Two engineering fairs for London
You might be aware there there’s two model engineering fairs comming up in the near future. They are headed up by rival magazine companies so I was amused to read in the editorial for one of them some hair splitting on the number of stalls / suppliers. Put it this way, unless you are planning to spend all three days there you will be pushed to make it to see all of the stands for either. I’ve been to both and enjoyed my visits, both are good for buying tools, equipment and materials, both have a good selection of club stands and models.
My top recommendations for a successful trip are:
- If you are interested in a particular item, contact the suppliers in advance to ensure that they can bring one along for you so you can save on posting.
- Bring your own lunch, exhibition food is typically expensive and outlets can be busy
- Save some money by buying tickets in advance
- Plan your visit, what do you really want to buy/see?
- Budget and shop around
To help you make your minds (on which you want to attend) up I’ve put together a comparison. Some people will of course attend both.
Name | London Model Engineering Exhibition |
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Dates | 21-23rd January 2010 |
Opening Times | 10.00am – 5.30pm Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday |
Venue | Great Hall, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY |
Venue Layout | One large hall, all on one level |
Website | Meridienne Exhibitions |
Price | £9.50 |
Advanced price | £8.50 |
Sponsoring Magazine | Engineering in Miniature |
Working models | Yes |
Clubs | Yes |
Trade Stands | Yes |
Competitions | No |
Talks/Demos/Lectures | Model Activ Zone, 2 workshops from the British Horological Institute, demos from clubs |
Nearest Station | Alexandra Palace Station (free bus to exhibition) |
Parking | 2000 spaces, free parking |
Food | Provided by venue or bring your own |
Name | Model Engineer Exhibition |
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Dates | 10-12th December 2010 |
Opening Times | 10.00am – 5.00pm Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday |
Venue | Sandown Park Racecourse Sandown Park, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9AJ |
Venue Layout | Multiple rooms and levels, lifts and disabled access to all locations. Outdoor pool and exhibits |
Website | Model engineer show |
Price | £9.50 |
Advanced price | £8.00 |
Sponsoring Magazine | Model Engineer, Model Engineer’s Workshop |
Working models | Yes |
Clubs | Yes |
Trade Stands | Yes |
Competitions | Model Engineer Competition, Duke of Edinburgh Challenge Trophy |
Talks/Demos/Lectures | 8 Lectures a day and demos from the Society of Model & Experimental Engineers and Clubs, Cove School Robot demo |
Nearest Station | Esher station (free bus to exhibition) |
Parking | free parking |
Food | Provided by venue or bring your own |