Can I congratulate all the people involved in organising, stewarding, exhibiting and presenting there collective expertise at this magnificent event.
I especially enjoyed seeing the layouts in the flesh, that have graced this forum in the past, and attending as many of the informative a stimulating lectures as I could fit in during my one day's visit.
Very well done all of you.
Kind regards,
BrianT.
I'm a newcomer to 009 but when I noticed the convention was only a slight detour from our route home from holiday I thought it would be nice to call in.
My wife agreed so we had just over 4 hours there and we really enjoyed it.
There were some excellent layouts, nice people to talk to and lots to buy.
Its an excellent venue (had been to NMRA convention there), my wife enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine and chatted to people while I had a 2nd look round.
Well done and thank you to all involved in organising and staffing the event.
Cheers
Richard
Like Brian I'd also like to thank the organizers as well. Unfortunately due to work I was only able to get there on the Sunday and also only for a short while due to Jennie having a fall the night before so I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to, especially Julien and Andrew!
One request I would make, though, if it's ever done again or something similar done by another society, please, please, get somewhere that is wheelchair friendly, I regret to say that place wasn't. If I'd have been staying the night and brought Jennie with me we'd have been very disappointed, so perhaps work was a blessing in disguise.
Can the organizers please take that as a constructive comment, I have a good idea of the amount of work involved, not least trying to get somewhere suitable in the middle of the country, so that sometimes something slips through the net, so let's just say it's a point for the future for any other group who may want to do the same thing!
However i don't wish this post to become a downer on the whole Convention, so, once again, thanks to Brian and crew for all their hard work, what I saw was truly an inspiration! I'll have to try to bring one of my layouts along to bolster the Foreign contingent for the 50th!!
Another thank you to everyone who made the whole weekend a success even with the odd problem here and there.
Hobby, I heard from MrsW about the access issues which surprised me as this was where the Hotel served the breakfasts and (general) evening meals. As the hotel used it I suspect it had been of assumed by the convention team (I did) that the area concerned was accessible somehow, but perhaps nobody (convention side or more importantly from the Hotel) had tested this out. The lift between the main floors was a pain (small and slow) but then it was an option I did not have to use (and didn't if I'm honest). Sorry it took the shine off the day for both of you.
And I'm sorry I missed you both.
Yes I thought it was, hence my comment about being lucky not to have stayed. I don't want to make a meal out of it, but felt I had to say something so as we can all learn for the future. Unless you are stuck in a wheelchair or electric buggy or have to push one round it is easy to take the Venue's word for it and they do not always tell the truth. Best bet is to find someone who is in a position to comment and ask for their views beforehand...
As I said, I just wanted it noted as a learning point and not to overshadow what was a great weekend!
I hope you had a word with Tom and we can sort out the Group article next time we meet, I'll draft something up before then!
Blair
There were six of us in the party from Holland, Marcel and myself, and Jan van Mourik, and our wives Ada, Henriette and Elma, who all felt very welcome at the Convention.
The weekend passed in a daze and it was a pleasure to meet many people who I know from this forum and NGRM, but never met face to face.
The organisers must have had a huge task to get this all rolling, and despite a few glitches I think it all went rather well.
Accessibility was a true problem though - the hotel is a maze of levels, stairways and landings, and despite the small elevator giving access to all levels I think it is not a good place for anyone in a wheelchair. In that respect I agree with Blair.
There have been several photo albums published elsewhere, but I haven't yet seen any on the Society forum. Here is mine, still without captions (http://www.009dutch.nl/archive/2013/gallery50/index.htm).
The centrepiece of the exhibits to me was P.D.Hancock's Dundreich, brought over by Malcolm Macleod who made an excellent job of restoring it and making accessible very much of PDH's work.
(https://forum.009society.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.009dutch.nl%2Farchive%2F2013%2Fgallery50%2Fimages%2Fdun-IMG_4287.jpg&hash=b4e7fdef2b6ded51ef082350d4d684cf4012b22c)
I enjoyed myself immensely. The model railway aspects of the weekend cannot be faulted. Having never been to a 009 Society or other specialist group exhibition it might be imagined that after a few layouts one might wish for a change of gauge or scale, but none of it. There was such a variety and the relaxed atmosphere meant that there was time to take time to chat and revisit layouts several times and see different aspects on each occasion and even just wander round to soak it up.
My only regrets are that I had to leave before lunch on Sunday and that I did not manage to get to all the talks I would have liked to. (Well, so far. The credit card statement has yet to appear.)
The "goody bag" is much appreciated. A huge effort must have gone into cross-stitching all those locos!
Many thanks to all those who exhibited, presented, assisted, supported and otherwise manned the event and especially those who brought it together and to life.
