SYDNEY MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION 2013 Exhibition

The 2013 Sydney Model Railway Exhibition will be held on the October long weekend at the Whitlam Leisure Centre Memorial Avenue Liverpool.

Opening Times
Saturday           5^th October                    9am-5pm
Sunday             6^th October                    9am-5pm
Monday            7^th October                    9am-4pm

The exhibition will feature in excess of 100 stands including layouts, traders and heritage organisations.

This exhibition is one of the longest running and largest in Australia and features layouts for the serious railway modellers and those that will appeal to the younger generation. The exhibition is significant as it is almost certainly the longest running in Australia and amongst the longest running in the world

Admission Adults $ 14 Concession $10 Children $7

Free bus running between Liverpool Station and the venue.

Parking is available at the Centre  
 
[font=Arial","sans-serif][color=#0000ff][size=2]http://www.sydneymodelrailwayexhibition.com/[/size][/color][/font]



 Regards

I think that the exhibition could be made open for any club members on the Friday evening or before opening on Saturday like a preview for club members of other clubs at the same rate or cheaper so as we don't need to battle with the pram brigade. Yes the club im in has exhibited recently and will again once we build another layout. I like taking pics and videos but with out the crowd noise in the background ie kids repeatedly being told don't touch don't touch etc and the knowall armchair modeller who argues with the operator "that's not right it was like this " I have it on video of the Wallerawang layout a few years ago . just a thought

I think that the exhibition could be made open for any club members on the Friday evening or before opening on Saturday like a preview for club members of other clubs at the same rate or cheaper so as we don't need to battle with the pram brigade. Yes the club im in has exhibited recently and will again once we build another layout. I like taking pics and videos but with out the crowd noise in the background ie kids repeatedly being told don't touch don't touch etc and the knowall armchair modeller who argues with the operator "that's not right it was like this " I have it on video of the Wallerawang layout a few years ago . just a thought

Perhaps you could just watch your videos with the sound output of the TV turned down.

Am not sure what you can do about the apparent sound your hearing from your pictures....

just a thought.

Catchpoint

I think that the exhibition could be made open for any club members on the Friday evening or before opening on Saturday like a preview for club members of other clubs at the same rate or cheaper so as we don't need to battle with the pram brigade. Yes the club im in has exhibited recently and will again once we build another layout. I like taking pics and videos but with out the crowd noise in the background ie kids repeatedly being told don't touch don't touch etc and the knowall armchair modeller who argues with the operator "that's not right it was like this " I have it on video of the Wallerawang layout a few years ago . just a thought

Ask the exhibitors and shop owners on Monday afternoon what they think. Three days is never enough but seriously.... The pram brigade are potential modellers so they should be encouraged. Of course, if there was a private viewing session for club members on Friday, who would police the silence for photographic purposes? I know I will enjoy Liverpool, crowd and all.

Lloyd

I think that the exhibition could be made open for any club members on the Friday evening or before opening on Saturday like a preview for club members of other clubs at the same rate or cheaper so as we don't need to battle with the pram brigade. Yes the club im in has exhibited recently and will again once we build another layout. I like taking pics and videos but with out the crowd noise in the background ie kids repeatedly being told don't touch don't touch etc and the knowall armchair modeller who argues with the operator "that's not right it was like this " I have it on video of the Wallerawang layout a few years ago . just a thought

Anzac  Maybe the theory sounds ok, but in reality I feel pretty confident that the greater amount of exhibitors in both layouts & trade use Friday as their main day to set up, likewise Friday night is used to get things right, & I doubt if they would want an extra day tacked on to the 3 days as it is.  

From reports of last years exh, each day was quite hectic with even the Monday being busier than usual & I'm thinking that most are glad when they shut the doors on the Monday as it is.

It would be good if you could pre-pay for the tickets instead of lining up in the long queues on Saturday or Sunday.

Or instead of previous examples of one guy madly selling tickets with a line stretching around the block and three guys underemployed standing around collecting the trickle of tickets, have two ticket windows open. Just sayin'.

The Epping Club had a good system at the Thornleigh Exhibition. They started selling tickets early and moved people into a holding hall. This got the queue moving and most of we desperates got in at opening time. Still, as long as it isn't raining, lining up is a bit of a grand final tradition, a time to chat to strangers and make sure your credit card is in the ready position.

Lloyd

Or instead of previous examples of one guy madly selling tickets with a line stretching around the block and three guys underemployed standing around collecting the trickle of tickets, have two ticket windows open. Just sayin'.

I think last time I went there they had three ticket booths.  The queue was a bit long - maybe 100m - but moved fairly rapidly.

Or instead of previous examples of one guy madly selling tickets with a line stretching around the block and three guys underemployed standing around collecting the trickle of tickets, have two ticket windows open. Just sayin'.

