Once again, it was Ally Pally time.  I do like the venue, and I had a complementary ticket for being a member of World of Railways.  Even better, I arranged to visit with my old work colleague, Malcolm.  That made the travel fun as we reminisced about people and projects, as we had both spent our entire working career with the one company.

Travel was easy.  Thameslink from Redhill direct to Finsbury Park, a few yards to the opposite side of the same platform, then three stops on the local train to Alexandra Palace.  A bracing walk up the hill (it really gets steeper towards the top) got us there just as the early-entry tickets started to go in.  We typically immediately went for a coffee and bacon bap before the queues built up at the catering.

Overall, I thought the show was better than 2024, but that may just be my tastes.  It always seems that there is too much trade, but I guess that’s the only way to balance the books.  I do appreciate the number of specialist societies that have a stand at the show, modelling, and British and European prototypes.  Like last year, I haven’t posted photos of every layout, but just those I liked, or photos that have come out well.

I guess one has to start with Copenhagen Fields (2mm finescale), as this still remains a yardstick for large prototype layouts.  Details continue to be added, and some of the ancient scenics have, I think, been refreshed.  Mind you, the slightly faded background buildings look just the right colour for a typical London afternoon.

Although I’ve seen it a lot recently, I continue to be charmed by Drws Y Nant (2mm finescale.)  From urban grot to green rural Wales.  Lovely modelling, and the working lorry and level crossing gates give interest between trains.

Moving to an even simpler layout, I loved Kreuzweg (HOm), and I understand that it received a lot of positive comments.  Nothing simpler than a single track in Switzerland, passing through a snowy landscape.  No points at all out front, and simple scenery that focussed one’s attention on the skiers.

To finish this first selection, another small layout, Emwell (S scale).  It’s always good to see a layout in ‘S’, and this little terminus captures a typical Fenland scene with an ex-GER ‘Buckjumper’ shuffling a few wagons.

This just scratches the surface – more layouts large and small next time.  I appreciated the mix chosen for the show.  Some monster layouts, but also plenty of little ‘home friendly’ railways.