I just got back from the show a couple of hours ago. Yes, it is
Monday evening and I left home Friday morning at 5:00AM and live only
250 miles from Visalia.
This was my first model engineering show ever, and I was sure
pleasantly surprised. The little small block Chevrolet and flat head
V-8 Ford running models are incredible. They even sound right. I was
on the out on the floor during the whole show and heard only one
complaint. A vistor told me the management should reduce the vendor
fees and raise the admission fee ($7.00) so more exhibitors would
attend. He wasn't complaining about a lack of vendors but though more
whould make the show more interesting.
If you are really into hobby metal working and didn't attend the
show you made a big mistake. The Convention Center was literally
attached to the host hotel. Rooms rates were quite modest ($79.00) for
a very nice room and there were no parking fees or even problem
parking. I didn't see a single glitch or hear a raised voice during
the whole show and after having done many bigger trade shows it was a
pleasant change. I took some fairly large machines for resale and the
staff unloaded my trailer quickly with no fuss and Gary gave me a spot
right by the back door so I had a very short distance to move the
machines.
I would have to rate this as a great new experience and I am already
planning for next year. If you didn't make it this year you should be
planning to go next year and I am sure that 99% of those that did
attend this year will be back. Great people, good location and
fascinating models on display. Leigh@MarMachine