Basingstoke MRS Expo 2026 Review

Our annual visit to this show. About 47 layouts and traders to peruse. Traders impressed having bountiful  stock of new and preloved items.  I came away with a brake van and brass tube!

Having been spoilt by the massive Southampton show recently, few layouts appealed at this one.

Here are my top three.

ESSEX BRICK (00)

I choose this crowded scene not so much for the subject or era but for the sheer complexity and heavy dependence on technology that was used to create it.

There is much animation of cranes, boats and trains controlled by computer and electronics. Nearly everything is made using 3D resin printing and it took 3 years to build.

This layout is one of at least four on show that featured a harbour or dock scene, each with as many boats as trains! 

This is a look behind the scenes at the electronics.

The builder has taken railway modelling to another level!

NEWTON HEATH WORKS (7mm scale)

Based on  the ball clay industry on The Isle of Purbeck in the county of Dorset. Fronting this cameo layout is standard gauge track and at the back on higher land is narrow gauge.

The layout is very small for 7mm scale and questions its operating potential. That is solved by the narrow gauge workings where loaded balls of clay are unloaded into standard gauge wagons at the flick of a switch.

I was also told that loaded narrow gauge wagons entering the warehouse come out unloaded!

A small layout such as this lends itself to detailed modelling. Looking closely at the engine shed at the rear and a clutter of internal artefacts are seen, though not visible in this photo.

FAIRWOOD JUNCTION Westbury (00) 15 feet long

Somewhat surprised I offer this as my 'Best in Show'. Surprised because there is no station, no goods yard, no town and its modern image! (my era of choice is 1960s steam)

It is just a four track railway in open countryside. It is closely modelled on a prototype, which is my preference. Even the backscenes are photographs of the real location. The landscaping is attractive and very well modelled.

This is one for the train spotters

Southampton Model Railway Exhibition 2026 Review

On recommendation I visited this show for the first time. 

Visiting on a Sunday to avoid the Saturday crowds and lack of car parking space I was somewhat taken aback by the size of the show and its popularity. Nearly 70 exhibits comprising layouts and traders spread over 9 rooms plus corridors of a sixth form college in Eastleigh. Much to my surprise the rooms were packed with visitors. I dread to think how busy it was on the Saturday. Catering facilities were beyond expectation being an onsite professional cafeteria.

The only downside of the venue is limited parking on site (but ample street parking nearby) and the rabbit warren of exhibition rooms typical of all school venues.

In these reviews I usually state my personal 'best layout in show'. Impossible to do this time as the standard of modelling across the board was the best I have ever witnessed making me question my own efforts.

Here are a few that struck a chord.

WANTAGE TRAMWAY (P4)

A model of the prototype set in the 1920s. I was drawn to this layout by the plethora of exquisitely modelled buildings at the town end of the scene.

THE PARLOUR RAILWAY (0)

Unlike anything I have seen before. An imposing scene that goes beyond the track. The rolling stock  is a mix of GWR broad and standard gauge and the track simply arranged end to end with automated train journeys. The layout baseboard, if you can call it that, is more a piece of Edwardian furniture, built from mahogany wood. Lighting and other furniture, furnishings and ornaments supporting the layout all reflect the Edwardian era of the early 20th century.

COLLEGE HALT (00)

This is one of several small layouts that appealed. It is always interesting and motivational to see what can be achieved in a small space. Based on a real place this layout was constructed by students of Uckfield college under guidance of Uckfield Model Railway Club members. Of particular note was the depth of field achieved and the exit points at each end hidden behind the facia and foreground scenery.

RATHMELTON (0n3)

Another small layout, this time based on Irish railway practice. It is 7mm scale with 3 foot gauge track, necessitating all to be hand built. The low relief buildings and integration with the backscene is very well done, having following Ian Rice practise.

Another notable small layout was EXPRESS DAIRY SIDINGS (EM). An inglenook 'game' nicely 'scenicified'. I failed to take a picture. Some here for you.

And the list could go on.