From my experiences the worst time for the long lines is on the first day & that is usually found in the first hour & the time before the main doors open.  When the doors do open I have yet to find any time where the 3 ticket booths are not all open.  Last year the line was long but it moved quick.

Those that tended to stand around as you suggest were either directing people to the various booths or handing out the show guides at the gate, also giving out pass out stamps for those who want their stuff first & take to their cars.  Given the crowds that attend they generally do a good job, in fact & I think it was at the 2010 exh with the long line, they had people bringing around exhibition bags to give to those on the line.  So for mine they do a pretty good job well all is said & done.

I think that the exhibition could be made open for any club members on the Friday evening or before opening on Saturday like a preview for club members of other clubs at the same rate or cheaper so as we don't need to battle with the pram brigade. Yes the club im in has exhibited recently and will again once we build another layout. I like taking pics and videos but with out the crowd noise in the background ie kids repeatedly being told don't touch don't touch etc and the knowall armchair modeller who argues with the operator "that's not right it was like this " I have it on video of the Wallerawang layout a few years ago . just a thought

One option is to be an exhibitor, then you have a pass so you can get in early before the crowds and take some picturers. The other option is to join AMRA, help out at the exhibition, and in return you get the ability to be there before the crowds. Friday is a set up day, not much model railway operation, though it's interesting to see how layouts are transported and set up.

Terry Flynn.

Or instead of previous examples of one guy madly selling tickets with a line stretching around the block and three guys underemployed standing around collecting the trickle of tickets, have two ticket windows open. Just sayin'.

That would make sense at most shows, that's usually the case, big bottleneck waiting to actually purchase a ticket then everyone waiting around to take your ticket at the other side.

Perhaps online pre-purchase, print-yourself tickets could help there, too? Plenty of places out there to help with that.

Edit: Saying that, I'd love to be able to make it this year! Might have to look at booking in for next year and flying up/back the same day like I did a few years ago.

Wolfpac

Powerline have some photos of setup action of layouts and stalls at the exhibition. I squinted but so far haven't found any secrets lurking in the pics. http://www.facebook.com/PowerlineModels

Liverpool today. Full marks for organization. I left home at 6.00am with two friends and lined up at 8.15. The line moved at 8.50 and I left at 3.00pm. Everyone behaved and the crowd level was moderate. The people in the tent annex had to cope with the sweat box. The exhibition itself was predictable. The hobby trade seemed to out number the layouts and the Epping exhibition in June, probably had as many or more layouts, or so it seemed. Bergs had their new U Boats, On Line had BOB cars, Bob's Hobbies had new MRC's, Eureka had tankers and everyone else had lots to tempt. Auscision seemed busy, as did Austrains. I thought more layouts were operating with better speed and more passenger trains were stopping at stations and some shunting was observed. Of course some layouts still like to set new speed records with 4 wheel wagons travelling at 100 k's or more per hour and the City Circle didn't seem to have any stopping trains.
I met up with a lot of old friends, spent $600 and had a good pie.
My wish list for 2014.
I would love to see a QR HO 3.5 and VR HO layouts. A good British layout and an O Gauge layout. I am a NSW modeler but I appreciate variety.
I would like a second coffee outlet and some chairs to sit for lunch.
I would also like to win the lottery so I could afford all of the projected models which will be released at next year's exhibition, if not before.
Thanks to everyone who donated their time today, so I could enjoy myself.
Lloyd
Thanks to all the volunteers who worked all day so I could enjoy myself.

Some photos:

http://dth.railpage.org.au/dpgal/liverpool2013/gallery.htm

The  first 5 photos are from the Dr who display at the ABC in Ulitimo.

Was a good day. As the flight  came in it crossed Sydney so got to the all those naval specks inthe habour. Nice warm day too.

Regards,
David Head

... and had a good pie.

That's always the clencher

Went to the exhibition earlier today. It was fantastic.

Per chance....did any attendee ask Trainorama how the 48 class is progressing? I think the last word from them was that end of 2013....which is creeping-up on us pretty fast now, so I'd have thought they'd have some painted samples available for viewing, rather than just those grey plastic pics that have been around for about 2 years now!!!??

Roachie

BTW Austrains had 35 & NN's for $285 with sound !

David

Been awhile since I was at the Pool. Decided to make the trip yesterday. Turned up just before opening to join a long queue but it wasn't that much of a wait and the organisation of the ticket selling gets a thumbs up. Personally I was disappointed with  1. The seemingly smaller number of layouts 2. Few that were inspirational (memories of Beyond Bulliac, Stockinbingal  etc ). Maybe that's just the way it is now
Certainly plenty of retailers and the RTR side was out in force. Credit card bill will be a beauty

Still congratulations to all concerned.

