Live Steam Model Railway Show

Kew Bridge Steam Museum

19^th. /20^th. November 2005

This must be the most unusual and awkward place to stage a railway show. But at the same time it is a must for the real steam buffs to see the mighty static pumping engines in full steam is a memorable sight. The entry price incorporates a view of the museum exhibits as well and means you actually get two shows for the price of one.

Space is limited for large layouts but there were several interesting ones there including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Much Grumblyn Railway, Rico Luno and Kew Bridge.

The trade was represented although some of them appeared in some tight spaces especially Martins Models. GRS and Kent Garden Railways were in the Marquee. Imp models had a very impressive display of live steam engines. The Brandbright stand soon had me reaching for my wallet. There were several other traders for those specialist bits like Blackham transfers and Lightline.

One of the interesting trade stands was Garden Rail Systems who have introduced their Interlink system for laying track bed and their Track Up system for raised sections of track. You can check it out on their website www.gardenrailsystem.com/

Jon’s Models and Perfect World always seem to have something or someone your railway is just crying out for. Several Railway Preservation and Trusts were represented as well as a number of book stalls. So if your interest was model or full size railways your interest was covered.

If you braved the cold outside there were model steam rides provided by the Ickenham and District Society of Model Engineers and also the museum’s narrow gauge engine Cloister operated by the Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Society.

Although the Museum only has a small car park there is plenty of free parking nearby. For once I cannot comment on the catering because there was a bit of a queue so as I live fairly close by I did not use it. But there was a café service and also a tea and cake/sandwich stall available. Stewards and staff at the museum were friendly and helpful and the show was even opened early to save us enthusiasts waiting in the cold.

ROGER PALMER 2005

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