[UK] STEAM / The Great Western LEGO Show - who's coming?

bluemoose

As I guess many of the UK-based members here know, it's the Brickish Association's big annual public show next weekend, at the STEAM train museum in Swindon (1st & 2nd Oct)

Martin, one of the Mods here, is the force behind STEAM - it's really his event, all the rest of us just help out by turning up with our models ;-)

I was wondering who from here was planning on attending, and which day. If there's a bunch of folk who'll be there at the same time, it might be nice to have a bit of a get together.

I'll be there all weekend, probably mostly helping out on the admin side (been too busy with work to finish any of the projects I've got on the go unfortunately).

So, who else?

http://www.greatwesternlegoshow.com/

rocao

@Martin , @bluemoose:
Just visited the website and there are no images and video of past displays. If the website is the promotional front for the show, I think it would behoove you to include them, since they certainly are more compelling than text describing them :P

I found the youtube channel for the promotional trailers of the previous shows, that you might want to include. Is there one for 2011?

http://www.youtube.com/user/ilovex1981#g/u

atkinsar

I'll be there pretty much all day on the Saturday, happy to meet up with whoever whenever. I know flump is also going, although he can speak for himself I'm sure, and I think he's bringing lostintranslation (or at least that was the plan last time we spoke).

So who else is going and fancies meeting up?

drdavewatford

I'll be setting up on Friday (I'm taking a couple of the homebrew Star Wars UCS models that I took to NSC) and will be on-site on Saturday and Sunday; I think a bunch of us will be in the same hotel.

collect_that

I'll be there! You will all be able to spot me as I'll most likely be the only person there in a Spurs shirt!!

atkinsar

Perhaps we should all get t-shirts printed with our forum user names for easy idents ;o)

drdavewatford

^ At NSC a number of us got bricks engraved with our names/usernames (see below); I'm planning on doing the same at STEAM, since the engravers will be in attendance....

atkinsar

Aw hell, alright then, in for a penny. I'm straight off to see minifigforlife when I get there to get myself an engraved name badge.

collect_that

Badges it is then?

drdavewatford

Any Star Wars UCS fans out there might be interested to hear that Cavegod has just e-mailed me to confirm that he'll definitely be coming to STEAM with a bunch of his Star Wars UCS MOCs. I was afraid he might not make it down, so this is excellent news. Pic of one of his creations below to whet your appetites...

Huw

I'l be there :-)

atkinsar

^^ Great news, was sorry to miss out on seeing them previously.

Legoboy

Yep, I'll be coming along with Lost....and half a dozen polys in my back pocket! :o) Think we're likely to be there for the majority of the day too.

Might have to invest in one of those badges also. Have just had a vision of accidentally leaving it on my jacket before going back into work on Monday morning. Their faces - hilarious!

Si_UKNZ

I'll be on holiday unfortunately :( have a great time though

Martin

For the record, I'll be there :-)

warrenelsmore

I'll be there - and so will the wife!

We'll be fresh from the AFOL weekend at Skaerbaek with Westminster Abbey from AFOLCON 2011.

Jabba_the_Taff

Things are sorted so I'll be there Saturday. Introducing my brother to Lego shows as well. He's a cynic who's slowly been won over (mainly by the Ferrari licence!) Also anyone going who wants a 7965 Millennium Falcon for £100?

trax_3

I'll be there on saturday. Last years event was my first lego show experience since coming out of the dark ages

drdavewatford

^^ Hopefully I'll finally get to meet you, Jabba, after having benefited from your tips on the FBTB bargain forum all these years !

princedraven

I should be there, just trying to finalise the details (wife not that keen, suprisingly!!).

MinifigsMe

still debating. We're going to Legoland Sunday and Monday - so it might be Lego overkill for my hubby. Is 2 days at legoland (with my niece and nephew) a bit much?

Legoboy

^ I thought you'd sorted that?

