I think that I may get four posts from this show – there was such a good number of fine layouts to see. It’s interesting to see people’s reactions in the forums. Some thought it quite average – just shows how we all see things differently. There were the usual complaints about catering. Yes, it’s expensive, but I had a very acceptable bacon roll and coffee for breakfast, and a tasty cheese and bacon bap for lunch, together with a good pint of ale. Lunch was fun, as I met up with ESNG Cha(i)rman Allan as well as Malcolm for the pint. It’s always fun to introduce friends from different areas (and ages) of your life.

But back to the layouts.  I enjoyed the little tram layout, Books Bridge (On2).  All very well done and some interesting rolling stock.

Switching/shunting UK and American style.  The little East Dock (EM) and large Plant City (HO).  Completely different models, but both excellent in their own way.

Two N gauge layouts.  A branchline with Braughing & Standon, and the excellent mainline Brinklow, again based on a prototype station.  Brinklow is a good example of how to keep trains running without getting toy-like – all trains are appropriate for the location and period and come along one or two at a time rather than all at once!

Long Melford Junction (OO) is instantly recognisable as Norfolk or Suffolk, with the big grain warehouse and ex-GER locos.

And finally, a familiar line, Fawley (OO).  But always worth seeing as a model of Fawley before the oil refinery expanded, and for the lovely Southern Railway stock.

Good for one more post, I think!