Andy

The online voting for the top models of 2011 is now open. You can visit the survey by clicking the link below http://farmtoysforum.com/survey/index.php?sid=85699&lang=en This year, a shortlist has been compiled for each category so all you need to do is rank the candiates in order from 1 to 5 (or 10). 1 is the top candiate, 5 or 10, the bottom one. Voting is open until the end of April.

mmmmm lovely!

Steve Harris and I had a conversation about UH at the recent Warickshire show. I'm sure Steve will pass on his opinion / knowledge of what he felt led to UH appearing as they did but the farm side certainly looks to have been lifted in some respects by the Renault / Claas relationship. I'm sure theres a degree of risk involved that has resulted in significant rewards too, that I'm sure UH are now reaping. As for the initial debate. I don't think UH signals the end for the scratch builders. If item product runs are kept low and products maintain functionality superior or different to what UH are producing, I don't see the market drying up. However for a UK produced product on a semi-mass produced scale, unless license protection is legally adhered too, I would say it would be near impossible to compete as we have sadly seen with UH producing DBP's range of product.

Great topic. I think it is something I'll be considering in the next few months for the business as well. It will replace the knackered blue line trailer that my Dad has been using for the past 10 years. I've driven a few transporters and I was very impressed. The one transit I drove was ok, but seemed to be quite loose round the corners in comparison to the VW.

There is normally a selection of scratch built models on the displays.

Very sad news indeed. A tragic loss of someone so friendly and passionate about the hobby.

Just before christmas I had to have a new DPF put on which we thought was due to it approaching 100k, but it would appear there is an underlying issue. I've read on a few forums that its tell tell signs the turbo is close to its end however it could be a number of things. There is a distinct reduction in power I must say. Off to test a few motors at the weekend .

Interesting discussion. The organisers I believe took the decision to charge on the basis that essentially you were paying the entry fee for two individuals. I'm not sure whether this then included the 'displayer' and then two guests. It didnt seem to work too well regardless. I think for a show which has been established for years and where space is a premium, the possibility of a charge becomes fairly logical. If it is being run as a commercial venture, I guess profits have to be maximised where possible. That said, as we see with Spalding, it gets to a point where you have to start balancing certain aspects to avoid people becoming dis-interested. I guess there are ways of softening the blow when charging for displays. Table hire for example which Sue highlighted is normally a cost which organisers have to account for. Similarly, some of the proceeds (after costs) donated to charity could also encourage more involvement. Its what some of the other shows do I think? For a new event, I would have thought that dead space is far worse than loss of revenue. It reflects far more on visitor's decisions to attend in future years in my opinion, so to allow for an acceptable loss (on this part of the show) in the first few years in order to ensure space is filled, would probably work out much better in the longer term, for visitor numbers anyway, if its a long term venture of course. Perhaps its something the show can work on for next year.

1/76 Sue. Many of the vehicles are scratch built. We have an article planned on the layout for Model Farmer too, so much more information on this layout coming soon!

It was close to 1000 I believe including children Bill. One of the layouts I hadn't seen before, indeed, it was the first time it has been shown. This won the diorama competition. Guess the scale!

I will post a few images up in the next few days. I think for a new show, it did alright and the majority of traders were satisfied. There was a good mix of different items for most people's tastes. Just not much of some areas such as conversions, custom work etc.. I was impressed with the number of people through the door. The standard of the dioramas there was excellent, but it would have been nice to have more people there displaying. Likewise, the scratch built items on display were very good. In general I would say a show with potential if certain aspects are tweaked. More displays/exhibits and more traders certainly required in some areas. The venue is excellent, although its a good job it didnt rain! Visitor catchment area seemed to cover plenty of people who we see at Malvern so will be interesting to see if this event is effected.

Hello Will. Did you not get an email? I will try resending it!

I think it would be a necessity Bill. I certainly don't trust him/her at the moment! There's some cracking deals for Rodeos at the moment but time will tell I guess. Mark may tempt me in a couple of weeks when we head to Malvern. Upgrading the girlfriends car and me getting a tranny van is another option though.

I think we could debate all night about the current economic climate r.e. jobs, and I could post some things about the NHS which have made me very sad in recent weeks, Especially when they effect close family, but I'll refrain and move to something more light hearted! My poor mazda 6 estate is poorly again. It seems to have a continued bad case of flatulence with regular plums of black smoke covering the car behind in the face. Poor thing! Won't be long before it's put down I'm sure!

You may not be far wrong there Sean. I was reading an interesting article recently suggesting that some companies contract out several factories.

Tractoys also Produced the model, unless this is the aca item?

Rare model for sure. Looks near mint so price not too far off.

Welcome to FTF. Always great to get a flavour of North America on the forum

I believe the second batch of those are arriving now with improved 'glue' for those decals. Its something I stressed when we had our FTF model developed.

Having spoken to Emilia, I would say she and her team will continue to do the right thing for Britains. One thing to note was her insistence for keeping a strong relationship with FTF which was good news.

With only a week to go until the show. Are there many FTF members going to the event?

Great minds think a-like Jack!

Managed to find this set. Appears to be a US imported Airfix Ferguson kit. Chuffed to have found it so cheap too

What would be nice would be if Marge developed (easily) interchangable wheels. I am almost certain it would be feasible and cost effective. A county with its casual boots on but with the option of some heavy duty versions for when it gets particularly 'messy' perhaps. They are entering a testing market as it is so any selling point that warrants the higher price against the UH alternative, has to be worth consideration.

Very interesting website!