What’s the future for model railway exhibitions?

The traditional model railway exhibition season is very much up on us. indeed, as I write this one wet afternoon in the beginning of September our local lock down has just ended or is about too, no one really knows. However, I should be starting my preparations for what would have been the first of many model railway exhibitions on our calendar this year. Liverpool 2020. Alas it’s not meant to be, and this is the same for many clubs, layout owners and fellow traders up and down the country.

So, with the Covid19 situation, and exhibitions dropping left right and centre, it’s time to start asking:

What’s the future for model railway exhibitions?

Now without wanting to cause uproar, it’s time to look at some basic facts that may help provide some idea as to where we go, moving forwards.

Firstly, Covid19 is not going to go away overnight, we are going to have it with us for a good few years yet, the impact that this has on clubs and exhibitions has already started to become obvious. My own club hasn’t been able to meet since the beginning of lock down, we rent a scout hut on a Wednesday night so until the Scouts are happy for us to return, we cannot meet. Additionally, the average age of club members is in the retirement zone, therefore in the more “at risk” category. This I’m sure is a similar story across the country.

For exhibitions again, in general the visitors are in this “retired” group, although of course there are a good number of younger visitors in let’s say the working family group.

Now if a club wanted to put on an exhibition, this winter, they would have to obey the not very clear guidance from the government. This would include putting in place suitable hand sanitizers, ensuring that all visitor’s, members, traders and layout operators wear face coverings, as well as trying to enforce some attempt of social distancing. in addition to this they would also have to find a suitable location for said exhibition. Most of which are held in school halls, gyms, and local church venues, most of which will not currently be wanting to let “outside” visitors into the building given the heavy detox both before and after the event. Additionally, some system of track and trace must also be put into place.

When you look at this you come to realise that holding an exhibition for the vast majority of small clubs is just not worth the effort and cost. Even more so when you then factor in how does the club and traders take entry fees and payment for products? is every club and trader going to want to invest in a card machine? probably not (I have a card machine so its fine for me).

Additionally, as the nail in the coffin, will the traders, layout owners and public even want to come to the show, given the potential risks involved?

So, will it only be the big clubs and magazine/big company sponsored shows that go ahead? who knows, but either way they still need to consider all of the above details. In my view I personally think that anyone who is thinking about putting a show on in the next 12 months is a bit of a fool. The risks both financial and health wise to do so are to me at least understandable to any person with at least half a brain cell. Yet it appears that Hornby Magazine have decided to book Manchester’s Event City for next March! Bonkers! As its not only a crazy thing to do but also encroaches on a number of local model railway exhibitions that are usually held that weekend, whether or not the clubs are holding the exhibition, general etiquette dictates that shows shouldn’t where possible clash with another that’s in the local area (30miles ish). Why they couldn’t have gone for June when the local area is quiet for shows is beyond me and many other traders and clubs that I’ve spoken with.

So, What’s the Future for model Railway exhibitions? Sadly, in reality this seems to raise more questions than perhaps it answers

Who knows? Will it be just the big shows? will the small local ones make a return? Is the hobby popular enough to come back from this?

Only time will tell.

Exhibitions are a big source of income for many clubs and traders so I do feel that they will return, in time, but perhaps not in the quantity’s we used to see, it may mean that some clubs need to team up to host a show to make it less of a risk financially. Some clubs may well wrap up and call it quits. but whatever the outcome those traders who have been prepared to pivot and adapt to the circumstances to get products to customers are the ones who ultimately will be able to continue. I’ve been very fortunate and I’m exceptionally grateful for the orders that have been placed this year, it allowed me to help keep my suppliers going, so that I can continue to have a business next year and ultimately continue to serve you, my customers.

As for the clubs, those that have been able to meet well done, but do think very carefully about holding an exhibition in the future, the risks are all of a sudden, a lot higher than they were.

 

About North Western Models

 

At North Western Models we believe that it’s the detail that brings a model railway to life.

North Western Models was established in 2015 by Kevin Colley and Christopher Gore as an online model shop based in Stockport, Cheshire. Initially dealing with high quality detailing accessories and kits, North Western Models prides itself in serving the model railway community to promote the notion that detailing helps to bring a model railway to life.

Kevin and Christopher have a lifelong passion with railways in general and also with model railways. Between them, they have planned, built and exhibited a number of layouts in 00 and N gauge at various local model shows. Kevin and Christopher regularly attend a number of exhibitions each year, either trading as North Western Models or with one of their layouts which is currently on the exhibition circuit.

Kevin Colley, North Western Models Co-founder
Kevin Colley, North Western Models Co-founder