G Rail

Ken Marriott Centre, Rugby

22nd. April 2006

 

Right from the start my hats go off to the organisers of this show for their hard work in bringing it together after the late cancellation at Avon Valley School. Last year they had to cope with a fire at the school. I wonder what is coming up next year. My old mum always used to say these things come in threes. So be prepared Steve!

 

For me this was one of the best Grail shows I have been to over the years. The stewards I came across were all helpful and friendly and not to officious. My thanks go to this group of volunteers who keep things running smoothly, mostly in the background. The member’s sales team did a good job keeping all us avid bargain hunters under control in the nicest possible way.

 

Being part of the Thames Valley area group I was pleased to see the stands of the other groups. It never ceases to amaze me how differently we all model and work our railways. How some people can get so much into and out of a tiny plot and still they have as much, if not more, fun than those with massive layouts. (Sorry starting to ramble).

 

My favourite layout of this show was the G Scale Scotland layout which I think produced the real flavour of the area right down to the marching Band. The G Scale Society, Corby and District, Hampton End, Surrey Area group, and Big Cat Mining Co. all had excellent layouts on show.

 

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LGB, Bachman and Accucraft were there to represent the manufacturers and those solid bands of traders were there in force to help you part with your money. 3.0.1 (track), Railroad (jigs etc)  and J. A. Replicas represented something for the scratch builder.  Although this show is more for ready to run enthusiasts there are plenty of ideas to take away and it is a good excuse to buy something new and socialise.

 

It is well worth joining the G Scale Society for the princely sum of twenty pounds a year, you get free entry to this show. You could save this money by one purchase at the member’s sales stand.  You get access to a wide range of open days in area groups and a quality quarterly magazine. Check out their website for more details.

 

It was good to see a fine body of men (and women) from G Scale Mad there. I think they made their presence felt and it is good to be able to put a name to a face. Mrs. Boss was very grateful, that because of all the meeting and greeting Jason did, his spending was curtailed to one single second hand engine this time.

 

The next show is the Large Scale Show in Reading on the 6th. May followed by the Merstham Steam show on the 13th. /14th. May.

 

A personal review by rambling Roger.