Exhibiting is a rewarding pursuit, but not one to be entered into unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly. Here are some quick tips which from my own experience are offered:
- Test, test, test weeks before the show
- Be prepared for things to go wrong during the show – have spare locos, a toolkit, a plan B
- Build redundancy into your layout by duplicating feed wires, planning a track plan where an ‘avoiding line’ can be used if a point fails, buy reliable equipment and don’t skimp on areas where performance is imperative
- Help out at an exhibition on a friend’s layout first
- Provide short ‘to the point’ info boards explaining what your model depicts/scale etc Proactively encourage questions.
- Good lighting often helps exhibited layouts as many shows are held under sports hall or similar lighting conditions which are often very yellowing.
- Introduce a rota of friends to ensure you get a break too, tiredness creates mistakes
- Be friendly!
