Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending 'Expo2mm' at Wallingford. Held in the local sports ground apart from the modelling there was the advantage of 'Doom Bar' at the bar and the 'Lions' first Test against the Aussies!

Several of the layouts on show will be familiar to many RMWeb readers - but it was nice to see them in 'real life' so in alphabetical order -

'Calne' (or 'Smokey Bacon' in the 'layouts thread). Nice to see that Steve has reached a point where scenic-ing has become a distinct possibility - and he has a nice new shed to do it in! 'Calne' was linked to 'Witney Euston' (of which more later)!

David Eveliegh's 'GE' - based operation - long rambling branch across the wilds of East Anglia... One can almost feel the wind off the North Sea!

I last saw 'Freshwater' at the 2mm AGM last September. Ian then was quite apologetic that it was a 'static exhibit' as he was busy re-wiring the layout. The work was obviously worthwhile, as the running exhibited this weekend was extremely good. On with the scenics then!

Any introduction needed?? 'If 'Highclere' is an example of 'modellers block' I wish I had the same problem - and it looked even better with 'GW' liveried loco running on it.

No apologies for 'Highclere at night' - the Tilleys even flickered!

Again another layout familiar on these pages. It was the first time I'd seen the layout 'in the flesh' and it has to be one of my favourite stations (I'd actually considered modelling 'Marazion' - the next station up the line - but couldn't find space in 4mm). Running to a sequence which was displayed on screens allowed sense to be made of the movements (better than the often-seen 'flip-over cards!).

And finally -

I don't know why, but the temperature always seems to drop a few degrees as you aproach Mark's exhibit! A beautiful layout with an unusual but very well done scenic theme...

And finally finally -

The evening Barbie...

I got the impression by the time I left at 10pm that a late-night 'session' was commencing - helped no doubt by the availability of free camping! Unfortunately domestic duties on the Sunday called!

My personal thanks to the team that organised the event, and to the operators who gave up their weekend (and in the case of Henk Oversloot at least) and travelled long distances to entertain and inform us. Whilst there were few 'organised' demo's all exhibitors were more than happy to take time out to explain interesting features. Having attended 'ExpoEM' in the 'early years' - this show had the same 'family' feel to it. Long may that continue.