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This page was last updated on 01/12/11

Whilst some of us involved with the organisation of the Warley show may look at the various chat shows or forums on railway modelling to be found on the internet, we seldom get involved in the debates.

However from time to time "facts" about the show pop up.  This page has been set up to put our viewpoint on these "facts".

So where to start? Firstly, if your query is about the club then follow this link, otherwise continue down the page.

1. Why do I have to pay for parking on top of my ticket, why can you not include parking in the cost of the ticket? Also why is parking so expensive? I go to the XXX exhibition and I don’t pay for parking.

There are two issues here, the first is why do I have to pay, the second why is it so expensive?

(a) Car parking charges levied by the NEC on all users of the site. These costs have to be met. Passing on the car parking costs to all visitors is one option, but would it be fair that those people who do not come by car subsidise the car owner and equally how would the car owner feel about subsidising any alternative form of transport? We feel that is right that those availing themselves of the car parking facility should not expect others to subsidise this facility.

(b) When comparing car parking you need to compare like with like as well as looking at how the space is provided, maintained and supervised as well as the transport to/from the car parks. NEC parking charges on that basis are comparable.

It is now NEC policy that all car parking shall be paid for "on the day".

2. Why should people get in half an hour earlier just because they have an advance ticket.

This has been our policy for all our exhibitions. It serves a number of purposes:
(a) those paying in advance do not have to stand in an extra queue to purchase on the day
(b) we have less of a queue to handle on the day
(c) we benefit from obtaining some of our income before the event.
(d) we believe it is right to give something in return for their commitment to the event in advance.

3. Why do you crowd the show into a small space when half the hall is empty?

The floor space is paid for on a pro rata basis, i.e. we pay for what we use. Ideally there would be a space that fits the show, but we are larger than some halls and not big enough to fill the larger ones.

4. There is not enough seating.  Could you not use some of the unused space in the hall for more seating?

In 2010 we provided close to 1000 seats. Again, to expand into other areas would cost us more rental both for the floor space and the seating. We believe our rest facilities are at least comparable to other model railway shows. In 2011 an additional 350 “resting chairs” were provided – that’s more additional seating than an extra Voyager unit!!

5. Why is the food so expensive?

We do not supply the food and have no influence over the food outlets in attendance which are NEC services or NEC franchisees.

6. Why don't you do something about the people who wander around with rucksacks banging into children ?

Year on year we attempt to minimise this problem, but short of banning them we are reliant on educating those that use them. We have always asked people who are attending the exhibition to please give some thought to others especially when in crowded areas and to consider what type of bag they carry and how.

7. I only came to see the XXX layout but its not here, your adverts were misleading.

All our adverts are correct at the time they are produced, however there are always circumstances arising that force an exhibitor to withdraw. Changes are regularly updated on our web site page exhibition_news.

 It is also worth keeping an eye on our page for the latest information.

8. Why can't I pay for tickets via Paypal? 
 
We looked at using Paypal, but found there was a major problem. Organisations that sell tickets for future events are all seen by Paypal as likely to be suspect of the “take your money, but don’t deliver the product” type. As far as we are concerned there are too many hoops to jump through.

9. Why oh why do you not open on Friday?

The show is run by our members ably supported by relatives and friends who commit their own time to ensuring the event takes place. We have members on site from Friday 0500 – 2100 to prepare the hall and set everything. To open on Friday would require us to start setting up on Thursday. Account would have to be taken of an additional days hall hire, exhibitors committing to another day, food and accommodation provision and many other factors that would impact not only on the presentation but the cost.