Off to the romantically named Pratts Bottom this morning for the Orpington & District show.  Having been to Birmingham in the week, it was good to have Mr Dawes driving, and just spot bluebells, lambs and other wildlife.  The show was worth a visit – small, much the same size as our ESNG show, but with some interesting exhibits.  A few of my favourites follow….

Typically, I liked the minimalistic London Road Sidings (OO).  Recycled from a previous layout, this little line is 4′ x 6″, plus a fiddle stick.  A diesel refuelling point without sound – something very much in its favour.

Even smaller, Allons Y (OO9).  A rotating pizza layout with French narrow gauge.  Again, very simple and very satisfying.

And can’t get any smaller.  ‘A Train Set for Christmas’ (1:12 scale, 3mm T gauge).  Dolls house furniture and Japanese T gauge trains.

My professional interest was caught by the ‘Little Sewage Works Railway’ (Gn15).  I think they got the processes right, but not much Health & Safety for the operatives.  The layout guide noted the lack of smells – I also noted the lack of filter flies over the filter beds with a few wagtails having a free meal.

French O gauge on Croix St Piere.

Top of the hill on Alspitzbahn (HO), an Bavarian rack railway.

Denton West (O), an LMS secondary main line.

Ashenden Junction (N), a compact little line.

And lastly Hillside  Park, Nigel’s layout complete with a new name!