Dave Goddard

Went to see this today with my girlfriend and her daughter, and WOW. This railway - let's face it it can hardly be called a layout - is like nothing I have ever seen before. The work, time and finances that have been poured into it have produced a jaw-dropping result, and nothing prepares you for just how massive it is when you walk into the hall. Diesels of all ages, faithfully modelled and with correct sounds, plus the occasional steam engine make their way around a landscape so faithfully produced from its creator's memories, and Simon (who is a genuinely nice guy and was happy to chat to onlookers when not busy running his railway along with his colleagues) has added a couple of personal touches to it as well. Lots of information boards provide background and insight into its construction, and even those not into railways can enjoy it and will be fascinated. Having not visited Wakefield before I can report that it's a decent city too - parking was easy and less than a fiver for up to 12 hours in the car park I found (almost next to the bus station) and there are lots of shops and eating places. If you are able to, make sure you go and see this railway on display before the exhibit closes on Sunday!

I was sharing the train with a trio of girls on their way to Comic-Con, I almost took a diversion before heading to Hall 5 to go and see what their show was all about as some of the costumes I saw looked absolutely fantastic. Combine that with all the bike nuts in branded shirts and race gear going to Motorcycle Live and the horde of Aston Villa supporters also on my morning train, and it certainly was an interesting day with a great mixture of humanity.

Redkite - many thanks for the photos, that shows that despite spending all day there today there is still loads that I missed! Ebsworth Street certainly impressed me with great modern image modelling and some lovely lighting, and I was very impressed with all of the MOMING section especially the very simple but effective canal wharf model (Hook something I think it was called? I am rubbish at remembering names sorry!)

Just home from a really enjoyable day at the show - thanks to all the exhibitors for making it an excellent day out. Highlight for me had to be seeing Liverpool Lime Street in the flesh - photos on here really don't do the quality and level of detail justice, yes it may not be great for actually seeing trains running but as a model and as a monument to Liverpool's heritage it is stunning. There were many other highlights for me but I am struggling to remember any names unfortunately as there were just so many layouts to see - will look forward to seeing lots of photos!

Unfortunately I missed the official meet-up due to being busy chatting to a colleague over lunch, but it was nice to put a face to the name today Les

In response to the above - this has probably been covered dozens of times on here already, but where is the layout used for filming the Thomas episodes located, and what scale/gauge is it?

I will do my best on Sunday, look for the guy in the black trilby

I will be heading down on Sunday all being well, have not had any time to focus on rail-related stuff due to work this year so a day out at the NEC will be a nice relaxing diversion once again. I may not need a name tag though, as I might just wear my black trilby to be easily recognisable. I never take the day seriously - just go in, wander around and look at as many layouts as possible. I am especially looking forward to seeing the amazing Liverpool Lime Street monument in person (well let's face it, it's far more than a model railway, it's a working monument to the heritage of Liverpool). And a reminder for those who enjoy a spot of motorsport - on Saturday evening there is a banger race meeting at Wheels Raceway, near Adderley Park station

I'll be there may be up for joining the Circle if my schedule allows too.

This thread is wonderful - a fascinating account of a remarkable railway system (much more than just a model railway) with a quite superb method of operation. Piecing together all the factors of different industries and their co-operation, integrating transport within them and factoring in what goods was needed for each one and at what times...this could almost be a module in a Business Studies or Logistics degree. The paragraph headed "The layout is no more..." actually quite saddened me, but I am looking forward to following the resurrection of this superb project - best of luck!

How have I missed this thread before? I was born in Sandwell and spent the early years of my life in Great Barr - is that slightly over the Birmingham border from the Black Country? I need to get more involved in the debates in here! Yow doe spake proper

Your narration of these photos is very beautiful, a wonderful way to follow such an atmospheric project.

Have a tamper... Next: a French locomotive.