^^ Two days is a bit much this time of year when it's not overly busy. Me personally, having went a couple of weeks ago on a weekday, I'd get there for opening on Monday. I promise you you will have done it all twice over by lunch time.

princedraven

^ I had sorted it, but someone 'unsorted' it for me :) Think PD and PD Jr will be attending minus wife and baby.

^^ Have to say that I think 2 days may be overkill if going Sun/Mon, it would be worth it if going Sat/Sun maybe as the queues are likely to be larger at weekend, but think as Flump says Monday will be plenty.

Legoboy

@Savage_Steel - By sheer coincidence, a guy from work of whom I lent my Merlin passes to over the weekend went on the Sunday just gone. The queues were horrendous. Trust me, go on Monday. Pictures taken at 10am last Tuesday - completely dead!

MinifigsMe

he he, I like that you knew I'd need photographic proof that legoland is quiet, and you're not just trying to get me to STEAM!
I shall have words with the fella and see if we can go to Swindon then on to Legoland after lunch to meet the family

LostInTranslation

^^ Awww, so cute! Loving the Spiderman jacket, do they make them for grown-ups??

Legoboy

^ Oh, you like my jacket? Mum bought it for me! I am over sixteen - really!

princedraven

^ genuinely LOL in middle of my office :)

MinifigsMe

Ok, so I'm in! We'll be there for some of Sunday. @collect_that - do you want your lego then? Anyone else wanting brickley - now is the time to speak up, as I can bring them along

bluemoose

^ yay. More the merrier :o)

sirrich69

I am hoping to come along Sunday not 100% confirmed.

I have so far resisted getting any trains but just want to come along and get some ideas and see the fantastic creations.

@savage_steel would be interested in a brickley.

Also wondering if people are interested meeting up and doing some trading or buying.

I have a number of items to trade or sell. I have started a seperate thread, or will be very shortly.

Martin

I'll be running my Brickends store for a fair amount of the time with Darren aka Gizmocom on Bricklink . Make sure you drop by and say hello!

MinifigsMe

@rich69 - I've sent you a message :)

If anyone else wants anything from my store btw, please let me know, as it means no shipping or fees and I can offer a 5% discount.

I've not updated it for a while, though I have a massive pile of figs to add (let me know if you're desperate for a specific fig as I may have it!) and some sets, including the following:

http://www.brickset.com/reviews/?set=5978-1 boxed and excellent condition bar one tan tall brick, which has glue on it (god knows how??)

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=4210-1 - mostly brand new bricks (I opened the bags) and new sticker sheet. (no box)

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=6080-1 one white plume missing and 1 blue sheild (and perhaps the yellow saddle - the rest is good condition) - no box, and instructions missing front page

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=6384-1 - good condition, no box. instructions punched.

StevenAshby

Went to the show this morning, all i csn say is wow. The displays were simply amazing guys have an such talent and imagination. show has really inspired me to get more into making my own stuff.

Matthew

According to @DrDaveWatford's Blog, there's a Hogwarts Diorama? Can anyone get any photos for me? *kicks self for not being present*

atkinsar

Been at GWLS all day, absolutely fantastic this year, well done to all involved in organising such a great event. The layout was much much better this year compared to previous and the models on display were awe inspiring.

Spent most of the day with @flump6523, @princedraven and @lostintranslation, met briefly with @Jabba_the_Taff and also had great chats with @Huw, @DrDaveWatford, @bluemoose, @Martin and @warrenelsmore.

Saw the newly announced Medieval Joust and Mini Modulars, both are absolutely fantastic 'in the the brick' and essential purchases IMO.

Cavegod's UCS Star Wars MOCs truly are something else. He is indeed a god, not sure if he lives in a cave though.

Also picked up loads of LEGO, both outstanding trades with the above mentioned people and new purchases from the stores. Finally picked up a 6209 which I've been after for a while and also picked up the Winter Post Office from the LEGO store, even bagged a 15% discount due to being a member of Brickish (thanks Julie!).