I was impressed with the trade stands. Seen for the first time was Langley Models who presented far more products than what I knew them for. Prices of second hand rolling stock and accessories were reasonable and inexpensive compared to new. No one need complain about the cost of the hobby if they choose to buy preloved items. The range available was vast and a credit to traders in this area. I was on the lookout for a Gaugemaster  Combi controller and bought a new one at a considerable discount on the RRP.

Basingstoke MRS Expo 2025

Three layouts sparked my interest.

Tellindalloch in Autumn (00)

An unusual Scottish autumnal scene of a small branch line terminus where the trees steal the show. The layout was set in a 'box' framed in black with an off stage fiddle yard. 

This reminded me of my own Swanage loco yard model as it is about the same size, set in a black framed box and is an autumnal scene. There are issues with mine though in so far as the box has warped and operating potential is limited, since train movements focus on the single track shed and turntable. Tellindalloch inspires me to revisit mine to see if improvement can be made.

Market Bosworth (P4)

I am always excited to see finely detailed and authentic looking model railways. 'P4' is the clue here as to what can be expected.

Set in the early 1900's this layout is based on a real place. It is not a period that is often modelled. The locomotives, rolling stock and road vehicles spark interest due to their 'old world' character.

Of course, being P4 the modelling is to a very high standard. The building interiors even have lighting and finely detailed furniture.

Old Elm Park (0)

Simply, a locomotive yard but beyond the shed façade in the photo is the interior of a large roundhouse with turntable. A lot of details in both areas adds atmosphere to the scene, further enhanced by the deep depth of the layout.

There is a multitude of BR period locomotives on display. I thought they were all RTR manufacture and totted up the potential value to be around £20,000. I subsequently read that the owner is a locomotive builder so, if he had built the lot then a skilled modeller indeed.

This layout was my personal Best in Show.

Farnham & District 49th Model Railway Expo

I remember when entry to a model railway exhibition was £5 before Covid and after Covid it increased to £8 and today it is £10 and if you have children in tow it will be more. I don't blame the club exhibiting for the rise. It is just the rise in costs generally, probably brought on by geopolitical influences.

The poster at the entrance boasted over 50 layouts on show but I counted less than 30. In fact the number of layouts and traders seemed little different to previous years although an extra room was opened this year indicating a larger exhibition.

The quality of layouts was extraordinarily high, leading me to abandon my usual thoughts of choosing a personal best in show. Instead I'll highlight three layouts that depicted unusual scenes not normally seen at a model railway exhibition.

Moors View (N) depicting a wintry season

Buggleskelly (00) A diorama accurately depicting
the station from the film Oh Mr. Porter

Brief Encounter (00) All monochrome. Based
 on the 1944 film Brief Encounter

I made one planned and two unplanned purchases from traders. A bag of static grass to complete my Battledown Flyover layout, a 'morris minor traveller' car that took my fancy and the book 'Main Line To The West - Basingstoke to Salisbury' which has detailed historical information of the line, including Battledown Flyover.

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.

Basingstoke Model Rail 2024

Here we go again. Our annual visit to this show.

It is encouraging to see such fine layouts and bounteous, fully stocked trade stands. The hobby is not dying! Second hand rolling stock prices were mostly affordable for anyone entering the hobby or wishing to expand their rolling stock.

What was a surprise was the ease of parking on site and quick entry. We rolled up soon after opening on the first day. Usually, we don't attend at this time as invariably the car park is full with a long queue at the entrance to the exhibition itself . Not this time. The show was busy but, without uncomfortable over crowding.

Only one layout had been seen before. My top three favourites were:

ROPLEY. Faithfully modelled from the prototype of today. Liked this as it is a station we have visited several times. Always interesting to recognise the environs of a place well known to us.

BAMFYDEL. An authentic looking, uncluttered scene and yet it is an entirely fictitious location.

GRINDLEY BROOK. On entering the first hall we were confronted with this massive layout. Its size should not be surprising as it is a large station complex constructed in 7mm scale. In fact this layout occupied the entire centre space of the hall whereas in previous years you would expect four or five smaller exhibits. Traders stands were placed around the perimeter with (by contrast) a 009 layout stuffed into the corner of the room.

7mm scale done to this level of expanse and detail  can be easier on the eye than the smaller scales. Because of this it was my personal best in show.

