NME&MEX Doncaster

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I had a good day at the Doncaster show. A few people grumbled at the lack of big machinery on sale. I don't think even the traders could complain about attendance though, this was one of the busiest show days Ive seen:

I will save my tooling photos for MEW, and the SMEE/ME competition entries will feature in ME, so here are some general pictures.

Firsty, one especially for microscopy fan Michael G.! I also enjoyed reading old articles about Lawrence Sparey's 'Research Microscope' so it was nice to see it for real on the SMEE stand, recognition helped by the wooden base!

This large-scale Showman's Engine was stunning:

This huge model of a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile and its launcher gained a lot of attention:

The Guild of Model Wheelwrights showed some lovely work:

I also liked this wall mounted engine of 1870 by Charles Tidy on the SMEE stand (also Bill Bannister's control liners and tether cars, I'm hoping he will write up his approach to die casting):

There were several unconventional cars including a Back to the Future DeLorean and this freelance 'jet car' whith surprisingly realsitic smoke!

Naturally, this just scratches the surface and the range and quality of models was really good, with some very lovely locos but probably a majority of other modellling and model engineering subjects on offer.

Finally, Derek Brown was doing a sterling job demonstrating the grinding of four-facet drills (to a tremendously high standard) on his Quorn:

Edited By Neil Wyatt on 10/05/2019 20:03:28

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I’ve just got back from the show.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks for the picture of Sparey's microscope, Neil

MichaelG.

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

I enjoyed the show today, I got caught out by not having any cash on me and had to be chaperoned to the cash machines that are all inside, ticket sales were all cash only.

Mike

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

Very good day. As Neil says no big machine suppliers, well Chester were there but could have fitted their stand in back of a car. Lots of second hand tool sellers (I think more than were there last year). Spent first 2.5hrs just going round these stands. Picked up some R8 tooling for new Gates mill, some tips for various cutters, odd castings and gears required for a Sanderson Beam engine and few other odd bits.

The models were fantastic to look at but as far as I am concerned the standout models are Mike Sayers two Bentley engines, one of which has now started to grow woodwork to a similar standard as the metal work.

Had a chat to John Clarke on the SMEE stand about his Framework Knitting machine which featured in Model Engineer (No.4606 & 8). Very clever how it all worked and considering it was a copy of 1760 machine all the more amazing.

Neil had some nice astronomy photos next to his telescope.

Finished of the day carrying a board with around 60 off 5C collets all the way back to the car park for my mate Tom.

Colin

[Andrew EvansParticipant @andrewevans67134]

I enjoyed it today. It is very noticeable compared to a few years ago that there is a lack of traders with new machines on display. Chester had a small stand but no larger machines. No Warco, Amadeal, Axminster or Arceurotrade. I think the only lathe for sale was a repainted Myford. Nothing relating to 3D printing or CNC. If you want to by machine tools these days it seems like the only option is online.

Some of the models are amazing – my favourite was the 1/3 scale supercharged Bentley engine and gearbox.

[Andrew EvansParticipant @andrewevans67134]

Beat me to it Colin

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

Just think how much more the likes of Warco/Arc/Amadeal etc would have to charge for the machines if they went to a few exhibitions. It costs big money to haul the stuff around and pay for space plus staff. They all seem to have open days and anyone serious about buying should make the journey.

[Ian WelfordParticipant @ianwelford58739]

excellent day, some bargains were requisitioned. Tomorrow a more detailed look round and photos is called for.

Great finish to the day was meeting up with Noel and being able to say thanks for his entertaining articles.

My thanks to Tracy tools for helping find out what thread the proxxon burner assembly is , confirmed as M4 x 0.5 metric fine , which is more than Proxxon s help line could tell me. If you ever want spares for stuff don’t buy proxxon! Shame as it’s good quality stuff .

Warning some traders only took cash as their credit card machines struggled for signal in the hall !

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I went today, really excellent club stands with lots of interesting models/tools/clocks. I even bumped into Neil, hope I didn't spoil his day. According to the guy on the Chester stand there is no fork lift available so the only way to get machines in is to handball them. Some of the models make me think I should take up crochet, as I will never reach that standard, but ten on the next stand there are a load of models in my league. Best part of the exhibition!

All topped off with a very enjoyable train journey across the peak district, we didn't make the mistake of catching a class 142 (dink-donk), and it has now stopped raining for the first time in several days.

[AdrianRParticipant @adrianr18614]

Yesterday was my first time at Doncaster. I was impressed by both the turnout and the number of trade stands, but I was disappointed that only Chester turned up. I am just glad I decided to buy second hand. When I retired I had planned go to Doncaster and buy new.

Shame I missed the Bentley engine, I am sure I looked every where.

[magpieParticipant @magpie]

I will be going on Sunday, but looking at the comments about the trade stands, it looks like my shopping list will not be fulfilled.

[Michael BriggsParticipant @michaelbriggs82422]

I would have gone to the show had Warco been present to look at buying a new lathe. In the past it has been useful to compare offerings from different suppliers in one place. Looks like those days have gone, I realise the cost in bringing heavy machines to an exhibition but I would not buy a new lathe without seeing one first. For me a round trip to Warco is 500 miles.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

My advice for Doncaster newbies:

Always go to the corners of the exhibition hall! It's easy to miss stands there.