Glad you enjoyed it Graeme, as I did myself. I was nothing to do with the organising team but am able to supplement your comment about the embroidered loco key fob in the goody bag. These were all done by Shirley Harper, who I am told made 300 of them before she ran out of steam - quite a mammoth task!
Mick
I think this says it all - our esteemed Moderator and Layout Coordinator at the Convention! ;D
(https://forum.009society.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.009dutch.nl%2Farchive%2F2013%2Fgallery50%2Fimages%2Fgwh-IMG_4512.jpg&hash=6336937ba52dd51d0b130f2c67d049391365d3fa)
Ted- I remember you taking that ;D
Anybody got the hammer and nails?
Rod
(Don't start getting all serious about that!)
Garry's only impersonating himself, Rod! ;)
As I remember it we were having some fun next to Dunreich and Garry spread his arms with a huge grin. I had the camera ready and said 'again', Garry'. That was how this photo resulted.
Quote from: rod335 on October 01, 2013, 16:03
Anybody got the hammer and nails?
Rod
(Don't start getting all serious about that!)
It's alright Rod, we won't get cross.... ;D
A great weekend! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, although I didn't seem to stop for much of it.
Fantastic selection of layouts, clinics and traders to lighten the wallet.
Everyone that I spoke to was extremely positive about the event, and there was a great relaxed atmosphere about the whole thing.
The main highlight for me was seeing Dundreich. Its great that a portion of the CMR has been preserved and is able to be operated to show off the stock that survives, and the replicas Rod has created.
I also thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Bissonette's talk on chassis design and construction.
Sadly I didn't get time to photograph the heritage collection, but I've made arrangements for this to happen at ExpoNG later this month before some of the collection heads off to Warley.
Steve and I were presented with over 2000 images of the event which we've sifted through rather rapidly to get down to a reasonable spread for a bumper issue of the News. It's headed off to the printers very soon so that members who couldn't make it should have a decent feeling for the event in the next issue of the News.
Fabulous weekend (although my wallet might beg to differ!). Congratulations and big thank you to all concerned for the organisation but especially Brian for driving the vision forward. Looking forward to next year's already!!!?
Certainly reinforced the Society's reputation for being friendly and sociable.
Martin
Great weekend, although I couldn't get Sunday due to work. Many familiar faces from the years on the exhibition circuit and several surprised that Avyn-A-Llyin is still going (3 shows booked for next year and 1 year after). Many thanks for the interest and kind comments made. Well done to the organisers.
I was hugely pleased and surprised to see Avyn-a-Llying still looking as fresh as when I last saw the layout at Shipley sometime around 1990 I think! My big regret is that I took a couple of quick overall snaps and moved quickly on to my first lap of the hotel; by the time I got back to the room you were in late Saturday afternoon, the layout and yourselves had gone! It happened to me with some of the layouts in the large room that were evicted to get ready for the dinner as well!
I'm very pleased to hear that the layout is still active and attending exhibitions. I look forward very much to catching up again at one of the planned future outings - if you will please be so good as to post where you are going to be. Many thanks and thanks for bringing the layout to the convention!
Mick
I remember Garry at the 25th (I think!) anniversary AGM saying that when the 'Fifteen' started The 009 Society they'd have been happy if it lasted 10 years! I agree Ted; the photo says it all!! A stupendous effort and 40 years is a magnificent achievement!
My very grateful thanks to the 'Fifteen' for their time, efforts and inspiration all those years ago.
I managed to get my video edited and uploaded here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC2Wi3R3OuQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC2Wi3R3OuQ)
The 14 minute programme contains a regrettably inadequate number of video clips made during the Convention, showing short views of the following layouts and dioramas, but not always running their own rolling stock! I wish I'd had more time to record everything, but alas...
Llandecwyn - Martin Collins
Batasia Loop (still) - Darjeeling Himalaya Railway Society, featuring Gert Jensen's models
Moorside - Richard Glover
Roestok - Ian Turner
Aldbourne - Adrian Ponting, includes a lot of shunting and a run of my steam railmotor
Ghylldale - John Varley
Tan-yr-Allt - Roger Christian & Stan Williams, showing Mick's cattle train hauled by my T&D loco
Dundreich - P.D.Hancock, restored by Malcolm Macleod
Corris - Rod Allcock, showing CMR 'Alistair'
Nixnie - Ted Polet, showing various foreign locos including Frank Allen's radio controlled RNAD diesel
I've just uploaded my photos to my Flikr account...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julien_webb/sets/72157636150229744/
Nice photos, Julien, including a number layouts and models I didn't catch on photo - the Pityme rack loco is one, and another the M67 plank-sided railcar by Jan van Mourik.
excellent video by Ted and pics by Julian. So nice to see all the things I missed whilst at the Sales Stand! It certainly was a great event
Peter Smith
Thanks to all for organising the Convention. First time I've been to something like this. It was great to see so many layouts I've seen posts about and read about 'in the flesh'. It was also great that all the exhibitors were so friendly and had time to chat and share info and advice - unlike some of the big shows.
