Allestree 2015
Entry posted by andyram
394 views
It has been a bit of a late start to my show visits for 2015. Sadly, due to my wife and daughter being ill, I missed the much anticipated Stafford show at the start of the month. As a result my visits for the year began with a much smaller show. This Allestree event has been around a long time having been organised by members of the church to raise money for church funds. Last year the event was taken over by the Famous Trains charity although, as I understand, the proceeds still go to the church.
This event is always a very friendly and intimate event. It often features a number of displays of heritage model railway stock and displays by some local amateur modellers as well as those more experienced exhibitors.
This year's event was much the same with a couple of older Hornby 00 gauge models. Alongside this there was a table top Thomas layout and a Hornby Track Mat style layout. Malcolm Hughes had a good display of older, boxed models alongside his N gauge suitcase layout.
In the main hall there was a small 00 gauge shunting puzzle which invited visitors to have a go for themselves. This, like all of the other models, succeeded in keeping things moving all the time which certainly entertains the younger visitors. All of the models were achievable by all and may just provide inspiration to some of the visitors to start their own project.
The Famous Trains group have succeeded in extending this event into a second room. This second area featured some more recognisable and more established show layouts. The Lenton Model Railway group brought their excellent Greenacre Sidings and their sound fitted Linden Halt which featured B.R blue and green diesel models. Two N gauge layouts completed the scene including Laurie's Lair which has appeared at a few shows recently. Each time I see this model more and more scenic features have been added. I wonder what it will look like by the time it appears at the Weston show in November.
The trade was limited to a couple of model railway stalls, with one quite sparsely populated. There was nothing to really tempt me to part with my cash. The Railway Bookshop was present too.
As always the event features excellent catering, at very good value. The bacon cob was very nice and the cost of that, a mug of coffee, a cheese sandwich and a glass of squash for my daughter totalled just £4.00. Some shows could take heed from such prices!
All in all a very enjoyable local show that once again manages to achieve its objectives. There was a good crowd so I hope it makes money for the church once again.
Here are my "light-hearted awards:
Best Layout:
Greenacre Sidings - an excellent shunting layout which is well lit.
Best model:
David Wright's scenic treatment of the Hornby disused cottage. Inspiration for my own modelling.
Disclaimer!
I thought long and hard about whether to write this post. Last year I took some, rather harsh, stick from some members of this site when I made some constructive comments about some shows I visited last year. Remember these views are my own opinions!
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