In an effort to escape the problems on my own layout (see future post), I sought solace last weekend at Sutton Coldfield.  Glad to see it is now rather easier to reach by public transport.  Realising quickly (a) how difficult it is to photograph a layout that captures its atmosphere accurately, and (b) it is impossible to photograph every one, I offer (sadly mediocre) photographs of three.

Being a declining wagon-load goods yard in B.R. Blue, it was inevitable 'Clackmannan Goods' was the layout I wanted to take home with me.  I see how it is designed to put the shunting in the foreground, and uses two fans of sidings.  The air of dereliction was captured beautifully, and by using 'less as more'.  I.e., instead of crowding the mileage sidings (as I have) with lorries, figures, and loads, all is bleak and empty, with a few cameos of coal-yard equipment, pallets, and a couple of skips.

'Towcester' had a wonderful cameo I will 'borrow' of steel coils being un-loaded, and looking rather better than the models I have.  Again, lovely 'brown stock' running, and a compact goods yard with a siding either side of the old goods shed, one from each direction.  If only I had the space and cash to make an offer for it...

'Wellpark' was a beautfully observed 'cramped' location, with a couple of derelict scenes: an abandoned shed(?) and a 'King's Cross York Road-style' platform tucked away.

I was glad of the opportunity to talk briefly to Mr Si Bendall about his splendid 'Modelling British Railways' 'bookazines', published by Key Publishing, Ltd.

https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/modelling-br-wagonload-formations

Pleading for a supplement to v.2, 'Wagonload formations' (China clay, Timber, Nuclear flasks, Scrap metal, and Cargowaggons), I hope he might make up for a copy I never found to buy of v.1 of 'Moving the goods' ('Railways of Britain' ser., Kelsey Media, Ltd.).

https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/product/moving-the-goods-1-serving-the-community

'Wagonload formations' being an excellent source of inspiring photographs, Mr Bendall told me the pubishers are influenced by locomotives being modelled, so he is reliant on them.  I had no idea this was how such monographs are marketed.  Whom should I lobby...?

Despite resisting the second-hand stall on the stage, I still spent my day's budget, not helped by twenty-five per cent. off Dr Michael Rhodes's 'From gridiron to grassland : the rise and fall of Britain's marshalling yards', Sheffield : Platform 5, 2016.  2019 repr.  I remember buying the previous 'Illustrated History' at a 'Brighton Model World' nearly thirty years ago.

Thank you to all the D.E.M.U. members who organised this show, the exhibitors, staff, and venue volunteers, and made it such a success.  I hope it thrives, and am looking forward to 2023's show.