Lincoln Garden Railway Show

24/25th.February 2007

This is my second visit to this show. It is set in the Lawn Visitor Centre in the centre of Lincoln with the Castle as a backdrop and the Cathredral a short walk away. Both well worth a visit while you are there. There is plenty of parking available in the pay and display car park. As the proceeds of this event are going to charity  (Scallywags) the £4 entry charge is very modest you even get a chance to win an engine in the free raffle.

The first thing I noticed this year is that they have created more space without it seems visibly  compromising on the number of stands. This is my first show of the year and although at the moment the Dorchester Line is in pieces in the shed I was still looking forward to some tempting bargains and  ideas. Both were  ready available. The scene was set by the Black Dog mine layout which was in complete contrast to the MOD line of Wrekin  Havoc.

A glance around and who could miss Tuxcraft and Modeltown. Both continue to produce new products regularly. I could not resist the soapbox boys from modeltown and their building range is also good value. Tuxcraft buildings are virtually indestructable, especially now poor old Fred Dibnah is no longer with us. Lineside Delights is another stand that also has a varied stock of those little things that bring a railway to life. For a slightly more humorous touch to figures Busybodies was at hand.

Those stalwarts of the shows Bay Models, Back to bay6, Chalk Garden, and Martins Models were there in force. A new one to me Classic of Cleethorpes was well worth a close look and judging by the crowd round the stand  other enthusiasts thought the same.

As readers of these reviews will know I am a great fan of Walts Playmobil layout because of the enthusiasm and enjoyment it seems to generate. In a world of don't do this, don't touch that, it is good to see someone encouraging children to get involved and have a go. The smiles on their faces says it all. There is so much activity on this layout you could hours just trying to take it all in.

Timpdon is another layout that has some surprising effects and obviously an electonics wizard thinking them up. Again youngsters are enthralled when the bridge turns, a man pops up from a manhole and they get the chance to get their dad wet andlots more. Always plenty of activity on the layout. Kirtley Valley layout was showing for the last time.

The East Midlands Area group were representing G Scale Society and The Guage 1 Association were there. A good selection of books and Dvds were there. Dave's railway Videos/dvds certainly offers a wide selection. The scratchbuilders were not forgotten 301 track, Steve Bennett and I. P. engineering showed the way. Because this is a personal view  I tend to report on those that have caught my eye and I am sure that judging by the general busy atmosphere around all the stands Atropos, Tony Green Steam, Imp Models,Brian Jones , Glendale Junction etc. all played their part in a very excellant and enjoyable show for all the family. Topped off, for me, by the best bacon baguette I have had for a long time.

By Roger 2007.