Andover Modelex 24

Yearning to see some model railways in the flesh, so to speak, I visited this 1 day exhibition on 31st August 24.

30 exhibits of layouts and traders spread over 2 halls. Arriving half an hour after opening and during the morning the footfall was IMHO lower than previously experienced at such shows. Therefore, no jostling needed to get good views of the exhibits. Maybe the low turnout was due to the time of year as later or earlier in the year is the main exhibition season.

My top three layouts were:

Maritime Lane VMF (00 gauge)

The layout draws its name and inspiration from Southampton Maritime and Basford Hall VMF. The scenic section is 4ft by 2ft and features a wagon repair shed, fuel point and loco stabling. Adding the fiddle yard doubles the length.

Now this is small. However with seven sidings it has plenty of operating potential, which is why it appealed to me.

Old Parrock (00 gauge)

A small Southern Railway Sussex halt set in picturesque countryside. My photo does not give justice to this pretty scene and in particular the cottage and watermill that have been scratch built from card to a very high standard, influenced by Pendon construction methods.

Penworth (N gauge)

The modelling of this GWR branch line is a feast for the eyes and I make no excuse for showing three scenes from the model. This type of layout that captures real life in finely detailed miniature is right up my street and I was excited to see it.

The detail of the scratch built buildings is beyond belief for N gauge (1:148 scale). The construction method follows the principles employed at Pendon and if you know anything about that you'll know that bricks and slates are individually laid on card (guess the same method used here). But Pendon is 1:76 scale, twice as big. Doing the same in 1:148 takes great skill and patience.

Talking about detail and authenticity, look closely at the second photo (click for larger image) and spot the picnic setting and the man laying a roof.

Needless to say this was my best in show.

Trade Purchase

Green Scene Mod Roc 2 pack (plaster of Paris bandage) from Squires Tools.

Coverage: 0.825 sq m (£5.99).

Nearly bought static grass but not sure how much to buy as I have a large area to cover using multiple layers so, I left it for another day.