Merstham Model Steam Show

13^th. & 14^th. May 2006

I never seem to tire looking at steam engines their sheer power and quaintness in this modern microchip age seem to hold a fascination for a young and old and of course there is the smell! This a show for the family with train rides, submarines, and a homemade sweet stall for the smaller members and me. The bric-a-brac stalls, homemade cakes and dolls house models appealed to my wife and allowed me to sneak a few purchases in. There was even wine tasting.

There is a big emphasis on the model boating and a lot of stalls represented this but there were still a good selection of our favourite traders tempting us to spend, spend, and spend. There was a large bring and buy stand and although I went on Sunday there were still some bargains to be had. Overall there was a balance between the differing scales from n gauge to 71/4 scale.

It is nice to get a chance to see some of the work by the various railway preservation societies too.

My favourite part of these shows is the layouts, as the incredible work that must go into them in the first place is inspiring let alone the fact they have to be erected and dismantled and then fingers crossed the trains keep running. I often think I am a bit of a jinx because trains often seem to derail at my approach with camera. Sorry about poor pictures but without the boss in charge of direction I fail miserably as a photographer.

This is a well organised show, with plenty of parking although the field was a bit rough with long grass. Entrance fee of £5 was good value and I always appreciate a plan and list of traders etc. This year the catering was outside and luckily the weather was good. Although the food was basic it was very good and a well deserved pat on the back to the cheerful team that certainly worked hard.

One of the nicest surprises at this show was to meet forum member jaybe all the way from Cyprus. There’s enthusiasm for you!

We have had a run of shows and not only is my bank balance thinning down but my own railway is looking a little neglected at the moment and there is a growing backlog of models to be made up and painted.

This is a personal view by rambling roger.2006.