Midlands model engineering show

[martin perman 1Participant @martinperman1]

I spent a few happy hours wandering around the show today picking up goodies for my workshop, trailer and reading matter, there were a lot of bods wandering about and it was busy.I had a good chat with a gas turbine builder, that fascinates me immensely and have often wondered about playing with a Turbo charger, anyway it was worth the drive.

Martin P

[martin perman 1Participant @martinperman1]

[jimmy bParticipant @jimmyb]

It was on the telly!

Central West Midlands local news

Jim

[ChrisHParticipant @chrish]

Went yesterday, opening day, couldn't believe the number of people there 30 mins after opening time, took nearly 20 mins to do the last 400 yards. No IC engines on view that I saw, but the trade counters were very busy and they were worth the trip on their own. Enjoyed it. Got what I came for, saw what I came to look at. And had a good lunch there too!

Chris

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

I went yesterday. The queue at 10 was not very big but by about 11 it felt as though several long trains had passed through and deposited all their passengers at the show, it was really crowded.

Bought stock I want and only I item of tooling. The item I liked the most was the Anzani 'Y' type engine on Wolverhampton MES stand. I am trying to build one (over next decade or two) and got a few pictures to help.

Colin

[martin perman 1Participant @martinperman1]

Posted by ChrisH on 20/10/2017 20:51:27:

Went yesterday, opening day, couldn't believe the number of people there 30 mins after opening time, took nearly 20 mins to do the last 400 yards. No IC engines on view that I saw, but the trade counters were very busy and they were worth the trip on their own. Enjoyed it. Got what I came for, saw what I came to look at. And had a good lunch there too!

Chris

There were several IC engines on Club stands. An Amanco open crank caught my eye at 1/4 scale.

[ChrisHParticipant @chrish]

Correction, I meant to say not many IC engines on display, (compared to say the Bristol show). I saw (drooled over!) the Anzani engine and a Bentley rotary engine, but there was not a lot more IC, compared to the number of steam chuff chuffs. The traction engines in steam outside were lovely too. The SBA launch complete with boiler and steam engine was a delight, beautiful installation. One can but dream!

Interestingly, it was less crowded early afternoon – I left just after 3pm – than in the morning. That helped getting to see what was on the stands!!

Chris

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

I (well, we) went yesterday. A very good day out.

Met up with a Raglan owner for a chat and introduced myself to forum member Gary Wooding (we are both Centec users), who presented a very interesting talk about properties of precious metals. Interesting to me as there were a couple of surprises. I used to work recovering precious metals back about 30 years ago.

Purchased a few second hand bits – tooling and cutters mainly – and got thoroughly tired out but it was very enjoyable. Can now look forward to the 2018 show.

[OldironParticipant @oldiron]

Very nice day out at the show yesterday. Bought a few bits& pieces but didn't need much. Had pre booked tickets so walked straight past the queue.

[Mark Gould 1Participant @markgould1]

I also went, with my Dad. Thouroughly enjoyed it and bought some nice set of Dormer drills from Greenwood. Also rummaged a lot and scored some other goodies

The models on display were outstanding.

[IRTParticipant @irt]

This is the first year I have not managed to get there for a while.

Was the chap there demonstrating the home foundry casting this year? I think his name is Noel Shelley.

[Old SchoolParticipant @oldschool]

I went yesterday it was fairly busy bought a few files and a rule I could see. I didn't see many competition entries a few on tables and some on club stands. It was pretty much locomotives and their seemed to be less club stands. Not a bad day out pre booked tickets worked well.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Not too bad but it was noticeable that there were several empty spaces so it may be going the same way as the London shows for lack of trade support. Apparently one regular club didn't go because the usual contact decided he didn't want to but didn't pass over the details to his fellow members to take over.

Most interesting because it was new (to me) was the music box stand but sadly I only just realised that while I spent more time talking to them that anywhere else I didn't take a single photo. Hope they are back next time I go.

