I drifted away from model engineering some years ago and stopped subscribing to ME and EIM. I got a bit pissed off when MEW was introduced and ME stopped having more general interest and workshop articles but I wasn't going to subscribe to yet another magazine. I used to go to the ME exhibition at Wembly and Ally Pally. I've re-awakened my interest and been to the Bristol Show and Ascot (very interesting because of the old models and tools but not the shopping experience it used to be). So what's been happening, or is that opening a big can of worms?
MEW is still a decent mag, at least it's the best we have. ME is OK if you are into loco's
In the last 10 years most of the British stuff has disappeared and been replaced by Chinese. At first this was of dubious quality but the last 3 or 4 years have seen great strides in improvement because off all the investment they have put in.
Far more choices than 10 years ago.
Ally Pally is still a good show, Bristol has good models and Harrogate is about the best.
It all depends on where you interests lie. If its detailed fine modelling in steam or IC then there has been quite some changes in technique and equipment, particularly in the area of CNC. The whole shopping bit has also changed quite markedly with, as mentioned by John Stevenson, the move of 95% of the manufacturing base to the far east. The use if the internet also contributes - its so easy now to buy stuff at reasonable prices, and yes the quality is improving all the time. Why spend ours hunting around for that obscure bit of kit when a quick search on ebay may find it in a second or two?
Shows are more now to simply see the end results and latest machinery up close. There is often little of 'rummaging' interest these days. As shows are very expensive in man-hours and other costs for traders - why should they bother when they have such a open market via other means these days? After spending my =A38 or so getting into these shows, about the only things it end to come away with is assorted chunks of metal (saving high postal charges), rarely buying anything else, which would probably have been the case 10 years ago.
Notwithstanding the earlier comments, I am finding that it is the time, traffic and true cost of coming to shows which are a trouble. It is not the =A38 or so entrance but the actual cost of yonks miles at a quid a gallon or very nearly.
Unquestionably, it now has to be worth it. OK, I got some nice bits from John S to up date my lathe and I got Lester Caine to do me a DRO( Shumatech) which I doubt that I could have managed. To both fellas, my thanks!
However, travelling from Newcastle to Harrogate- my nearest show and back is going to be a question for next year. So far, there is nothing that jumps out to prompt my urges- or something?
Notwithstanding the earlier comments, I am finding that it is the time, traffic and true cost of coming to shows which are a trouble. It is not the £8 or so entrance but the actual cost of yonks miles at a quid a gallon or very nearly.
Unquestionably, it now has to be worth it. OK, I got some nice bits from John S to up date my lathe and I got Lester Caine to do me a DRO( Shumatech) which I doubt that I could have managed. To both fellas, my thanks! However, travelling from Newcastle to Harrogate- my nearest show and back is going to be a question for next year. So far, there is nothing that jumps out to prompt my urges- or something? Norm
Hi Norm, "A quid a gallon" How do we enter your wonderful universe? 8^) I supose you meant "A quid a Litre"
Oh, dear, it;s been a long day and earlier, I was doing euros per litre- and I got to 3 prices. I was also doing trips around the Continong. I really meant Jelabbas per Brazillian Cruceros- or sausage should be the same price as whisky- 6 pence a skinful.
Matron now hoves in sight. She's a big woman, Big, BIG! I like them Big!
The revenuers (grudgingly) say that you can bring back as much beer as you can reasonably drink yourself. Is it acceptable to come back with a bowser full of fuel for personal use?
Ah, Mark, if life was so simple as to bring back a bowser full of diesel and stop 250 miles or so short of home for Peter. Rather drop off a few bottles of vino collapso at Knuston Hall for Her Holiness's consumption on her musical soirees in the thatching. I've been there, Peter.
Nope, it is going to be a bit of problem because it is cheaper by air- to Menorca. Got an E-mail to say- my Spanish car will be in row 10C at the aeropuerto. Puts the Brits to shame! The Brits cannot be arsed or is it because one in 30 had to go last year for advice on their debt problems. One in 30 is a man, woman and child figure. The one the Beeb also included yesterday.
The fictional Ally Fraser was a Glaswegian and even Oz was not a Novocastrian. jJimmy Nail is a Makkem. The real Ally Fraser lived and died a shinty legend in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. Oddly, I write elsewhere as Aviemoron of the next village of Aviemore on Speyside. Like the fictional characterm I came from selling in the local market during the War and with my father unable to work, I paid for my missing education lost in the War years out of spinach which I grew as a boy. Having served in the RAF, I am still a member and a very proud one of my Squadron and find time to write aviation history and to do War Pensions claims for my old mates. I, too, am disabled. My men died those many years ago and I was able to help form Mountain Rescue teams. I had served with air ambulance crews and I am pleased to be associated with many climbers and skiers who joined in the task. I hold one of the unique accolades in that I have competed for my Country and represented it with the Norwegian Red Cross. Currently, I work for the largest charity in the world and my wife and I also try to give something back in our various ways.
Model engineering?? Merely a hobby. Related, as it seems to be, to Rowan, a bit of humour is worth a note. I do live in a Mental Institution but my part ceased to function some years ago and has become an unashamedly high class residential area on the outskirts of Newcastle.
What "part" is that Norm, I think I will send you an invoice for a new computer screen. I just put the chainsaw away thought I would have a quiet read whilst enjoying a cup of tea, it's now all over the screen, the tea that is. I know what you mean but I couldn't stop laughing. That's some feat to as life is a little trying at the moment.
Don't take offence Norm I just enjoyed your comment, in fact I always enjoy your posts. Thank you for lightening my day. Take care.
With apologies but be pleased that you had stopped the chain saw! It is the old classic of being serious but sneak ' a double entendre' when no one is watching. .
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