Merstham Model Steam Show

St. Nicholas School

19th. / 20th. May 2007

I visited the show on Sunday and as part of the show is outside the weather was really good. there were plenty of clear signs to direct you to the show.  Entrance fee was £6 with plenty of free parking and helpful parking attendants. On checking with a very nice lady in a disabled scooter she assured me she could get around easily although a few more would have been helpful. Most of the stands were clearly visible for young and old.

This show is a real hotch potch with something for everyone. A show guide would have been useful as there were lots of stands spread over marquees, halls and tents. Toilets could have been better signed but that is only a minor niggle and more than compensated by the vibrance of the show itself. There was a secondhand stall but by attending on Sunday there was not much there. I think because there is so much space at this show that all the traders seem to have a lot to offer than at some shows where space is extremely limited.

This is a multiscale show from the big sit ons to the 00 guage and everything in between, including boats on the swimming pool, with a re-enactment of the sinking of the Titanic complete with iceberg. A fairground organ, dollshouse items, meccano, bayco (I still have some in my loft), wonderful homemade cakes especially the fruit loaf., sweets and wine, charity stalls, preservation stalls, bouncy castle and if that was not enough there was still room for all the regular garden rail  stall holders. I think I managed to purchase something off most of them. As people who know me will know my railway is in the process of a complete rebuild at the moment and I am looking for those little sundries that bring the layout to life and Lineside Delights, Modeltown and George Turner Models certainly gave me food for thought and now I have some models to assemble or paint. I am sure that I will get round to it once the track is finally positioned.  Busy bodies, Jons and  Imp Models also have a good selection of people etc.

I must be one of the few railway enthusiasts that go to a railway show and come away with an model Austin seven and a Bedford OB coach . But bargains are bargains thanks to Back to Bay 6 and Bay Models. Look out for Jason's review of the Tuxcraft Engine Shed, as always their range is excellant value for money. Although I am reviewing my rolling stock at the moment Chalk Garden, Kent Garden and Martins models are always worth a check as well. For those looking for something different in the wagon line check out NDR Carriage works if you get a chance.

I loved the steam engines on the Indian Hill Railway although I think my layout of the show must be BGRS layout. This is  because these enthusiasts turn up at so many shows and always can be relied on to put on  a good display. I do wish they would dump those plastic flowers though!

Good well priced basic catering as well made this day a truly family day out and a thanks must go the organisers and helpers for a well run show.

This a personal view by rambling roger.