The Great Electric Train Show 2024 Part 1

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vid of the train show thanks for share thanks lee

[@TheWoodlandhoBo]

It was my first time of witnessing Pete watermans laypout yesterday. I wasn’t overly impressed by it. Yes it was big and you could run long trains but as far as points of interest went I got more enjoyment from the smaller layouts at the show.

[@MrWilfAdventures]

Glad it wasn't just me. I thought it was quantity over quality. For me, many of the other layouts had much better detailing and interest.

[@steverogers3597]

Me too. Just proves that even if you have loads of money you still can't build the perfect layout. Compared to last time I saw it, Watford Junction had got bigger but MKC was missing (probably would be too long for the hall)

[@TheWoodlandhoBo]

Yes I prefer little elements of detail and interesting things to look at like separate diaramas. We are all different though and this hobby lets us express what we find interesting I guess

[@billyvauls5050]

Excellent show but noticeably less footfall which was also noted by traders.

Interesting you should say that. Are you comparing to last year? I went on Saturday morning from 9:30 to midday, and I found it exhausting trying to get around with all the crowds, with me on my walking stick. I would have enjoyed it more if there was a quieter period. I did think about going back in late afternoon, but by then, my arthritis was not having any of it! I did enjoy it though, but I didn't buy anything, as nothing particularly caught my eye. I didn't notice that much money changing hands on the trade stands, which was surprising. I did wonder if there would be the best bargains on the Sunday afternoon.

[@billyvauls5050]

I have been to the show the last few years, the last couple on both Saturday and Sunday. I found it a lot easier to get around the show this year as definitely not as many y people. Last year the queue before it opened was from the door almost round to the Double Trees hotel.

[@billyvauls5050]

Not many show bargains or offers, the big traders it seems do better with their flash sales on the internet. This show and others I think are going to struggle.

[@steverogers3597]

Last year on Saturday was total madness. The park and ride car park filled up very quickly and they were doing their best to cause a crash on the 60 mph grid road. The buses looked like they'd been rescued from a scrap yard (too decrepid even for Railway Replacement buses!). This Sunday was so much better so it seems that lessons have been learned.