Scale ModelWorld 2022

[Aeronut22]

Is the RAF Museum's conservation centre open on the week after SMW as in other years? I can't find anything mentioned on their website.

I am not alone in making the SMW weekend a long one with a visit to Cosford on the Monday judging by the number of folk I meet there who have also done SMW.

[Doccur]

Going to be attending for the first time, squeezed in a bit of overtime recently so I can healthily line my pockets for what no doubt will be an expensive weekend!

[Terry1954]

15 minutes ago, Doccur said:

Going to be attending for the first time, squeezed in a bit of overtime recently so I can healthily line my pockets for what no doubt will be an expensive weekend!

 

Always an expensive weekend for me, but then that's part of the fun!

 

Terry

[RAF4EVER]

On 17/10/2022 at 20:11, Aeronut22 said:

Is the RAF Museum's conservation centre open on the week after SMW as in other years? I can't find anything mentioned on their website.

I am not alone in making the SMW weekend a long one with a visit to Cosford on the Monday judging by the number of folk I meet there who have also done SMW.

Taken from UK Airshow Review:

The Open Week is not being held this year because my staff are involved in a major exhibition, which is happening at both our London and Midlands sites. Apart from my team possibly not being on-site, the Centre is being used as a point for stripping, storing and rebuilding of the aircraft involved, therefore having no space to be able to safely host the Open Week this year. Also, having to down tools for two weeks (that's what it takes to run an Open Week including prep and recovery), this would have a serious impact on the timings for our moves to be completed.
 

[Doccur]

1 hour ago, Terry1954 said:

 

Always an expensive weekend for me, but then that's part of the fun!

 

Terry

Very true, question for you Terry and anyone else:

 

for a newcomer, is there anything I should be aware of. Anything not to miss out on etc? 
 

Ash

[alt-92]

10 hours ago, Doccur said:

is there anything I should be aware of.

Use proper footwear. Lots of standing around and walking, so a good set of boots/walking shoes helps prevent sore feet.

[Terry1954]

Good advice from @alt-92.

 

Depending on how long you are there ( one or both days), make a plan of must sees from the floor plans when published. That is of more relevance if you are only there for one day!

 

But above all, soak it all in and enjoy!

 

Terry

[Ngantek]

I was at MK modelkraft this year; how does it compare (in size and just general focus) to something like that?

[Graham Boak]

Never been to MK  (Milton Keynes?) but Telford is on a different scale and magnitude to local shows.

[bentwaters81tfw]

SMW is at least 3 times the size of MK. Think of 3 T2 aircraft hangars.

[Tim R-T-C]

22 hours ago, Doccur said:

Very true, question for you Terry and anyone else:

 

for a newcomer, is there anything I should be aware of. Anything not to miss out on etc? 
 

Ash

 

Do make sure to spend time looking at the display tables - its easy to get very distracted by the trade stands and realise you missed something - I always do.

 

If you see something interesting on the display tables, please do ask - odds are that the creator is either there or very near by.

 

Its a great way to get info on the models of techniques used and its a real boost for those of us who display when someone takes interest in our models 😊

[Mr T]

On 10/18/2022 at 11:02 PM, Doccur said:

 

 

for a newcomer, is there anything I should be aware of. Anything not to miss out on etc? 
 

Ash

I would agree with the comments above and in addition, 

On Saturday morning, it can be chilly. Wearing layers is a good idea. The Halls all have concrete floors which are cold. 

If you are not an IPMS member, make sure you have pre booked your ticket. They were very strict about this last year. 

In my experience be prepared to be disappointed about the catering. The tea and coffee are just  about drinkable. 

I take a shopping list if there is a thing in particular you want. Pre-orders to pick up can be useful. Sometimes you get discounts (eg Hannants give10%, every little helps)

Pace yourself and enjoy the day. There is plenty to see, and always some  hidden gems. 

[binbrook87]

My method for Telford...

 

I tackle the trade stalls first which usually takes up most of the morning. And if I see anything I fancy I BUY IT...as chances are it won't be there later (especially on the 2nd hand stuff). If you don't immediately buy then make a note on your phone or wherever of where the item was for sale, as I've spent hours wandering around later on in the day trying to remember where a particular kit was for sale!

 

Then after lunch I do the club tables and take a few photos (this can take several hours if you take your time). 

 

Then I'll have a final leisurely mooch around the stalls again in the late afternoon.. this time in a more relaxed and enjoyable manor.

 

Without teaching anybody to 'suck eggs'...I recommend to take regular breaks for food and drink as you can get a bit 'kit blind' scanning boxes and boxes and boxes all day long! 

 

The halls can be cold ...but also warm especially later in the day so as advised above take some layers....and comfy footwear!

 

And finally....just enjoy! 😁👍

[Aeronut22]

As we are giving advice out, remember that on Sunday at 11:00 everyone stops for the Two minute silence. Although, I remember one year when one chap talked constantly throughout the two minutes. I can only imagine the gestures being made by the person he was talking to and the glares of those stood around them.

[speedy]

10 hours ago, binbrook87 said:

My method for Telford...

