Tyneside Model Railway Exhibition

Drove down from Lanark early on Saturday morning (6 hour round trip!) to arrive shortly after 10am.  The first surprise was seeing my cousin showing his O gauge layout in the foyer (shown as east Glasson port authority on the programme but it wasn't that). Nice to have a chat with him as we've not met for a couple of years. Moving on to the main halls, there seemed to be plenty of space for viewing, helped no doubt by my being there so early. I'd driven down especially to see Grantham, Pelaw and Fencehouses having seen them in the mags and I wasn't disappointed so spent at least an hour swapping between the three. All three layouts exceeded expectations but it was also great to see Richmond in the flesh, it having only just appeared in print last month. I saw Alston in Glasgow in February and there's been no drop in quality. However,  my favourite (and I'm probably biased as I'm modelling the s&c) was Kirtley Bridge - what a superb layout, the quality of modelling and the atmosphere was outstanding. I think I spent around 3 hours at the show and was absolutely wrecked by the time I got home but it was well worth it. I'll be watching out for next year's dates to make sure they're kept clear.

Graeme

Having moved to the Borders in recent years this was my first time at the Tyneside show today and a very good show it was. Plenty of good quality layouts meant I arrived about 10.30 and finally left at 3.45 with only time for a cuppa away from the halls.  Managed to find a book I was after at a very reasonable price and a few other bits and bobs.  

Will have this in the diary for next year as a 'must see'