[IanTParticipant @iant]

I was there yesterday too – spent a few bob (my 'bargains' did seem to mount up!) but I don't know the real damage just yet as I took the wife up with me – and she'd arranged to meet a friend and go out shopping locally and have lunch whilst I was in the show.

So it could have been quite an expensive day…

IanT

[Old SchoolParticipant @oldschool]

My lad had an interesting experience went with £2000 in his pocket to buy a lathe just wanted to see it before he purchased it liked what he saw. The sales staff were not interested in him would rather speak to the old boys. He came home with nearly all the money, bought two files and a junior hacksaw and some blades.

[Ian HewsonParticipant @ianhewson99641]

Had a similar experience with Wxxxx, visited several times after being told only the M.D. could advise me on Dro’s, gave up and then purchased elsewhere.

I am an old boy of 73, but many older looking just wanted to chat and monopolise

Edited By Ian Hewson on 22/10/2017 23:03:23

[Ian Skeldon 2Participant @ianskeldon2]

Haha maybe they are like that with everybody named Ian, I had the same experience last year and went across and ordered the same lathe in a different colour with Chester. Had no problems with it at all but don't know where to go if I decide to upgrade to a bigger and better lathe in the future as the sieg's don't seem any bigger or better than the one I have now!

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

One interesting snippet I did pick up. Chatting to the bloke on the Myford who told me they had sold a new one to a 91 year old last week.

I have to say "good for him'.

regards Martin

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Martin Kyte on 23/10/2017 09:59:48:

… Chatting to the bloke on the Myford who told me they had sold a new one to a 91 year old last week.

.

He's probably been saving-up for one since August 1946

MichaelG.

[David Standing 1Participant @davidstanding1]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 23/10/2017 10:07:01:

Posted by Martin Kyte on 23/10/2017 09:59:48:

… Chatting to the bloke on the Myford who told me they had sold a new one to a 91 year old last week.

.

He's probably been saving-up for one since August 1946

MichaelG.

Wasn't that about the time they made the last true 'new' one?

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

It was moree a post regarding 'living optimistically' than about Myfords.

As I said good for him.

Martin

[David Standing 1Participant @davidstanding1]

Posted by Martin Kyte on 23/10/2017 10:53:21:

It was moree a post regarding 'living optimistically' than about Myfords.

As I said good for him.

Martin

Good for him indeed.

I believe Michael got the intent, as indeed did I, we just added a little jesting, nothing else

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Fair comment David. It always pleases me to hear things like that,

There was a whole range of items at a Midlands show a few years back which were exhibited by the the recently deceased engineers wife (engines, spinning wheels he had made for her and a part built clock. The clock made me smile as it represented a man who was not afraid to start new projects. Maybe we all have to be a little optomistic to do the things we do.

Incidentally does anyone know what happened to the old boy who used to bring the Deltic engine to shows? We used to enjoy looking forwards to chatting with him. I never knew his name but I was in no doubt of his politics! and if anyone ever mentioned Beeching, well . . .

regards Martin

[Rik ShawParticipant @rikshaw]

Wife and I visited first day and intended going Friday as well but things intervened. First time I have ever had any of my stuff exhibited – on the Northampton stand which I am reliably informed won first prize for best club stand. Congratulations chaps!

We always enjoy attending the show and this one was no exception with plenty to see and buy Wifes favourite was the music box stand where at one point one of their blokes gave a talented rendition on a squeeze box for which he was heartily applauded.

My favourite was the Northampton NSME stand – not biased then?

Rik

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

I was with a friend who was given adequate attention on the Chester stand discussing a DRO for his existing mill and possible upgrade to a 626. Then also getting into conversation on both the stands selling DROs. Maybe you have to exude the right vibes about looking like a real potential customer.

Rik, I saw your name tag on the exhibits. Quite nice to be able to think 'I (sort of) know him." Quite envious of the Northampton club facilities.

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