Writing this on my way back from an excellent weekend at the Perth MRC 2014 show. Once again it was well worth the trip north to see numerous quality layouts (more on that in a minute) and meet up with some familiar faces from the Scottish model railway scene.

If you've never been to this show, I can thoroughly recommend it. Thanks to the efforts of Stan Moug and the Perth MRC exhibition team, the exhibition has grown in stature over the last few years and is now widely regarded as one of the best shows on the calendar. Layouts such as New Hey, Warren Lane, Midhurst, Hazelbank, Oxenhope and Laurencekirk (a few of this year's highlights) produce a high overall standard, but it's the relaxed atmosphere and Perth MRC's hospitality that help to make it a very sociable and enjoyable event.

For the same reasons it is popular with the model railway trade, and the event is well supported by a wide range of suppliers including DC Kits, Cheltenham Model Centre, Harburn Hobbies, DCC Supplies, Ten Commandments, Eileen's Emporium, Contikits and many more.

A few interesting snippets from the weekend that I hadn't come across before;

* Agenoria Models had several new kits on show including a North British 0-4-0 225/330hp diesel shunter for 7mm scale and a new 'BIG' range of kits for Gauge 1, Gauge 3 and 5in gauge. In preparation for release over the coming months are a Class 25 in Gauge 3 & 5in gauge, an LYR Pug for Gauges 1/3 plus a Class 08 diesel, 16t mineral wagon and BR 20t brake van for all three scales. Several other projects are proposed including the NBL 0-4-0 225/330hp diesel, a GWR 1366 0-6-0PT, Peckett Type E 0-4-0ST, Hunslet Austerity/J94 0-6-0ST, LMS Jinty 0-6-0T and a Hudswell Clarke 14in 0-4-0ST, plus others including (possibly) Class 37 kits for Gauge 3 and 5in gauge!

* Impressive large new speaker for DCC locos from sound specialist Legomanbiffo. Designed to fit into a bespoke resin underframe casting for the Heljan OO Class 26 (other classes will follow), it gives much greater depth and bass to the sound. Gives a sound more equivalent to an O gauge model. Contact DC Kits for info.

* Clockwork Ideas Plasser 08 Series tamper kit. Really impressive multi-media kit - look out for more on it in BRM soon. Again, available via DC Kits.

I'll post a few photos from the show later, but in the meantime thanks to David White, Stan Moug and the rest of the Perth MRC team for their generous hospitality and another very enjoyable show. See you again next year!

For more information about Perth MRC and the exhibition, see http://www.perthmrc.com