Only disappointed I had to leave mid Saturday afternoon due to work and couldn't get to all the clinics I wanted.
All in all - fantastic.
New member here - who could not attend the convention. Congratulations to everybody involved on 40 wonderful years and an obviously wonderful 40th. I will try to be there next year (slightly fiddly as I'm always in places like Libya).
Just uploaded my photos from the Convention to Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16967289@N02/sets/72157636162090104
Thanks for posting the photos Tom.
Unfortunately I was not able to attend so the photos taken on the day by others are all that I will see of the event.
Brian Meldon
Thanks for sharing Tom - even more layouts and models that I didn't get to photograph myself! Between us all there is probably a complete record of the weekend, how should it all be put together? ;D
Mick
If someone is willing to do it, why not edit everyone's photos and put them on a special 'Roving Report' souvenir disc.
Just a thought,
Roger
We've had several options suggested to us on how to circulate as many images as possible. Currently exploring a couple of them.
We've just put the convention report for the News to bed - hope you all like it!
There's potential for more photos in the News over the next couple of months too as I'm sure we'll continue to get a drip feed of them in from members.
A belated thank you to the guys that organised this.
I think I learned more in the 5 clinics I attended than in the previous 15 years.
Excellent weekend !
Bob Berry
To Mick T, Avyn-A-Llyin will be at the model weekend at the Crich Tramway Village, Home of the National Tramway Museum on the 19th/20th October. Only confirmed this week. Over the last 2 years the scenery has been revamped a bit to make it look fresher and over the winter it'll have a new fiddle yard to help with operations as some of the newer locos couldn't get round the tight curves. Also at the East Anglian Model rail Exhibition at Huntingdon Race Course 8th/9th March 2014
Regards
Andy
As someone else who didn't make it to the convention thanks to Julien, Ted et al for all the pics of what I missed. I'm impressed that the word which keeps cropping up in the comments of those who did attend is 'friendly' and I am honoured to belong to be part of what is clearly such a warm and welcoming community.
Such a reputation is not easily earned but can be all too easily lost, so I hope we can all take care to maintain this enviable reputation in the future!
David.
Quote from: Crichworkshop2000 on October 04, 2013, 21:00
To Mick T, Avyn-A-Llyin will be at the model weekend at the Crich Tramway Village, Home of the National Tramway Museum on the 19th/20th October. Only confirmed this week. Over the last 2 years the scenery has been revamped a bit to make it look fresher and over the winter it'll have a new fiddle yard to help with operations as some of the newer locos couldn't get round the tight curves. Also at the East Anglian Model rail Exhibition at Huntingdon Race Course 8th/9th March 2014
Regards
Andy
Thanks Andy. I don't think I'll be able to get to Crich due to it being a heavy exhibition month but will certainly make a diary entry to try for Huntingdon in March
Mick
Quote from: JulienW on October 03, 2013, 15:12
I've just uploaded my photos to my Flikr account...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julien_webb/sets/72157636150229744/
Quote from: cornelius on October 05, 2013, 00:11
I've also found a moment to upload the photos I took during the weekend to Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairlightworks/sets/72157636195124255/
Quote from: invercloy on October 03, 2013, 22:32
Just uploaded my photos from the Convention to Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16967289@N02/sets/72157636162090104
Julien, Steve, Tom - would you mind me borrowing a few of your photos for the Dutch Group website? Duly recognised, of course.
No problem at all, Ted. If you want any emailing let me know.
Did I miss the result of the Minitrains competition? I was a bit disappointed with the limited amount of submissions, but I guess others were like me, really lack of time.
Have there been any pictures of the Minitrains entries - or is this restricted for Andreas to use?
I will add them to my flick page when I'm back from Devon. As soon as I've done that I'll post them here. I didn't get all of them, only the ones that were in the case on Saturday night so think I'm missing 2 or 3 of them.
At last the job is done and I have just finished uploading a massive photo report (300+ photo) in 4 instalments via my blogsite at:
http://micksrovingreporter.blogspot.com/
I've done a bit of a rush job on the captions in order to get it online without further delay and am currently wading through a number of typos I've found already, so these will be found and corrected in due course. I any of you find any description horrors, howlers or inaccuracies then I will appreciate if you can please let me know - and if would help if you could identify where the error is with something like - PART 2 (etc) PHOTO 123 (etc).
