Hi there, just a quick question for anyone in the know about modelrailway exhibitions.I am building a layout which I hope to be able to exhibit at localexhibitions. The boards are finished, track laid, electrics done, andscenary well in progress. I have to make some decisions very soonabout whether to build in its own legs to make it free-standing,whether to incorporate barriers to the baseboard frames, whether toinstall lighting supports to the frame, etc.So, I need to know the protocol. I don't want to waste time and moneywith legs, barriers, etc if these are generally provided/available viathe exhibition organisers. Also, and probably more importantly, if Idon't do all this, the layout will probably fit into my estate car sothere would be little cost to the exhibitors, but if I do includelegs, barriers, etc., then I'd need to hire a van which wouldobviously increase my costs which presumably are paid by theexhibition.So, basically, want do exhibitions want? Would it put them off ifthey have to pay for van hire/man & van, or would it put them off ifthey have to provide tresles/tables and barriers but save on notpaying as much for transport?Anyone got any ideas? I don't want to go down the wrong route.

Legs:Unless your layout is a single board, with no joins, I would always expect to have my own layout legs. There is no way you can expect the average hall tressle table to be suitable; it will wobble, no two the same height, and you cannot get underneath the baseboards if anything goes wrong (it will).Make your legs so they can be levelled independently; assume any hall floor has a slope plus potholes and humps where you will be standing.Decide on your display height; 3ft high tables are good for children, but a stoop down for most adults. The current trend is towards higher legs, some placing layouts at eye level for a typical adult UK male (arguably a bit too high?). If you go towards the higher end, its nice to have a step-stool or two for children and shorter people.Lighting:If you want the layout to be properly illuminated, take your own. If you are prepared to take a chance on anything from dark dingy to bright sunshine, let them supply.Barriers:If your layout needs barriers...

Model Railway Exhibition Costs?

Mar 08, 2007 21 Replies

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Andy Sollis CVMRD 19 years ago

"Elliott Cowton" wrote On the subject, I did see a rather nice steam era MPD in O Gauge at a show in the Greater Southampton area about 4 or 5 years ago and enquired about getting it to a show. The exhibitor came from the midlands somewhere.

Answer: £800ish PLUS hotel expenses. Needless to say said layout did not get booked.

Elliott

I wonder if this is the one that is today at Nottingham ? Large O scale with shed to the left and a central "Cenotaph" coaling stage ?

And I thought £200 was expensive for a day show with accomodation !

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Elliott Cowton 19 years ago

Hi Andy

I wouldn't like to say, it was a few years ago now and I remember the incident rather than the details; a cenotaph coaling stage sounds vaguely familiar though.

Elliott

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