EXETER 2008 (EXERAIL) Post Show Report

Since the EXE Model Railway Society relocated our annual model railway exhibition to the MATFORD LIVESTOCK CENTRE in 2007, we have taken full advantage of its facilities for our show which is fast gaining a reputation for being one of the premier exhibitions in the West. This has been reflected in our visitor numbers which has seen an increase of 30% over our previous venue. One large ground level hall with full restaurant facilities is much appreciated by our disabled visitors. There is a park & ride adjacent to the venue as is a large car park, although unfortunately Sunday mornings can be a bit of a problem as there is a carboot sale held but they are usually gone by lunch time.

This years exhibition had 36 layouts and demos featuring British and Continental layouts from N through to O gauge. Steam, diesel, electric, narrow and standard gauge. We have endeavoured to cover all interests and, judging by the comments we have received, we think we succeeded.
Our new exhibition layout under construction but operational, made its first public appearance and is called Parker's Sidings in honour of our former Exhibition Manager the late Richard Parker.

In return for filling in a questionaire (feedback is used to identify any areas that need to be improved on) and also voting for their favourite layout, they are entered into a free raffle which, as in previous years, has been sponsored by the MODEL SHOP, St. Davids Hill, Exeter.
SELLINGE an O gauge Southern layout was the visitors choice and the fellow exhibitors choice was CHARLTON ABBOTTS another O gauge layout but this time western region with DCC and sound which also earned its owners a bottle of whiskey being the "Chairmans Choice", a new award by yours truly!
15 traders were in attendance which may supprise some as this equates to approximately 2 layouts to 1 trader as opposed to the current trend of almost flooding exhibitions with wall to wall trade punctuated by the odd layout. We hold a model railway exhibition and not a swapmeet with everybody selling the same thing. We try and offer a wide selection of trade support for the modeller but without duplication and are always interested to hear from small manufactures or traders who have something a bit different to complement our existing trade support.

As a result of our inclusion on the UK MODEL SHOP DIRECTORY Exhibition Diary we had a visit from a gentleman who had come over to London on a business trip from NEW ZEALAND. After reading about our show on the site with the links for accommodation, transport links and venue directions not only came to our show but went out of his way to thank our Exhibition Manager Dave Harding and the membership for, in his words "a truly excelent show, far, far better than I had expected".

Planning for EXETER 2OO9 is well under way and the MATFORD LIVESTOCK CENTRE has already been booked for the weekend of 30th - 31st MAY 2OO9.
Admission, times and layouts etc will be advised aprox 3 months before hand.
On behalf of the EXE M.R.S. I would like to thank all the exhibitors, traders and visitors to EXETER 2008 and look forward to seeing you at EXETER 2OO9.

Paul Doran, Chairman.

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Narrow Gauge & Industrial Modelling Review - Issue 75 Out Now!

The UKs Premier Narrow Gauge modelling magazine.
An illustrated journal of modelling and prototype information dedicated to all aspects of Narrow Gauge andamp; Industrial Railways.
Two or more scale drawings per issue, plus articles written by experts.
Intriguing and interesting N.G. from the UK, Europe and other parts of the world.
56 pages quarterly.
NOW IN FULL COLOUR.

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The Ashley Line

This is the September opening of a line that was designed with David Pratt's help and started in January. Gauge-3 G-Scale off the shelf equipment all in British Outline, now that GRS are offering a GWR 'starter set' at around £900. All buildings by British Outline Buildings and suitably weathered. The line was officially opened 6 months after starting work. Family and friends all enjoyed the day. Even the next door owner of a delightful 16mm railway spent hours operating the digitally controlled trains with the help of a crew of youngsters tempted away from their laptops for a while. Stage 2 involves another station from the B.O.B. range and their metre high windmill.

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GARDEN RAILWAYS FROM THE GROUND UP

This large format lively and informative 96 page book by a professional garden railway adviser and builder for many years, has stunning photographs, all in full colour, with sections on: - Welcome to our hobby - Building out of doors - Planning the railway - Getting started - Construction - Track - Control: electrics & electronics - Digital Command Control - Motive Power - Customising & developing character - Infrastructure detailing - Planting - the 21st century web and computers - Clubs & Societies - Public display railways - Spreading the word - Summer reading offer £15 inc p&p By DAVID PRATT THE PROFESSIONAL GARDEN RAILWAY BUILDER Consultant and builder for the Discovery Channel television series 'The Garden Railway' Now out on DVD from HS125 'DVD Garden Railways from the Ground Up' NEW from GRS Copies can be ordered from: Publisher Direct: (01983 875202)

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Welcome to the NEW First Class Trains Catalogue

As one of the very first customers to join Adrian Hall on the UK Modelshops website,
I am delighted that he has now designed this new, easier to locate and read catalogue page site for me.

Adrian's commitment and expertise have grown over the years and I must congratulate him on the sheer size and diversity of today's website.

Each heading is now instantly readable and any page can be clicked on to bring my printing and graphics into clear view.

If I have made any errors or omissions, I'm sure you will tell me and I will then get them modified quickly thanks to the new format.

Smoke and lights are my speciality and I hope that the new pages will show you how YOU can add more realism to your layout.

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I say in my leaflets that I was always interested in new challenges using Smoke and Lights.
This little story is true - I couldn't make it up :-

A lady called to ask if I was up for a challenge and explained that she made 'Exotic Leatherware' and that her pipe-smoking male model was due to celebrate his 93rd birthday.

Could I provide smoke units to fit into a smoking pipe mounted on a cod-piece!
Yes I could and I also enclosed flashing red led's and battery holders with clear instructions on how to fit it and wire it.

I am assured that the recipient wore it proudly all night.
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The moral of that story is that everything is possible and you never stop learning.
Check out my new catalogue for more ideas and inspiration.

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STOP PRESS : Limited Edition Spine Wagon and Telescopic Hood Steel Wagon from Dapol

Our limited edition telescopic wagon from Dapol is now delayed until December for release. The spine wagon should still be September.

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