Stationary Engine FAQ - Showing your engine

This FAQ entry is by Charles Balyeat and edited by Paul Pavlinovich

Finding Shows

There are several easy ways to find a show near you:

1. Use the links on this site and ATIS to find some dates ,soon maybe? [Ed: Try Coming Events
2. GEM has a Steam and Gas Show Directory for $8.00 [Ed: In Australia you should seek a magazine called The Olde Machinery Mart (there are contact details for it on Beginners Advice)]
3. Find someone who is already in the hobby awhile , go have some coffee , and spin a few flywheels. They will know the best shows and all the particulars (hookups? Is it more swap meet or show?Restaurants?Hotels?Dry county? Do I need a 4x4 and a raft if it rains ?When is best day to show up?

[Ed: Another good place to find shows is at shows themselves, there is usually a notice board up somewhere with fliers for upcoming local shows. Often copies are available.]

Registering to Attend

What to bring to a show

When you find one to attend and you decide to bring your pride and joy along for the world to admire. You will need a few staple items like barricades (rope and posts) a fire extinguisher, a bucket for water . Not to mention a few tools and fuel and oil . [Ed: In Australia most shows provide their own fencing. I always bring along something for shelter (I have a large open sided canopy on poles) and plenty of food and drink - note that most shows have an alcohol ban. I also bring along copies of information about the engine(s) I've brought with me and a camera.]

Placement & Display of your site & Dealing with the public

Discussing the life experiences of the spectators and answering their questions is one of the fun things that go on all day at engine shows .There is a world of information out there and eons of experience . For this reason I try not to land to close to any of the big 2 strokes or other extremely loud but melodious behemoths as it is no fun to be yelling all day .Those with the most to share in first hand experience may not have the best hearing either . For this reason I try to run a muffler on everything.

Computer printed plaques in Plexiglas holders (available at office supply stores) are easy to make and give them something to do as many people love to read and learn but are afraid to speak up . Year, HP, History , intended use,etc . And your URL and phone number , name ... Keeping them up at eye level is a big boost too as stooping can get painful. It seems to be the trend now to show up a day earlier every year for my favourite show here in Texas , as might be the case near you. If it follows my projections hopefully we may soon be arriving the day after it is over and never have to go home! (See item 3). [Ed: Most of the bigger Australian shows start a day before the public day and encourage people to set up early by offering a BBQ this day. As I have kids I am one of the people who always turns up on the day of the show - if you do this, get there as early as possible or you may find they turn you away.]

During the day

Most all shows are put on by clubs which are run by volunteers show your appreciation by moseying up and asking to help out ! Sell ice cream for an hour or direct traffic , it has to be done and it all is to your benefit .If you want to meet more engine collectors -it is the best way to get off on the right foot. So pick up your cups and clean up your area before you leave. [Ed: Ask to have the club Secretary or President pointed out and approach them and ask them to thank their members for their efforts - I also gather information about next years events from them too.]

< Happy Motoring > from Charles Balyeat

[Ed: This next section is by me :-)

What to do and not to do

When you are at the show, follow all the safety directions, if no-one from the club tells you what they are, then ask them before you crank up. Safety Tips. Keep your area clean and tidy - the public don't want to look at an untidy display. I hate to have to put this in a FAQ, but keep your tools and other gear in sight at all times - usually it is not the exhibitors you have to worry about, but the public can be quite light fingered sometimes and it can really ruin your day. I know enough other people at shows these days that I will partner up with someone and put our gear together so that one of us is always around - after all you will want to wander off to look at the other displays - your partner can tend your engine and keep an eye on your gear while you are away.

Most of all - Have Fun!