National Garden Railway Show 2007

The Association of 16mm narrow Gauge Modellers

Saturday 31st March 2007

Stoneleigh Park

Stoneleigh Park is near Coventry and is easy to get to from all areas of the country. A vintage bus was laid on from Coventry Station. This year it was held in a different hall from the last couple of years and I think overall I preferred the old halls but I am sure from an organisational point of view it is much easier to have everything in one large hall and this also, of course, made it easier for those with mobility problems. But to me some of the atmosphere of turning a corner and finding something new was part and parcel of this show. I liked the idea of plenty of seating dotted around the hall for those of us getting on a bit.

The free bag and guide on entering are a plus point. For 16mm members this is their AGM and they have a members sale stand and a model of the year competition. This is modelling to a very high standard.

With seven very different layouts on display there were ideas for everyone.

My layout of the show was one of the smaller ones Wags Wharf a charming little scene that I felt really captured the spirit of modelling we are all trying to achieve.

I had great difficulty getting anywhere near the Accucraft stand such was the interest in their range of well produced good value models. The Roundhouse  stand was equally busy. I keep wondering whether to take the plunge and have a go at making one of these super engines. I hear good comments from people who have had a go and all seem to have overcome any awkward parts of the construction.

As usual I umd and aard over spending my money and end up not buying very much at all. Putting off purchasing for another day  another show. There are plenty around this time of year. But Lineside Delights  won me over with their ever increasing range of small well delighted models that enhance any railway and bring out that real character.

With over sixty stands there was something for everyone and well worth the fiver entrance fee for us non members. Plenty of easy accessible free parking. I cannot comment on the catering as there were very long queues to both  catering outlets I gave up . I thought I was in luck when I saw a board outside pointing me to restaurant but after following two signs it turned out to be closed. A whole procession of people followed me and were equally disappointed. This was the parks fault and not the shows fault.

Those of you that know me know that I do like my bacon rolls and cup of tea. However this in no way detracts from an excellent well organised show and judging by the large number of visitors  of all ages inside the hall it was a success.

Don't forget to check out the video review of this show over on the VIDEOS Page.

 A personal view from Rambling Roger.