illuminated model?

That being said the show as a whole was reasonable in terms of Trader attendance (once all costs are tallied it must be difficult to make a profit) and club representation and I left with my shopping list fairly well ticked off. 

Barry M

[ACTion]

Once all costs are tallied it must be difficult to make a profit

No - but it would be if we had to pay the Blackpool Tower Ballroom's idea of rent. I'm sure that if better and cheaper accommodation were to be available then Mark Williams would be onto it in a flash. No exhibition space is ideal in every respect; if it were then the rent would be exorbitant and the consequent door prices would deter most folk from visiting. I thought the lighting this year was an improvement over previous years and as regards the car parking, well - it is in Blackpool and it's still "illuminations" time so we can't expect exclusive use of the car park.
DM

[nhp651]

well, dave, you know folks......some will moan at anything and everything...................I wonder whether some of them who moan would like it if the shoe was on the other foot and they were the trader for a day.........
As for all these moans about lighting..........I find nothing wrong with lighting in the place......if it were any brighter half the detailing on the models would be lost for the glare reflecting on the gloss paint, lol....certainly on those bright orange and blue boats that some people keep bringing

[jb]

and as regards the car parking, well - it is in Blackpool and it's still "illuminations" time so we can't expect exclusive use of the car park.
DM

My first thought was...well why don't the organisers change it...I really found it difficult to park somewhere close enough and by the time I'd made it into the hall I was kack..d!
one guy told me so...and wanted me to sit down he was so concerned

I have to be honest and I think the show needs a revamp for next time, I did find some items I needed though so it was worth the struggle! Planet 5 ..a P79..and some tools I wanted...don't tell the wife

JB.

[The long Build]

I have been going for a few year now and never found the parking a problem, Always got into the front carpark, wait a few miniutes and a space is usualy available, I went to my car a few times throughtout Sunday and saw empty spaces. I believe that there is another carpark aroud the back ?.
We Went to the event at the Wintergardens Once,  it was quite a long walk from where we parked and you had to pay as well, or at least we did.

I think that the hotel could try to restrict those who do park in their carpark just to go into blackpool, and not use the hotel or visit the events at the hotel.

[Number 6]

The lighting did seem better this year, photos do seem to come out dark though, not to sure why that is? As for parking I've never had a problem on the front car park, there is parking at the rear too with a door to the show venue. Failing that there's usually room on the main road. Dave. 

[The long Build]

And apparently almost had its own indoor river ..Andy...

[jb]

The lighting did seem better this year, photos do seem to come out dark though, not to sure why that is? As for parking I've never had a problem on the front car park, there is parking at the rear too with a door to the show venue. Failing that there's usually room on the main road. Dave. 

I'm not certain but isn't the hall really for ballroom dancing etc? there's a lot of dark walls and also the ceiling, if they painted these with lighter colour's..white would be good..the overall illumination (no pun ) would be much improved for photography

JB.

[Capt Podge]

This was my first visit to this venue.
Set off from home at 0530 and arrived at 0815 - plenty spaces in the front car park at that time.
Was gonna camp over the weekend but "bottled out" - just as well really - ended up spending just over £100.00 on the Saturday alone ! 

I found the venue comfortable and the stalls well laid out and was able to browse the Trade stands without getting squashed.
There was sufficient goods on sale to satisfy my needs for the coming winter. 

The club stands were all accessible for viewing and the members manning them were polite and helpful. 

As for the lighting - I found it quite ample however, as I've not been to this venue before, I've nothing with which to make any comparison so I leave that to others to comment on. 

In conclusion, I consider this Model Boat Show to be well worth attending and will be there again next year, hopefully with sufficient funds to stay the whole weekend. 

Regards,

Ray.

[malcolmfrary]

I'm not certain but isn't the hall really for ballroom dancing etc? there's a lot of dark walls and also the ceiling, if they painted these with lighter colour's..white would be good..the overall illumination (no pun ) would be much improved for photography

JB.