Only a couple of 1mm drill bits were purchased from a trader. I could not find any in the local town shops, unless I bought them as part of a larger set that I don't need.

48th Farnham & District Model Railway Expo.

Plenty of quality exhibits and traders seen at this show. Unfortunately, with young, active grandsons to keep an eye on I did not feel able to study the layouts in detail (not a complaint). A couple of layouts had been seen before including Arun Quay which, was an inspiration for my own 0 gauge Corona Quay layout. Wanted to chat about this with Gordon (Arun Quay owner) but, he had been waylaid by another visitor who would not stop talking! I previously voted Arun Quay my personal 'best in show' at the Basingstoke expo. so, felt I should select another for this show.

I know there were some very interesting layouts that I only glimpsed while passing. Two that I did dwell on were Rossiter Rise (00). A London underground railway scene set above ground that was full of atmosphere.

My personal 'best in show' goes to Copper Wort (00). Now, I am not a great fan of Brewery scenes but the detail and quality of buildings on this layout is outstanding. Many industrial buildings (many more than in my photo) scratch built in plastic card and some with internal lighting that showed off internal furniture and décor. Must have taken a very long time to construct this layout.

I only had a pot of paint on my shopping list (duly bought) but, came away with a major purchase as well. For years I had been wanting a Bachmann Class 5MT Red Knight locomotive (only available from the after market). I wanted one because the Southern allocations took on the names of the King Arthur N15 locomotives after they were withdrawn. Low and behold here was a trader with a rare pristine model including accessories and name plates still in bags. I felt compelled to purchase it. A discounted price was non-negotiable so, I payed the asking price which, to be fair, is the going rate for it.

Anyone who has just acquired one and wants to know how to open it for DCC fitting visit this Trains of Thought Blog.

Class 5MT accessories and route discs installed. Awaiting a crew.

Basingstoke Model Rail 2023

There were five adults and five children in our party who made the annual pilgrimage to this show. Whilst there was a wide variety of layouts on show, and the usual traders, there were few layouts that excelled IMHO. I have been spoilt in the past by seeing exhibition layouts that exude atmosphere or were expertly crafted. That's the types that appeal to me.

So here we go with my top three. Before doing so I should comment that animated cameos were scarce, having seen only two operating level crossings and a flock of chickens that must be said was very realistic as they pecked vigorously at the grain. They were quite difficult to spot on the Dutch themed HO layout ZEEDIJK, due to their miniscule size. Overall, sound effects were scarce too and my 'best in show' layout  was old fashioned DC control rather than modern DCC.

Looking for a layout with some atmosphere brought me to BIGBURY-ON-SEA, a 00 gauge branch line station complex where trains leaving the station passed by a holiday beach scene before entering a stretch of countryside. It was nice to see a variety of landscape scenes on one layout, which whilst being fictitious could pass as an authentic place.

Next up is MELIN DOLRHYD A OO9 layout based on the mill at Melin Dolrhyd on the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway. Now this is a diorama in the true sense of the word. Simply a single track in a Welsh landscape, the scenic section being only about 1m long. Scenically very well done, yet unusually sparse for an exhibition layout.

My personal 'Best in Show' was WIMBORNE. A faithful reproduction of the actual station. Plenty to see on a very large layout (needs to be when accurately modelling the prototype!) with up to four trains operating at the same time across main lines and two goods yards. Strangely, and without knowing beforehand it was being exhibited at the show, I saw it featured by Chadwick Model Railway on YouTube earlier in the day. 

I had no shopping list this time but did come away with a Bachmann shock wagon impulse buy to add to my fleet of covered wagons. Prices of new locomotives were eye watering whilst second hand locomotive prices were acceptable. Towards the end of the day some traders were discounting their new items to make a quick sale.

47th Farnham Model Railway Exhibition

Staged in Aldershot. I only discovered it was on for this weekend (8/9 October 22) because the exhibition manager had posted details on SREmG.