What a day, time for a glass of wine and a relax now.

MinifigsMe

Sounds like a good day. Did you wear you're badges? ;-)

Looking forward to tomorrow - PM me your number if you're around and want to see hi
Otherwise, how do I find you all? I'm guessing you're not in a space police costume @huw?

Right, off to go dance, drink (not too much got to be up early) and be silly with the roller girls

AND Legoland on monday!!! *best weekend ever*

atkinsar

^ Yes I wore my badge, can't say the same for flump and Lost though! I'm not there tomorrow otherwise would have loved to meet up. Don't think it'll be hard to spot drdave (hanging around star wars sets), Huw (hanging around trains) or Ian (hanging around the joust and mini modulars). Have a great day, I'm sure you'll love it.

collect_that

God damn I'm jealous! All set to go 'n' then my nipper gets poorly!

sirrich69

@savage sent you a pm. I shall be there Sunday.

@Collect_that hope your nipper gets better soon.

collect_that

@rich69 Cheers Mate!

Legoboy

@collect_that - childcare, even if sick! Not worth missing over!

Kidding, in case anyone thought I was serious!

LostInTranslation

@atkinsar: thanks for naming and shaming! :) was great to meet you by the way.

@savage_steel: hope you have a fab day tmrw, I certainly really enjoyed myself today!

collect_that

@flump6523 - Good job you were kidding! If I'd have shown that post to the Mrs she would have hunted you down mate! Lol!

LostInTranslation

Also, @flump6523: big thanks for taking me today! Really appreciate it!!

Legoboy

Yeah, like atkinsar said, was a fantastic day - not sure where all seven hours went?! Was somewhat relieved however to get into an ice-cold car for the drive home though!

Meeting up again with the legends (imho and they know who they are) was possibly my highlight and great to put faces to other members I hadn't yet met.

I have been trying to decide on my favourite exhibit, but struggling - they are all very good, but if I had to, as with atkinsar, Cavegod's selection probably wins over with the Hogwarts mocs close behind. Was also good to see @bluemoose 's more laid back approach to exhibiting with the preasembled mini mods. :op

If it wasn't so far away, might well have made a second trip. Good effort @Martin and the rest of the exhibitors.

Lost - pleasure.

LostInTranslation

I think one of my favourites was the Legorena, loved all the little details and quirky touches (eg boba fett crowdsurfing). Loved the star wars stuff, loved Westminster abbey, the pirate town, Hogwarts, loved it all really.

I'm all tuckered out now though, off to bed for my 7am start tmrw... :-(

princedraven

Had a great time, was great meeting @LostInTranslation, @Huw, @DrDaveWatford, @Atkinsar and @Flump6523, would have liked to have met more of you but the day went like a flash.
As per what the others have said, if you can make it tomorrow you owe it to yourself to see some of these great displays. Really amazing stuff, the Star Wars and Potter models are just stunning, but really all of the setups were pretty jaw dropping. Agree with LIT the Legorena was brilliant. Thanks again to @Flump6523 for playing courier.
Funny thing is, however awesome the Lego, one of my highlights was sitting around having lunch with those named above, makes the whole Lego experience so much better when you can enjoy it with geniunely nice, like minded people.

atkinsar

Great to meet you finally today @princedraven, apologies for forgetting to namecheck you earlier, I knew i'd forget someone! It was great meeting you too @lostintranslation.

drdavewatford

Just finally getting to bed..... Excellent day, loads of interest in the models on display, great to catch up with @atkinsar and @flump6523, and it was a pleasure to meet @princedraven, @lostintranslation and @Jabba_the_Taff.

Martin

I may be biased but the show today was awesome. The weather was too hot for an indoor show but that didn't stop 3500 people coming to see us. We're all excited about doing all over again tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who dropped by my Brickends store today to say hello. It was mad from the outset but the feedback from visitors has been fabulous.

See you guys tomorrow!