Obviously never seen a ballroom.  That's the room next door which does have a sprung floor.  The Norcalympia was intended as an exhibition and event hall, and is a vast improvement from the point of view of access to both the Olympia and Tower.  Yes, the lighting could be improved - I haven't been in a hall where it couldn't be improved, but this year it was better because I noticed that I didn't have to take the walk to reception to get anything fixed.  Perhaps the owners have realised that craft exhibitions need visibility.
For photography, remember that the lights are fluorescent based, and have a slight greenish tinge.  When the piccies get into the PC, a gentle tweak on the colour balance sorts it.
In previous years, the hotel has had another event the same weekend (its a big place, they can) but this year there wasn't, so there was much less pressure on parking for those who cared to look.

I assume that the Norbreck Catastrophe must rent their exhibition space at a low price

If only.  They think of it as a low price, and would like it to be much higher. 

And apparently almost had its own indoor river ..Andy...

Rather later.  And your stall was downstream.

Anyway, many thanks to all who came to look and buy, all those who exhibited, both on stands and on the pool, and all those who helped before, during, and after the weekend.

[The long Build]

Rather later.  And your stall was downstream.

Malcolm, Andy did not post that , I Did , I was referiing to the gentle cruise he had with his little ole Springer   

Larry

[jb]

Obviously never seen a ballroom.  That's the room next door which does have a sprung floor.  The Norcalympia was intended as an exhibition and event hall, and is a vast improvement from the point of view of access to both the Olympia and Tower.  Yes, the lighting could be improved - I haven't been in a hall where it couldn't be improved, but this year it was better because I noticed that I didn't have to take the walk to reception to get anything fixed.  Perhaps the owners have realised that craft exhibitions need visibility.
For photography, remember that the lights are fluorescent based, and have a slight greenish tinge.  When the piccies get into the PC, a gentle tweak on the colour balance sorts it.
In previous years, the hotel has had another event the same weekend (its a big place, they can) but this year there wasn't, so there was much less pressure on parking for those who cared to look.
 
If only.  They think of it as a low price, and would like it to be much higher.  
Rather later.  And your stall was downstream.

Anyway, many thanks to all who came to look and buy, all those who exhibited, both on stands and on the pool, and all those who helped before, during, and after the weekend.

Your right I haven't! please don't get me wrong I'm not complaining about the show, there are always problems with indoor photo's, using flash is not really a good idea for the reasons of disturbance and it spoils the colours of the models if you're not careful.

I have certain physical problems with getting around so I need to park as close as I can to anywhere I want to go or I can't access the buildings, steps and doors can cause trouble too, I couldn't arrive until 1pm so I had to wait for a space which I felt was not too far from the door, drove around a few times looking but not 1 space anywhere! eventually a car moved from near the 'out' gate so I was in! still not easy for me, hard to believe that I know but true. I appreciate I'm probably in the minority which can't always be catered for at shows like Blackpool, illuminations on and there was a gathering of some kind at the other end of the building.

Inside there's seats of course but I wanted to see the models and do some shopping, by this time I'm finding it hard and one chap noticed and tried to help, I wanted to stay for longer but less than an hour was enough for me.

I wish I could be more involved with the show as we need it and the traders are important as we all know there's not many shops around now, I really like to see what I'm buying and check out anything which I may want in the future, I had the chance to see nhp's Clyde...fantastic!.. in 45 minutes I managed to spend £90 so a worthwhile visit, I'm feeling the pain now though!

Sorry to go one so much but I needed to explain my views and experience.

Here's a few pic's I took at the 2005 show

JB.

[justboatonic]

There are not that many good venues available on the Fylde coast. Blackpool Council will sting you for parking on their car parks (on street parking, forget it) and people would have a trek from car to exhibition.

There are a few school sports halls and council run sports halls but again, any rent would have to cover the loss of income from the hall's normal weekend income.

The only other venue I can think of around here is the Marine Hall at Fleetwood. Not sure what the standard is like there, I think Wyre Borough Council were talking about doing it up.