Usually a good show because of the number of layouts and traders available to see. I was not disappointed. Unusually for me I had no purchases in mind (for the first time I think). I wanted to buy something but what? It was not until I was on my third walk around the exhibits and after the crowds had thinned that I could study unhindered traders' offerings. As a perused Squires trade stand my mind was jogged by some items seen that were indeed needed. I came a way with a track rubber, Code 100 joiners and thin nosed pliers. The latter to replace a pair I had been using for 50 odd years and is as knackered as me! Nothing exciting bought but glad I found them.

Of the 22 layouts on display these are the ones that appealed most to me.

Pencader (EM)

Raising the track above ground level always seems to be an attractive proposition because it causes the eye to focus on the railway line and its traffic. But, the main reason I liked this layout was the model buildings. Really crisp with intricate details in an attractive GWR colour scheme.

North Cornwall Brewery (00)

A model of two halves. About two thirds of the layout is the brewery and the rest a village. It was not the brewery part that attracted me though. It was the village. Exquisite modelling of a variety of building architecture placed in a very convincing life-like scene.

Redbridge Wharf (00)

I was taken aback by the size of this thing. The photo does not give it justice. A lot going on without being cluttered, probably helped by the vast expanse of water in this Hampshire dockside scene.

Sherton Abbas (7mm)

I stood for ages totally absorbed and transported into this miniature reality. When attention to detail is done as well as this in the larger scale it really surpasses the best of the smaller scales because small things are easier to see when they are bigger. Lozenge shaped and about 4 feet at the deepest point allowed the three dimensional landscape go deep in a layered approach (not captured in the photograph unfortunately). Just some of the detail included flocks of pigeons perched on the building roofs, rabbits on the embankment and telegraph wires installed.

This layout was my personal best in show and I voted for it in the election.

BNHRMS Exhibition

After a two year hiatus, due to the pandemic, and with some excitement we visited the Basingstoke show once again. I was struck by how familiar everything was. Warring nations and pandemics lost from our minds with only the occasional face mask wearer reminding us of reality. 

This time we went in the afternoon to avoid excessive early morning crowds and lack of car parking. Afternoons are a much more civilised time to visit. 

The usual mix of high quality layouts and the same traders were on show. It seemed to me that there was, however, a subtle shift in layout presentations in so far as the intricate animations of cameo scenes that were becoming popular at the last few shows we visited - things like moving people and smoke effects were absent (unless I missed them). It was a return to traditional railway modelling. I did not even hear many sound effects.

Three of the 20 odd layouts appealed most to me were:

Brankstone (00 gauge) was inspirational because it made optimal use of only about 2 metres length. It is a two level scheme where the foreground contained a locomotive depot and the upper level a separate end to end run. The loco depot is accessed from a gap in the retaining wall of the upper level and beneath this level was the fiddle yard. The upper level is a single track with storage sidings at each end hidden by the buildings. The operational interest is mainly  limited to the movement of locomotives in the yard whereas the upper level provides an unexpected appearance of a train appearing between the buildings on its run from nowhere to nowhere.

I seemed to think I had seen Bodmin (N gauge) somewhere before. Indeed it featured in another of my show reviews for Andover 2018. I'll repeat what I said then:

"Bodmin (N gauge) struck a chord with me as I visited the prototype. I remembered walking along the platform, chatting to the signalman at his box about the T9 languishing in the shed a little further down the yard. Now with a helicopter viewpoint I see the entire station complex with all the recognisable structures but in miniature."

My best in show goes to Dillmouth (0 gauge). It captured perfectly the atmosphere of a country station aided by the best layout lighting I have ever seen. Halogen or LED?  miniature flood lights bathed the scene with the most natural bright summer sunlight.

Of the three items I wanted to purchase only one was found (solder). But, I did come away with a prize from the tombola (Metcalf stone sheets).

Also, said hi to Steve Flint, who was peddling his Peco publications. He remembered our layout that he voted best in show in 2014 and latter published in his magazine.

COVID-19 Impact

This is the first year in 10 that my son, grandson and myself have not visited the Basingstoke & North Hants Model Railway Society exhibition. This saddens me because it has been an annual event for my grandson who has visited the show with us since his first year of birth (now 10 years of age). It also saddens me because if others have taken the same decision as us then attendance figures will be poor. I just hope the club covers its costs for the two-day show.