Food is upstairs but so are Model Wheelwrights, OO Gauge Steam, R/C flying, Stirling Engines. No GTBA this year?

Bring a stout carrier or shopping bag. Most of the stuff you buy will be too large for a pocket, to small to ask if it can be put aside until te end of the day!

Yes I shoudl have given John Clarke's knitter a mention, but I was goin on about the SMEE so musch when there were lots of really good club stands – I am back on Sunday and there are a few I still haven't fully investigated.

I am not sure if Duncan was pleased or not to be told he looks just like his avatar…

Neil

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Did I go to the same show as you lot? RDG were there with a brand new 'Myford' Super 7 on display, with a price tag of £2495 (+VAT). Not that I'd be interested; not at that price. So it can be done.

I enjoyed having a jostle around the various stalls and picked up what I consider to be some useful bargains – 2 rotary broaches, for example, £3! A box of CCGT inserts from JB Cutting Tools, at a discount for 10 and a couple of Indian stones for £6.

I must admit that I'm not into steam engines of any sort, though I can appreciate the skill and ingenuity, not to mention the hours that people have invested in their models. I agree that the rotary Bentley engine and the scale 3-litre straight-four were spectacular, though I saw no sign of a blower on it.

Perhaps it might be possible to have demonstrations of the large scale aircraft in flight at some point. There's no shortage of airspace outside, even if it is restricted by its proximity to Doncaster-Sheffield airport.

All-in-all a pleasant experience and one that I will be repeating next year.

John

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

I was told that ten traders were not there. Pity, because they input the money that keeps out ticket prices down.

Met a few friends, from various parts of the modelling world.

Lots superb models, as always.

Some bloke was displaying a telescope, involving 3D printing and Anodising! Wonder who he was? Nice work.

No shopping list, but made the usual impulse buy. There is at least one at every show! But this one should be really useful, almost at once, instead of the "That might come in handy one day". type.

Howard

[peak4Participant @peak4]

A good day out, but failed to visit mDRO and Eccentric Engineering to spend some dosh with them, so ended up with all sorts of other bits and bobs, including a 6" rotary table.

Rotary table BNIB (still fully sealed in a poly bag), but with a part of the handle missing, so a suitably large discount. Bought to convert and add to a Divisionmaster controller I bought from John Moore (Bogstandard) in his workshop clearance; just need to source a suitable stepper motor now.

Annoyingly came away without picking up a couple of items I'd viewed on stalls whilst wandering round as I got distracted talking to folks about home made spot welders.

All followed up with a late afternoon/early evening visit to Potteric Carr to watch the birdies.

Bill

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

Due to a slipped disc I wont be able to visit the show this year, so I'm very grateful to Neil and all those who posted images and descriptions of the exhibition. Please let me know what models won honours especially best in show.

I'm sad that larger suppliers cannot attend shows , I agree with the member who said it's good to compare like for like in one venue.

But I do understand why they are reluctant to spend money travelling to far flung shows and the costs involved in both time and staff.

Thanks again, mick

[JC54Participant @jc54]

Managed to get to Doncaster again this year, a really enjoyable day with too much to look at properly in one day. Sadly no gas turbines to destroy the eardrums this year. I thought that this year there were more models showing that "used just off the farm/factory" look than last year. I for one prefer that look rather than polished within an inch of it's life look. But each to their own. Again the Bentley Blower was my personal best in show… A great day had by all but where's my bed?

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

Visited yesterday for the first time. Very enjoyable. As others have said it was very disappointing to see that Warco, Arceuro, Axminster etc didn't show up. I was looking to buy a lathe and wanted to compare. Their loss I suppose because Chester got my money in the end. Spent a good couple of hours looking around the trade stalls first, managed to bag a few bargains! Then looked at all the amazing models. The Bentley was definitely best in show for me, the detail was just superb. I took lots of photos so if anyone want to see let me know and I'll try to upload a few.

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

I went yesterday, excellent show I thought.

Here's Mike's Bentley, worth going even if that was the only exhibit on show.

This chap had come all the way from Australia to exhibit a model Saunderson tractor.

He is taking the Duke of Edinborough award back with him as well.

Does anyone know if there is any truth in the rumour that the show will be be going back to Harrogate at some point ?

Phil

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

I hope not, it's so much nearer to me at Donny and in my opinion a much better venue all round.

I didnt get chance to exhibit this year but if it does go back to harrogate I wont be able to exhibit again as travelling that far to set up is not an option.

Mick

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

Shudder to think about the Australian guys travel bill, did he have to pay for a seat for his miniature driver. Come on who does it look like, a young Terry wogan lol

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

He told us it has cost him Aus $11000 to do the round trip and have the model air freighted over with insurance etc.

Phil

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

My first trip to Donny, on Friday and thought it was a very good xbn. Well worth long road flog from Sunny Sussex. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Some excellent models,tools, clocks.

John

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