The benefits of every part of the fair being a separate build is that every show is different. There’s never a plan before we start, we just ask for a number of tables and build to that space.
So how do we decide what goes? Well that’s a tough question, there’s no hard and fast rules, basically it’s grab some boxed, pack the car and go, Of course there are some rides that appear more often than not as they are seen as the main stay of the fair, so you might see the waltzer and booster (Orbit) turn up quite often but something like the Ski Jump may only appear at the very big shows. That’s another things, show size, Most shows are either one or two day events. For a one day event, we normally only ask for 3 tables (approx 5 foot by two and a half each) whereas for a two day show we might stretch to four or five. Both of these setups have their own limitation…setup time. Although most of the rides set up reasonably quickly, the boxes still have to be transported from the car, the distance varies.
Placing the rides can take 2 to 3 hours, this is followed up by wiring them to the 9v power adapters and making sure all they all perform correctly via the Bluetooth(Sbrick) and power function controls. After that comes all the side stalls, food vans and various lorries. Then there is the small matter of visitors, no not the general public, the minifigs! Again depending on the size of the layout there can be anywhere up to around 700 figures, all have to be put on by hand, one at a time, This is very time consuming and can quickly become back breaking.
Other consideration for rides appearing is how they’re performing, some newer builds do their first show, only to find they don’t last the day. Maybe because the motor isn’t strong enough or gearing needs tweaking, This usually requires a quick fix on the return home or in some cases a complete rework of the gearing. Once we’re happy with the performance we’ll look to add lighting, so that may cause a delay to something reappearing.
For the biggest shows. we try and build something new or take rides that are either popular or haven’t been before. With so many to choose from it’s quite easy to switch the whole display. This normally only occurs at the smaller events, but this can generate complaints from visitors that wanted to see something in particular.
Then of course there are repairs. Motors wear out, though many do very well have have lasted well; some need replacing from time to time, after all they might be running for 5 or 6 hours in a day. Gears and axles also need to be replaced as the plastic parts can twist, bend or break. Usually they just wear each other away, look out for white dust around moving parts. We use silicon lubricant to help keep friction down and ease wear and tear.
As yet, the whole fair has never been displayed in one place!