Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains some of the questions that we have been asked at the exhibitions we have attended. If you want to ask a question, why not use our discussion forum using the button below - We will try to answer any questions posted as soon as possible.

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Q. What is the layout base made of ?

A. Polystyrene - Actually the polystyrene used is off-cuts from Blackpool Illuminations. In producing the illuminations, huge blocks of the stuff are cut and carved before being coated with plaster to be used as a mould for producing fibreglass moulds. We carved it to look like bricks and it is painted with masonary paint.

Q. How complex is the layout's electrical system ?

A. Quite simple really, the simpler it is, the easier it is to fix if something goes wrong during an exhibition. From the control panel (disguised as a brick barbeque) are two lengths of 7 core cable (the type used for trailers and caravans), one is 12 feet long the other 6 feet, which carry all the low voltage current. All connections are colour coded and have plugs and sockets for ease of connection. The mains current is dealt with separately, but the whole layout will operate from one 13 amp plug.

Q. How long does it take to set up at an exhibition ?

A. On average about 90-120 minutes, as most of the plants are real the display is never the same each time it is displayed. Packing up is even quicker, we have taken the display apart and loaded the van in as little as 15 minutes.

Q. What are the buildings made of ?

A. The majority of the buidings are constructed from concrete using Jigstones moulds, they may be heavy but they are robust. Other buildings are generally scratch-built from a variety of materials.

Q. Where did you get your turf from ?

A. The turf is actually hardwearing sports 'AstroTurf' which was originally part of Preston North End Football Club's pitch. When the club had to replace the artificial pitch with real grass we obtained enough to use on our display.

Q. Where does the water come from ? (Asked about a pebble pool which featured in the exhibit one year)

A. We drilled a 1" diameter hole through the floor and sank a pipe into the soil underneath. the water came up through the pipe naturally. (This was the tounge-in-cheek answer given and the person concerned left quite satisfied with the answer !!!)

Pages Edited and Hosted On Behalf of G-Wizz Group By David Nield, - Page Last Updated: 8 March 2004