That's always the clencher

Yes, I held on to it tightly. I neglected to mention Auscision O Gauge 49 and CEY locos were fabulous but if you get a CEY, you really need three and a whole lot of coal hoppers. The HO 45 Class looked highly detailed, as you would expect and the XPT had the right outline. Sorry, I forgot to look in the carriages. Argyle had a G Gauge NA and Bergs had an O gauge NA model. Again, very nice.

For the count, there were about 30 layouts and 60 retail outlets. This raises a whole lot of issues as regards balance.

Lloyd

"Sydney Model Railway Trade Fair" might be more apt for 2013 - no complaints, I'm a shopper as much as a looker

The effort of exhibitors and volunteers is much appreciated however, there seemed to be no 'money shot' this year - just money pits!  Maybe we were spoilt last year

P.S - the XPT samples were without interiors, put down pre-price rise deposits regardless

P.P.S - forgot to ask, were they fair dinkum about the O guage CEY...

Liverpool in relation  to the largest model train show in Europe is about on par.  I attended Eurospoor which is held at Utrech Nl last year & found it overwhelming in size, about 5 times bigger , held in 3 large halls with one totally full of dealers of new & second hand stuff , it was stated later that there was over 1 kilometre of tables with good stuff on them for sale ,mainly Marklin but a taste of UK , France & Spanish outlines also . I ended up spending almost Euro $5000 with a couple of dealers then having to cart it back in hand luggage.

  Layout wise there was all sizes & countries on show  some quite large some smaller than Z guage . Well worth attending if in Europe in mid October every year , I plan to return in 2015 with heaps of cash as credit cards are not taken by anyone at the show ,  There are lots of smaller shows every weekend all over Europe & this is the case at every one of them NO Credit Cards. so thank your lucky stars that it is a common practice here in Oz to use them everywhere for anything .

Wally .


http://www.eurospoor.nl/uk/visitors/

I think its unfair to compare it with last year.  Organisers always manage that extra yard on big anniversary events to make them that little bit more memorable.

I also think the layouttrade stand imbalance is probably exaggerated by the fact that we've had so many new producers come into the market of late.  Companys like SDS, Ontrack and Southern Rail may have been round for a few years now but their ranges seem to have expanded significantly in the past 12 months, ie now they actually have something to sell.  Plus, its the biggest exhibition in the state- Any trader that didn't want to have a shopfront there would be mad.  

The only criticism I have is probably the venue.  I'm not sure whether it was the day but I can't recall getting that hot at previous exhibitions at Liverpool.  The hall and particularly the smaller rooms just didn't seem to cope well with the heat and the huge mass of bodies and all the lights.  This is not to mention the tent out the back- Not sure what the average was out there but it felt like a sauna.  God knows how the exhibitorstraders managed to do it all day.  I think its great that they've found a way to include more displays but they might want to look at some sort of cooling next year.

I think its unfair to compare it with last year.  Organisers always manage that extra yard on big anniversary events to make them that little bit more memorable.

I also think the layouttrade stand imbalance is probably exaggerated by the fact that we've had so many new producers come into the market of late.  Companys like SDS, Ontrack and Southern Rail may have been round for a few years now but their ranges seem to have expanded significantly in the past 12 months, ie now they actually have something to sell.  Plus, its the biggest exhibition in the state- Any trader that didn't want to have a shopfront there would be mad.  

The only criticism I have is probably the venue.  I'm not sure whether it was the day but I can't recall getting that hot at previous exhibitions at Liverpool.  The hall and particularly the smaller rooms just didn't seem to cope well with the heat and the huge mass of bodies and all the lights.  This is not to mention the tent out the back- Not sure what the average was out there but it felt like a sauna.  God knows how the exhibitorstraders managed to do it all day.  I think its great that they've found a way to include more displays but they might want to look at some sort of cooling next year.

I think that the issue regarding weather is also a bit unfair as its not possible for the exhibitors or owners of the site to control the weather, also consider that Sydney has just gone through a record September & so far October for high temperatures that are more comparable to November rather than the first month of Spring, & buildings such as that one are also controlled by the councils can be worse on such days.  The question is I guess whether or not the building is Air conditioned or not.

IIRC, the Hurstville venue was worse than Liverpool.

As for the trader stands vses the layouts, talking to some fellow modellers over the w/e they were commenting on how much some layouts charge for their presence, & perhaps some are now getting a bit weary after years of doing the circuits. The aspect of traders I actually think is perhaps the primary reason why many actually attend the major exhibitions such as Liverpool, as they can do a one shop day for annual purchases & on occasions buy models at good prices, also see new products from those who have them & those still giving pre model announcements.  On that score, its amazing how many are now producing the same model, & even offering buy one get one free incentives, in order to harness the business.

When to Liverpool for the first time, it was a very good show, lots of trade stands and layouts but I did think it was funny that the Entry Ticket booth was counted as a stall.

Video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1IuEJWtEnk&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4e53FtCzK9OYEwQH2HxdHQ