Chris,

Can't help but that stand is the first one I visit when I go to the show but this year it was really lacking in exhibits from previous years.

Clen Tomlinson and his display of engines hasn't been there for the last 2 years but a quick search and reckon up and I make him 84 now so that might have a lot to do with it.

The problem with these shows to go look at models is the models take so long to build and so little new blood coming into the scene you see the same thing time and time over.

I tend to do a year and miss a year to play catch up but it's a fact that the shows are slowly imploding.

Every stand at Bristol was either the same size or smaller, only one stand was bigger this year and that was Peak tools who sell all the cheap import tooling.

Warco pulled out because they were promised sole machinery slot and the organisers stuck RDG in at the side of them. Result is Warco and RDG have now pulled out.

I notice this year Allendale had a far smaller stand and in the next hall they were having to compete with someone else selling the same stuff. Will the same happen here next year ?

Bristol is only a small show and can't support traders all selling the same stuff.

By the time you take transport, setting up and that includes setting up at base and the show, then doing the opposite after the show, hotels, staff, meals, rent etc a 3 day show that in effect for a trader is a 7 day show can cost in excess of £10,000