Skegex - a personal view
Meccanomen prefer the whiff and whir of electric motors to the crash of surf or the smell of ozone in the air
Skegness is an annual magnet for Meccano enthusiasts. It is an event of the first magnitude in the Meccano world because of the large attendance and the large number of models on display for three days - four if you also count the setting up day. Although it is the prime annual model exhibition and competition of NMMG, it has struck a responsive cord among Meccanomen throughout the world and from all over the British Isles who flock to its doors, so that it has a true international flavour. One is aware of the keen club atmosphere, but perhaps members of NMMG are themselves surprised, perhaps even bemused, at the international enthusiasm which is generated by their exhibition. There is no other like it where Meccano enthusiasts can relax, examine and discuss. Those from all over the world who cannot get there, at least want to know what was to be seen at Skegex.
Why has Skegness achieved such acceptance? Perhaps it is because of the good fortune and happy confluence of the NMMG in having had an able and long standing chairman in Mike Cotterill, an excellent venue on the sea-front at Skegness, and a hard working and dedicated team to see to setting up of tables, power supply and distribution of exhibition space, running of competition, raffles, advertising, catering and social events. There is space enough to accommodate all those who wish to exhibit, as well as the many traders who surround the hall. There is a full-time bar with snacks and ample space to sit and chat. But perhaps more than all these is the special atmosphere built up with overwhelming after hours hospitality, so much appreciated by all those who come from far and wide.
The Festival Hall is adjacent to the beach. On a fine day, the wide sands are thronged with holiday goers, and the fine sea air draws one to the water's edge. Meccanomen hardly give the suuroundings a thought, or the lovely bracing sea air a whif, and ignore the gently rolling crash of the waves spending themselves on the beach, for they are intent on other sounds and smells, the hum of electric motors, the whir of gears, and the chance to drink in the magic of yet another great Meccano display.
Skegness doesn't start on setting up day. It starts months, maybe in some cases years before, when models slowly start to take shape, bits and pieces taking form, growing into reality, and making their first tentative movements. How hard their builders must labour to get it right for Skegness.
Here at last everyone gathers from far and wide, from France and Holland and Belgium, Spain and Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the USA and Canada, many bringing their own models. Who knows with what care models are packed and cushioned, to make sure they would survive the journey and function as intended when set up.
Inside the hall there is a hive of activity. On setting up day, one can see at once that there are some truly awesome models. How can one do justice to the riches on display. Can notebook or camera record the many treasures? The brilliance displayed by one's fellow Meccanomen. The way problems get solved. The clever use of parts. The expectation that old friends with known model building methods will be back again this year with a new masterpiece. A chance to recharge one's Meccano batteries and to gain new ideas.
As I walked along the beach front that evening, I could hardly wait for the opening of the exhibition the next morning. What was Bob Ford going to produce this time, which new model had John MacDonald created, how I longed to see what new clock Pat had brought along, and what little gem Jim Gamble had managed to find. Soon all would be revealed. Over the years, I had made so many Meccano friends, and there they would all be, all together for a while.
As I entered the hall, I could at last take in the wonderful display. I slowly started to make my way around the hall, meeting the owners of the models and finding out how they had made that particular mechanism work so smoothly, really get to grips with the innards, something even a camera and photograph can't achieve. The ingenuity of Meccanomen is incredible, the sheer creative ability. If you are like me, you are really torn between staying with your own model, or slowly getting to grips with everybody elses contributions. Some seem to dodge the dilemma by sitting in the well appointed and comfortable bar. But even there, Meccano is the main topic of discussion.
The models are getting better and better each year. There is no doubt that they are better constructed, look more to scale than ever before when this matters, and work more smoothly and with better precision. That's what its all about really. For Meccano is true engineering in miniature. There is really nothing in engineering that cannot be achieved using the Meccano system if a little bit of inginuity and care is employed. There were huge models, and there were little gems. There were gleaming machines with smooth actions, models of all classes and types, enough for all tastes.
Ah yes, Skegness! Hope to see you there this year.