[malcolmfrary]

The first model boat shows I ever visited were at the Marine Hall, and a very nice venue it is.  It was suggested as an alternative to Norcalympia a few years ago, but I went there and paced the outside of the building.  It would fit inside the main hall part of Norcalympia.
One of the things that attracted us to the Norbreck was the ease os access for wheelchair users - vastly better than either the Tower or Olympia.
Few school sports halls are any bigger than EPlC, and that wasn't anything like big enough for a show the size of the Norbreck show, and schools tend to have less parking.
Apart from the Olympia and Tower, which carry access and parking problems, there are precious few suitable venues within 30 miles.

[jb]

Yes I agree with you both, we have to make the best of what's available all things considered of course, at least I still made it and now have what I need to carry on with my corvette
I use the net but there's nothing like some retail therapy! In couldn't manage any photo's this time sadly..got the cameras but only 2 hands and I needed those for the stick and shopping bag

I look forward to next year and hope I'm in better condition or find a easier method of moving around the venue wherever it is held.

A 2005 pic from the door...nice view anyway

JB.

[Norseman]

Parking Problem? What Problem?

Trains arrive in Blackpool al the time! Government policy is to encourage the use of public transport as your first choice.

And if you happen to have started work on the railways back in BR days you will have free rail travel like me rather then having to pay the beeping prices the public get overcharged to go from A-B. Prices which are hardly an encouragement to get you off the roads . Rant finished - Seriously though I have often had difficulty parking in Blackpool and for the slightest overstay they are quick to clamp and tow away. Also that road from the motorway has more flashing cameras than a Nikon factory.

Staying overnight next year.

Regards Norseman

[A Model World]

Its Wednesday morning and we are just about recovered, Our thanks go to all the traders, clubs, private exhibitors and so on that make this a thumping great success, A special thank you to the helpers from Blackpool and Fleetwood and others who know who they are, without them it would be harder to do.

My thanks all go to you all for attending, and making it a realistic chance to go on again next year, Its at a time like this when all is pulled together does the hobby thrive at its best, we all need each other at an event such as this to keep the hobby well and truly alive...Even traders that sell similar products or same as each other do not quibble with their competitor, they simply get on and are happy that the event is there for all including there competitor, (don't get me wrong I am sure they wish there wasn't a competitor but we all bring something for each other)

As for venue well as I have said many times before we are 96% there with Blackpool and trying to fix the other 4% by looking somewhere may not achieve the goal, eg we can fix the 4 percent but something else may not be perfect...We constantly look at other venues for all sorts of things, and I have another venue up there to look at over coming weeks, but a balance has to be found. As an exampole we are about to launch a new show next year and we found brilliant venue but there was a refundable parking system eg you paid for 2 hours came inside and got it refunded but we then are warned of over zealous parking attendants and sure enough they were. Now at Blackpool we have free parking which is pretty difficult to get free parking in Blackpool. I suspect the winter gardens parking cost would be more than the show entry nowadays but its all the little things we try and get as near right as possible or we move. again gong back too the new show when we found out about the parking attendants we don't want the visitors clock watching every minute so we moved that show. Watch this space it will be announced on here this weekend and this time we do possible have the perfect venue...Well Buckingham Palace would be perfect as one poster once wrote on here but having checked with HRH she isn't away that weekend so we are scuppered there.     

Anyway once again a big big big thank you to all                 

Meanwhile after all this weekend and being busy my little boy asked last night....Could we go and see the lights?  aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ps we still have a pair of glasses handed in ......Anyones ?????

[balders]

Just like to say thanks Mark and everyone else who made the Blackpool show a success.I think some people should take stock of the amount of effort it must take to bring everyone together to make a show for us to enjoy.I personally think the present venue is more than adequate and does seem to improve each year.
                                                                                                                                                As regards parking etc. forget it .A group of six of us now travel up on Friday afternoon,stay in a good B and B,enjoy fish and chips and a couple of pints.Rise Saturday to a good breakfast and call a cab which cost £5 between three of us and the same when we are ready to return to the digs.

That means you arrive fresh at the show,enjoy a full day in there and the luxury of no long drive home.

O.K it may cost a few quid but we have decided to have several smaller breaks such as this rather than spend a similar amount on one "big" holiday.

                       So as far as we are concerned,long live Blackpool show at NORCALYMPIA.

                                                                                                                           Cheers Andy