The show is usually very crowded with people in an enclosed environment cheek to joul. We just felt it was too much of a risk of infection as the new virus epidemic is due to go exponential in the UK. Having just viewed an enthusiast's video of the exhibits on YouTube he made the comment that it is the quietest Basingstoke show he has known, i.e. fewer people attending than normal.

So as not to be too disappointed I staged my own event in my railway room for my family, much to the delight of three grandchildren and fathers.

Stay well.

BNHMRS 36th Exhibition

This is becoming a pilgrimage. It is the 9th successive year I have visited this Basingstoke annual show. I know it's 9 years because my grandson has accompanied us every year since his birth.

We attended shortly after opening on the first day, not the best time because the crowds are horrendous at that time. Thankfully, the three halls of exhibits thinned out as the morning wore on affording better viewing of the layouts. I am in need of inspiration for my next project and hoped the show would reward me in this respect.

The extent of layouts, traders and modelling standards was very high, as usual. The Basingstoke club (who's exhibition it was)  was one of the competitors in 'The Great Model Railway Chalenge' TV programme and their winning layout Santa's Holiday - 00 gauge was on display. If you saw the TV programme you will know the teams were under pressure to build a fully working model railway within a couple of days. Watching the TV programme I was left with the impression that the builds were a rushed job resulting in poor quality modelling and unfinished look. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this layout was well finished and a worthy winner of their heat in the competition.

In choosing a personal best in show it is difficult not to ignore Copenhagen Fields - 2mm scale set in the 1920/30s. It is quite a coup for the Basingstoke club to show this famous layout belonging to The Model Railway Club, a London based club and the oldest in the world, I believe. It is a massive scale model of an urban area near Kings Cross station. London. The standard of modelling is very high. My attention was drawn to the finely detailed road vehicles because I had experience of scratch building 2 mm road vehicles and it ain't easy. Their efforts surpassed mine.

The layout has been on the exhibition circuit for a long time, reflected by a deep layer of dust that dulled the colours of the models.

I must ignore Copenhagen Fields as my choice for best in show. It has had plenty of  praise heaped on it by others already.

My best in show choice goes to Arun Quay - 7mm scale. I have said before that achieving a high standard of modelling in the larger scales must be a special challenge. Attention to detail cannot be ignored since every missing brick and blade of grass will be noticed. This model is only about 7 feet long (+ small fiddle yard) and yet it appears larger due to the thoughtful placement of objects that give balance to the scene. The track plan is comprehensive offering a wide variety of shunting movements, yet nothing is cluttered. In particular  I liked the treatment of the River Arun. The quay faces the back scene but stops a few inches from it. The river is part of the back scene, all expertly painted. The gap and drop between quay and back scene is a visual trick that gives the river perspective and substance. Building construction is very fine made from foam board covered in clay with each brick scribed on!

It was not until I read the exhibition booklet later that I learned the modellers of Arun Quay were Gordon and Maggie Gravett who created the acclaimed Pempoul that has appeared in magazines and on TV. That explained where the the high standard of modelling for Arun Quay came from.

Seeing the exhibition certainly excited me to want to start another modelling project but what to do I need to think hard about. I'm certainly drawn to 7mm scale having seen Arun Quay and others in this scale but cost and space may be prohibitive. (I already have five layouts in 00 and N!)

Andover Modelex 2018

I had a shopping list and decided to go to this exhibition as lower prices for second hand items can be found at events compared to ebay. I did pick up some items on my list but traders seemed a bit thin on the ground compared to previous years. There were also large voids in the two halls compared to previous years, which made me think either there were fewer exhibits or the layouts were on the small side. Never the less there was a good mix of a high quality exhibits.

Bodmin (N gauge) struck a chord with me as I visited the prototype last year. I remembered walking along the platform, chatting to the signalman at his box about the T9 languishing in the shed a little further down the yard. Now with a helicopter viewpoint I see the entire station complex with all the recognisable structures but in miniature.

There is something about fine scale layouts that stand out from the crowd. Instantly you recognise it as such from the finely modelled details and uncluttered appearance. Llangerisech (2mm FS) is no exception. It is an extremely well lit very tidy layout.

