Garden Railway Gala

Llanfair

September 2^nd. And 3^rd. 2006

This is perhaps considered to be one of the main shows of the garden railway year and forms part of the Welshpool and Llanfair Railways Gala Weekend. So you can step from the model versions of steam engines to the real thing. There is even a free minibus to save you the walk.

I attended on the Sunday and there seemed to be either less people there or there was more space to get around as in previous years I have found it difficult to get around and browse some of the stands. The Leisure centre is quite a maze of rooms but each room has a selection of stalls or displays to provide a really good friendly atmosphere.

It is a bit of a hobby horse of mine I know but a show guide would have been really useful and as this show was organised by Atlantic Publishing it should not have proved too difficult to produce. A simple guide with contact addresses is helpful especially when you remember something you have seen after the show and would like to contact supplier.

Apart from the usual group of traders who are the mainstay of these shows and always have some bargain you cannot resist. And although you promised yourself this year you were just going

to look you soon find yourself reaching for the credit card or cash. Even though I had some pre orders to collect I was still tempted here and there. Thanks to I and G Steam and Pendlebury Models for their help.

There were the super layouts of Timpdon Sheds  and Rowlands Hill, and  a large display layout of LGB stock running some long trains. As I was watching the LCE train was running sideways on two tracks which was different if unintentional. Not forgetting the fun layouts of Gwizz and G on a string.

I did manage to meet a couple of Gscale madders wearing their badges with pride. I was showing off my Gscale mad sweatshirt from Tuxcraft (loco stitch).

This show is worth a visit especially if you are a steam enthusiast. There is plenty of free parking and very helpful and friendly stewards to help you park. The entrance fee is good value at £5 (even without a show guide!). There seemed to be a good variety of food on offer in the cafeteria that was reasonably priced and also a tea trolley wandering about.

This is a personal view from rambling roger