The Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers

 

Stoneleigh Park Saturday 1st. April 2006

 

 

I thought I was a victim of this day when I first arrived as the organisers had cunningly moved the show entrance from the front of the building to the side. At first glance I wondered if I had the right day. However the move seemed to work.

 

Stoneleigh Park  is accessible from most parts of the country and is well signposted. There is plenty of free parking and a free shuttle bus is also provided from Coventry.

 

Although this show was primarily aimed at 16mm, as it is their AGM, there was plenty to offer us G Scalers. Non members are welcome and the £4 entry fee is well worth it. Every entrant was given a show guide and information pack.

 

Inside there were nearly sixty stands and six layouts. They were well spaced out with lots of room for the large crowd of visitors to move round comfortably and see everything. There certainly was a lot to see.

 

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Roundhouse and Accucraft had a good selection of steam engines on display. Tuxcraft had their ever expanding range of concrete buildings on display if you were quick enough to see them before they were sold! I did manage to bag the last of the ruined castles.

 

There were lots of small stands displaying their proud owner’s skills. I was particularly impressed with Binnie Engineering.

The actual detail on his very original models was fantastic and even more amazing when I discovered they were carved out of wood. I just wish I had the patience and skills to produce something half as good.

 

Tools2000 were there with all the bits and bobs you need to keep the railways running. A wide selection of stands offered scratch built items like transfers, linings and brass castings etc.  Plenty of kits, buildings and rolling stock and ready to run stock were readily available at competitive prices. Not forgetting the little people to populate our railways.

 

Also available were a variety of books, dvd’s and videos, games and garden plants to add some real life scenery to our garden layouts.

 

In the main hall there was a dazzling display of Garretts on the Ttarrag Shed layouts put on by the Garrett owners group. These are really wonderful engines rattling around the track.

 

Catering was available from meals in the restaurant to a very nice cream scone and tea in the Coffee Shop. I have to admit I did miss the Burger Bar that has been outside for the last couple of years as his bacon rolls were superb.

 

All in all then a well organised and well run show that was a really good day out. It is one I will be marking on my calendar for next year.

 

Ps I wore my G Scale Mad badge with pride and apart from the Boss (Jason) I only bumped into one other forum member. I hope to see more at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

 

 A personal view from Rambling Roger.