My personal Best In Show was Leiscester Belgrave Road (00 gauge). A truly massive station complex at 25' x 7'. It can be difficult to judge the scale of a layout this size. It is 00 but looks smaller to those of us modelling smaller footprints.

35th BNHMRS expo.

The problem with frequently visiting model railway shows is that you'll come across layouts seen at other exhibitions. That was the case at this show for several have already featured in my postings, being high quality layouts. This makes the job of choosing a new personal best in show difficult. I had been around the whole exhibition feeling disappointed that none stood out for me. (Of course, what is appealing is down to personal taste and for me it's layouts that look realistic with fine details.)

The last layout seen held my attention for some time and receives my best in show, which for the first time matched the official judges choice too. It is Lower Exbury (P4), one of only two finescale layouts at this show I believe, and in that is the clue as to why it won. Finescale means realistic looking, to scale.

At first glance it appears a minimalist layout that you might quickly pass by but study it closely and little cameo scenes surprise and delight the viewer.

Here is one, an exquisitely painted 4mm scale figure.

Another layout of note not seen before is Brixham Bay (N). The origins of the model has an interesting back story that I'll not go into here. Ask the exhibitor if you see it at a show.

I choose it because of the back scene design. I assumed it was a photograph, as is the trend,  but learnt it is an oil on canvas painting created by the modeller that took a year to create! Not only a skilled modeller but an artist too.

Photos Copyright 2018: Ed Smith.

Newbury MRC Expo 2017 Pt. 2

Newbury MRC decided to move their annual exhibition from February to October but rather than wait 20 months to the next one they staged it in October this year just 8 months after their February event.

Fuelled from my thoroughly enjoyable visit to the Farnham show in Aldershot earlier this month I decided to go to Newbury but with some trepidation as it is a much smaller show and with two in the same year I wondered whether there would be sufficient exhibits to make it worthwhile.

Well, it had about the same number of traders and exhibits as usual. Two or three layouts I had seen before and some looked a little 'tired' having been on the exhibition circuit for some time (I guess). Nevertheless there was a good variety of gauges and locations.


Unusually, my best in show does not go to a model railway but to a harbour village diorama (4mm scale) exhibited by a demonstrator of scenic modelling methods, namely Roy Hickman of 'Scenic Modelling'. His standard of modelling is very high using card from cereal packets and other scrap materials to make this diorama taking about 300 hrs and costing less than £7 in materials (not including people and vehicles). The photo shows about 25% of the whole.

A model railway layout of note was 'Southwick' (00 gauge). Plenty to see on this 18' vista (2nd photo),  including locomotives with sound.

Most of the locomotives were very heavily weathered, which for me was a touch too much though.

Farnham 43rd Expo. Oct 17

I was not too fussed about going this year but as little bro' was keen I tagged along for company - and I'm glad I did. Farnham is one of the larger shows in the south spanning 4 halls of an Aldershot school.

Why I enjoyed it was because of the standard of modelling that seems to be going from strength to strength. Most layouts were clearly built for exhibition and staged in a very theatrical manner.

Very difficult to choose a best in show. All of these shown here deserve high merit. But, I opted for Wadebridge (2mm finescale) simply because I fell in love with the Cornish town on visiting it this summer. We stumbled upon remnants of the station building (1st photo above) and Goods shed that oddly are now surrounded by housing. Here on this fine model can be seen the entire railway environs as it once existed and it is a much larger complex than I imagined. A fair part of the town is included, parts of which we had walked including the bridge over the river Camel.

Other exhibits of note:

 Denton Brook (7mm scale) is in the same vain as 'End Of The Line' reported in the Andover Expo. review since it too uses remote control vehicles. This time a  lorry and crane that is capable of moving cable drums without human intervention.

Arigna Town (7mm scale) very picturesque.













Addison Road (0 gauge). Yet another from the larger scales. They seem to have won my heart at this years show. This is a deep layout backed by a most impressive line of London terraces. In fact only half are shown in the photo. In front is the station throat. Not all of the platform length is modelled. The break is cleverly disguised by the station building footbridge.