I will also be putting a notice up on NGRM-Online shortly.
I hope that you feel that I have managed to give a reasonably comprehensive coverage of at least most of what was there over the weekend.
Well done Mick, excellent photo coverage as always,
After a marathon envelope stuffing session this evening, the 009 News Convention Report Special 32 page issue ( Vol 41 no.2 November 2013 ) will be in the post by Thursday. UK based members should have it delivered by Saturday 19 October. Overseas members will of course have to wait a little longer.
Garry
Well done to all in the Stuffing Team. I will double the guard and get the approach path cleared of brambles for possible safe arrival of Post Person Patricia on Saturday morning. Let's hope Mail Inc (previously by Royal Appointment) or whatever they are going to call themselves don't start their protest strike before the issue has arrived in everyone's letterboxes.
Mick
Quote from: MickT on October 16, 2013, 23:59
Well done to all in the Stuffing Team. ...
Hear, hear! I think Garry (or was it Roger?) once showed me photos of such a session. Piles upon piles of magazines and envelopes.
An excellent photo report, Mick, very thorough! :)
The Dundreich set is particularly good.
Well done Mick - excellent coverage - didn't realise what I had missed despite being there all three days! Also congrats to "New" team. Only glanced through it so far, but looking forward to reading bumper issue.
Martin
To echo Mick -
An excellent 009 News, both in production and stuffing terms! Many thanks all!
David.
The latest issue is a fitting rounding off for the Convention and not to forget the other articles. I was particularly taken by the "wasp". Definitely a bumper issue.
I even notice that I (or at least the back of my head) made it into the photos! My only regret on reading News and viewing Mick's Roving Report web pages is not getting to more of the seminars and workshops and having to leave before lunch on Sunday. Oh and if the Members Sales was open on Friday evening, not visiting it then so giving extra viewing time on Saturday.
You didn't miss anything Friday evening Graeme, as the sales room was full of wedding reception disco when we unloaded the van ready to set up! Everything had to be put in a locked room for the night and a team of totally unconscripted volunteers emerged out of the morning mist at 0700 Saturday and had everything set up and ready to roll by 0800! The place was busily taking cash and plastic by 0815 Saturday - another big well done to all those who were paddling away just below the waterline whilst there was (mostly) placid serenity up on the surface!
Mick
Fellow Forum Readers,
Having now returned to the Antipodes I heartily thank the Kegworth organisers for putting on a terrific Convention. John White and I built our Narrow Gauge Grand Tour of North Wales around the weekend - and we were not disappointed. Former acquaintances were renewed, new friends made, and so many excellent layouts almost to overdose! The clinics were great, both informal and informative. Accommodation was adequate for the weekend, the tucker outstanding. Even the un-cooled Pommie beer was palatable!
A big thank you to Brian G for bringing it all together. To Mick T for allowing the Humphreys Watts Antipodean Railcar to accompany his inspection of layouts. To the keepers of PD Hancock's C and M for permitting aforesaid Railcar access to Dundreich. An honour.
When to do it all again? A wait of ten years is, from a personal viewpoint is too long. I will be a smidgin under 80 years old by then and likely too old for extended air travel. A Convention in five years? manageable, as long as the venue has disabled parking bays..
To those who missed out and have seen the Convention only in photographs, note that this is how we keep in touch with exhibitions and the like at 12,000miles distant. Its our only access for inspiration and comparison of our own efforts. For this reason I am looking forward to the next 009 News with the Convention coverage.
Once again, very many thanks for a great weekend to all
John Watts Member No 5540
and John White 7mm Association Member
Hello John & John,
It was great to meet you both at Kegworth and for my railcar driver to pilot yours in a mini-tour of the "invited layouts room" including the track pass we managed at Dundreich! There are photos of the great occasion including the railcars at Dundreich in my blogsite report of the weekend. (http://micksrovingreporter.blogspot.com/ )
Perhaps the next convention should be held in Perth? (but I don't think the Society could afford to subsidise the members steamer trip to get there!..................). I hope your 009 News arrives before long. Mother country members got there's end of last week, Colonies take a while longer obviously, that's the penance you have to pay for buying that
John and John
Greetings from Craigshire.
Lord Craig has just returned from a week of salmon fishing on the River Tay in Perthshire and is delighted to learn you have safely returned to the Antipodes and sends his best wishes to you both.
Malcolm
PS to Lord Craig
Craig Castle
Craig
Craigshire
Two things I wanted to reply to:
Quote from: MickT on October 21, 2013, 21:21
You didn't miss anything Friday evening
Not missed anything? Friday evening was a surprise talk by Andreas Sch