 

I tackle the trade stalls first which usually takes up most of the morning. And if I see anything I fancy I BUY IT...as chances are it won't be there later (especially on the 2nd hand stuff). If you don't immediately buy then make a note on your phone or wherever of where the item was for sale, as I've spent hours wandering around later on in the day trying to remember where a particular kit was for sale!

 

Then after lunch I do the club tables and take a few photos (this can take several hours if you take your time). 

 

Then I'll have a final leisurely mooch around the stalls again in the late afternoon.. this time in a more relaxed and enjoyable manor.

 

Without teaching anybody to 'suck eggs'...I recommend to take regular breaks for food and drink as you can get a bit 'kit blind' scanning boxes and boxes and boxes all day long! 

 

The halls can be cold ...but also warm especially later in the day so as advised above take some layers....and comfy footwear!

 

And finally....just enjoy! 😁👍

Exactly the same. Lessons learned on the catering and trying to get somewhere to sit for 10 mins. So I now take sandwiches and a flask and sit in those chairs close to the entrance and take the weight off. Then back into the ring🤼‍♂️.  Not teaching anyone to suck eggs but I get in the car and rest before my 3 hour drive home. It’s a dark drive and usually wet!.

[neilh]

Good advice from Binbrook87 and Speedy.  One thing to add. I know not everyone will want to join IPMS and will prefer to attend as a punter, but as a member, you get a table or two to sit behind and take the weight off a bit, especially for a 2 day visit. You don't have to cart your stuff around with you, you can stash your own food and drinks, and any layers you needed in the morning can be left behind with your mates on the stand as you take it in turns to spend your cash.  "Team" Biscuits and cakes are always a bonus.  A bunch of us from Avon regularly attend for the whole weekend and I think that social aspect has become as much a part of the show as the show itself.  IPMS Avon are celebrating 40 years of our clubs existence this year, so please stop by and see our celebration display.

[Gordon J]

I agree with Binbrook and Speedy above. I do the traders first and absolutely yes, you must buy that model when you see it because I too have wandered the halls later in the day wondering where I saw that kit only to never locate it. Most times I've went down I have a shopping list and usually a pre-order to collect from Hannants.

 

I should add that the traders can be a bear pit early on the Saturday morning!

 

I never attempt to buy any food - I just take a sandwich - and I use something called a multi mat and just sit on the floor because I learned very quickly the first year I went to Telford that getting a chair at lunchtime was nigh on impossible.

 

With the amount of traders there I have to admit I mostly never see the club stands but instead usually just head to the competition area.

 

You have to accept with Telford that you ain't going to see everything and there are years when after the event I've seen photo reports or videos on YouTube where models are featured that I just never saw I am left wondering if I was actually at the right show. I'll be sitting scratching my head thinking 'there aren't two Scale ModelWorlds are there?' 🤔

[Whofan]

1 hour ago, Gordon J said:

You have to accept with Telford that you ain't going to see everything and there are years when after the event I've seen photo reports or videos on YouTube where models are featured that I just never saw I am left wondering if I was actually at the right show. I'll be sitting scratching my head thinking 'there aren't two Scale ModelWorlds are there?' 

Gordon,

 

You have taken the words out of my mouth!

 

I try to stick to a routine of 90 minutes at traders and club tables, half hour sit down with a coffee and snack. That way my knees, feet, hips, and any other achy part (usually my wallet) get a regular rest, on both days.

 

But the one thing that you've nailed is the existence of models I never saw!

 

Every Telford the same happens to me. 

[Ptmvarsityfan]

I usually print off the floor plans when they become available on the IPMS UK website and mark off all I want to see.

Cheers, Paul

[iainpeden]

I'd recommend parking in the cherry pink multi storey car park off Grange Central.

[TonyOD]

I'm thinking of coming along this year. First time in, ooh, 12 years or so?

[IanF]

On 10/21/2022 at 12:23 PM, iainpeden said:

I'd recommend parking in the cherry pink multi storey car park off Grange Central.

I second that, it’s literally a hop, skip and a jump to the centre from there! 

[treker_ed]

We've usually parked in the Asda car park, but apparently they changed their rules last year. We now park in the car park next to Asda, towards the TIC. Due to how busy it is on the Saturday, and not liking large, busy crowds (yes I know it's busy Sunday, but nowhere near as busy or packed as it would be on the Saturday) I go along for the Sunday. It's £1 all day parking! Then it's a short 5 minute walk from the car park to the TIC. 

[bazzacourt]

I have wanted to attend this show for the last 6 years. Unfortunately due to one thing or another I have missed it. However, this year I have a ticket for the Sunday and I'm really looking forward to going. Can't wait. Looking forward to seeing all the displays, especially the aircraft which I'm a fan of building. Also can't wait to get around the trade stands (a few bits I'm looking to pick up.......) Happy modelling everyone. See you there.

[KrisW77]

This will be my first time going to Telford and very much looking forward to it. Booked a hotel for the night as I don't fancy the long drive back.

Edited October 22, 2022 by KrisW77