Kenton Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Certainly not many people seemed to be complying with it.Good! can't have that sort of dictatorial mentality creeping into a public arena of railway modelling I sure the problem of lack of "modern image" (defined apparently as post 1970s) is that there are few good layouts out there. I'm also not convinced that "new"/"young" modellers are choosing that period. It is not simply nostalgia that makes us select a certain period. My own "favourite period" is 1910-1923 (and I wasn't alive then - despite the rumours) - So that wasn't ever "modern" to me. I guess in theory I should be modelling late BR - yet I CAN remember steam from the late 1950s. Many different things influence our choice of period. It will be the same for those coming into the hobby. I missed this show - too far to travel for a middle of the road show (my rating). It still looked to have some good layouts in attendance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted January 12, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 12, 2014 Onwards with my tour Then we pass Jerry (Queensquare) sat in the corner with some fine 2mm Midland locos. I'm looking forward to seeing these finished and fully lined. Hopefully you will be doing in fully decorated lake? Thanks for posting the photos. They will be in simplified lake c. early 1920s - except for the large goods (4F) which will be black. Full lake in 2mm!! - do you think I'm mad!! Jerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Lambton58 Posted January 12, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 12, 2014 I went on the spur of the moment Sunday afternoon and quite enjoyed it. Bit more crowded than normal but nice to see lots of families and small kids there. Some layouts were more appealing than others, but I generally liked the selection. Steam and early diesel works for me. Had nice chats with Missy and the guys from Hartburn. Ralph Lambton58 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightspark Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Onwards with my tour and apologies for the blurry photo's. There is a simple reason for this, I am rubbish at taking photos. Up on the gallery I had chat with Jonathon Hall doing some casting. Here my colleague entertained the idea of some New South Wales slatted vans. I also had a chance to meet Julia (Missy) and her impressive collection of superbly detailed and so tiny models. It puts my efforts to shame. The Gravetts' were up there too showing off tree making and Cat Gibbs with model figure painting. I do like the crying angel. Here we were diverted again by friends diversions. This time to China! Paul Stapleton had on display some models of Chinese Railways. I think my friend had a hand in setting up a steel works or something over there. Anyway this looks like another great project. Dragging myself away from these distractions I snapped the three layouts hiding up here. First was Temple Mills. A OO engine shed. Nice use of space and light. (sorry very blurry but then it was very dark, but hopefully you get the idea. Perhaps someone with a better camera got a good shot?) Then Pynton Tramway Co O9 7mm? running on 9mm track? Really nice. and the beginnings of Enigma Quay. A layout designed to fit above a computer desk. Tucked in at the other end of the gallery is Wotton by the Mile End Methodist Church MRC. This must be worth 10 points alone for being a church based MRC. How many of these are left? There is something about railways and Vicars that goes together. And still a nice little layout and shows what can be achieved in OO even with standard couplings. In my opinion a layout that could stand up against some "finescale" layouts. A view from the gallery of the stalls and the stage. Which is where we will head to next. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightspark Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Into the main hall we go. Boot 1:48 scale or 7mm 3/4" gauge. Based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. I think one of the top layouts there. Full marks for the backscene. This was an off white sheet with hints in washed out grey of the profile of a hill. It gives a good impression of a wet and foggy Lakeland view. I was also impressed by the quality of the track work and have tried to take a couple of close shots. Again apologies for the wobble cam. I think that this would have got my vote as best layout. It certainly ticked all the right boxes for me even though I don't model in this scale, that period, that gauge etc. Next onto Outwell. Again a nice pleasing layout that hit all the buttons and came a close second to the previous entry. As a keen cyclist I would like to nominate this for the model cycling award by the number of cycles outside the corner shop. What wins this is a good use of water and a sympathetic interpretation of the landscape and some nice little cameos of everyday life. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightspark Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 It is very poor practice to photos layouts under repair and then post it. So here is a picture of Graham Vickery quickly replacing a building after fixing a fault. I was trying to get the flash to go off in his face as well for even better effect. But as I say I am no good with a camera. The layout is Trewithick. Another crowd pleaser. A couple of quick shots of Stodden Hundred Light Railway And some of Lindhurst TT. Another nice little layout worth looking out for. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbishop Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Home after breaking down the exhibition. Thanks for all the comments - we do take note of them. A few personal highlights: 1. the best view of all was from the end of Salz, looking down the layout with the sunlight (alright, spotlight) dappling through the trees; 2. Roger Sawyer's soldering demo with eight year old kids "having a go"; 3. three first class modellers in a row on the stage, Cat Gibbs, Maggie Gravett, Julia Adams; 4. someone travelling from Switzerland to attend the show, our very own Flavio. Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightspark Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 The stage housed two roundy roundy layouts a picture layout a minimum space layout and Hartburn. The first roundy layout is La Baraque Sm, 1:64 running on 16.5mm gauge This just oozes French provincial life. I think this should be viewed with a glass of Vin Rouge a good Camenbert on some sourdough bread. From the same creator The Brickworks Hartburn a nice EM layout that seems to have a nice atmosphere about it. Even though it isn't very deep. The picture frame layout is Gouttieres. Nicely done and worth stopping to soak up the atmosphere. We leave looking at the other roundy layout Three Chop Roundup. I seem to have repeated others shots posted by others. But mine are much more blurry atmospheric! (edit: the last picture is out of sequence. It is La Baraque) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Cram Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Sure good modelling can be inspirational regardless of the era, but sometimes it's also nice to see some layouts from an era that you might prefer and can enjoy even more. It can't really be that difficult to ensure there is a reasonable balance to the periods. And to take the quality modelling analogy further (perhaps to extreme), why not include other modelling genres like military, sci-fi and ships, as, after all, "quality modelling is quality modelling" - and even in those fields it can also be appreciated. G. I.m sure you can't get any more modern than Salz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisf Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Did La Baraque remind anyone else of Pempoul? It certainly struck a chord with me and not just because Gordon and Maggie were present doing demos. Yours truly is no lover of Continental-themed layouts but that one caught my eye. I sat watching Holzapfel for a few minutes whilst putting the world to rights with iL Dottore. The terraced format appealed but the squeaky cleanliness did not. If anyone attending the show did not go to Missy's perch up on the balcony they missed a treat. One can use the word 'exquisite' only so often and this time it belongs to the Siphon G underframe which I gather has been discussed elsewhere on here. There is no doubt that the 2mm fraternity are using technology and innovation to great effect and in at least one case undue modesty. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamjamie Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I really enjoyed this year's show. As others have pointed out the quality of modelling pretty much superb throughout. Those who have chosen to give this show a miss because there wasn't enough this or that, or anything to interest them have missed out I think! In fact, having no previous interest in non-british prototypes, the two layouts I enjoyed most were Three Chop Roundup and La Baraque. Perhaps this is because they were presented "in-the-round", which I think is a great and more friendlier way to display layouts. Before seeing these layouts, this sort of presentation was the main reason for designing my two layouts (still under construction/development)! Obviously this style of presentation doesn't fit all kinds of layouts though. The atmosphere that La Baraque captured was stunning. Other highlights for me were Melton Mowbury and St Ruth. St Ruth especially because of their unusual, slightly 3D back scene! I thought it looked great! I also thought the sheep on Kirby Stephen (West) were excellent! I've never seen such realistic sheep flocking on a layout! As others have mentioned Julia Adams' modelling is just exquisite. I always love the programmes that St Albans give out (certainly better than some of the larger shows). They are always very detailed and most layouts have track plans - which are great for refreshing your memory again when you've gone! It would have been nice to include a few more pictures of this year's layouts (I suppose there were enough people with camera to take their own photos if they wished), although I get that the pictures of the layouts due to appear next year is to whet the appetite...! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANT Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Hello For me another great show put on by the CMRA, well done to all involved. I was there for most of the day on Sunday and we joined the queue up by the bank, which I think is longer than it was last year, though once the doors opened we were all in the show in a few minutes. Lots of layouts that I had not seen before, and many traders to tempt me, as there was a few show deals on the Kernow stand, and Charlie on DC Kits had an O gauge Western at the best price I have seen, which was very tempting, but I have to tell my self I need to hold out for the Dapol O gauge 08. Managed to pop next door to the pub for a light lunch and a pint of ale. The only purchase for me was an IOW 4 plank wagon from Wessex Wagons. The best layout for me was St Ruth on the stage. Thanks SEEYA ANT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Lambton58 Posted January 13, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 13, 2014 Into the main hall we go. Boot 1:48 scale or 7mm 3/4" gauge. Based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. I think one of the top layouts there. Full marks for the backscene. This was an off white sheet with hints in washed out grey of the profile of a hill. It gives a good impression of a wet and foggy Lakeland view. I was also impressed by the quality of the track work and have tried to take a couple of close shots. Did anyone else notice the cassette system Peter Kayzer had on Boot? I regret not taking a picture of it but I thought it was rather clever and well made. It was a normal aluminum angle on plywood affair but in short (ie wagon, loco, carriage) lengths that clipped together. The result was that the operator could make up trains, move stock about the fiddle yard without handling the stock. Genius! Ralph Lambton58 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asmay2002 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Did anyone else notice the cassette system Peter Kayzer had on Boot? I regret not taking a picture of it but I thought it was rather clever and well made. It was a normal aluminum angle on plywood affair but in short (ie wagon, loco, carriage) lengths that clipped together. The result was that the operator could make up trains, move stock about the fiddle yard without handling the stock. Genius! Ralph Lambton58 That was how the casette system was orginally designed to be made in the first place way back when it first arrived. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGC Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 This is a local show for me, but I don't go to local (or any) shows unless they've got something to offer. The venue may not be perfect, but it's better than many. The show has a very comfortable feel - I got hit by one rucksack and that was my fault! I've been to St. Albans for the last 4 or 5 years and I will keep going - it's one of the shows I don't want to miss. The mix of layouts is good (whether they fit my interests or not), the mix of traders is good and I reckon that any show that persuades a trader (Ten Commandments) to come all the way from Scotland can't be a bad show. Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2mm Andy Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Just back home after a weekend at St. Albans (and visiting family afterwards). First time as an exhibitor there and I thoroughly enjoyed it (especially the Sunday lunch!). Thanks to Jerry, Kim and Noel for helping on the 2mm stand so that I got the chance to have a bit of time to wander around the show, and to David, the exhibition manager, for the invite. I found it strange that the 2mm layout St Ruth was on the stage while the 2mm society stand was in the basement and Missy doing a 2mm demo was on the balcony I would have grouped these all together. The 2mm Scale Association stand was a bit of a last minute addition, so I guess we were fitted-in where there was a spare corner. The venue must be an exhibition manager's nightmare - so many awkward spaces and areas with less than perfect lighting. On the plus side, I think that it's nice that it's right in the middle of the city centre (with fairly good parking too). Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbe Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 This was a three hour round trip to see La Baraque and I wasn't disappointed. There is so much to learn from this layout about positioning buildings and framing scenes which applies to any scale, any period, any gauge. Perhaps people who didn't go because there own corner of the modelling universe wasn't covered could usefully look at something so different. Outwell, Pynton and Salz were added bonuses as was a good selection of traders for the modeller. While the location is awkward (this was my first visit), altogether a good day out. Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Much to see, and all of it enjoyable. The grouping of layouts on the stage was a very happy conjunction, and I got to practice my awful Dutch on the La Baraque team for added amusement. Operationally, every single layout in the show was performing well too, something that matters to an operations nut. Now, was the positioning of Kirby Stephen West under the gallery for a 'fell top' viewpoint deliberate or just happy chance? Whatever, it worked. On the subject of demonstrations, these are a consistently winning aspect of this show; the reason my wife enjoys going. She bought something too as a result, but I have to 'wait and see' as she has to try applying what has been learned. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbe Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Much to see, and all of it enjoyable. The grouping of layouts on the stage was a very happy conjunction, and I got to practice my awful Dutch on the La Baraque team for added amusement. Me too...poor people. Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 The parking was fine, in the block behind the Arena. Actually getting to it was terrible - St. Albans is busy at the best of times, but a shopping weekend makes the traffic very heavy indeed, not helped by the eejits who programmed the traffic lights years ago at the junction where High Street, Holywell Hill, London Road and Chequer Street all converge. If I recall correctly, only one side goes "green" at any one time, so basically you're in for a wait if you miss your turn - longer if the pedestrian "green man" phase is triggered. Fortunately, there are any number of back street routes you can use to avoid the queues - essential if you're driving a 30+ year-old car which doesn't like sitting in traffic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightspark Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Thanks for posting the photos. They will be in simplified lake c. early 1920s - except for the large goods (4F) which will be black. Full lake in 2mm!! - do you think I'm mad!! Jerry I don't normally take a camera to exhibitions but I like to see what I missed at other shows and always appreciate others photo's. Plus it is a chance to show what inspires me. Hopefully it may inspire someone else to take a look at something they hadn't considered before. Now Jerry, simplified Lake! Dull, dull, dull! I don't just expect full lake...I want a full Weatherburn finish! I will post the rest of the pics when I get time. Oh yes and Roger S introducing a hot soldering iron to kids...fantastic! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PenrithBeacon Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I did take my camera to the exhibition but found it too crowded, I just couldn't get to the front of many layouts. I had a shopping list for stuff I wanted from Eileens but gave up and ordered it online yesterday. I finally left after two hours, hunger and thirst driving me away as the 'cafe' was absolutely rammed. Anyway I did take a few, firstly 'Pertenhall and Swineshead: Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglian Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 This year I attended on the Sunday to avoid the madness that is St Alban's high street on a Saturday afternoon. My drive down from Cambridge was very easy with hardly any traffic and I parked up within a few minutes walk of the venue for £1. Yes, it was busy inside but not unbearably so. I think you just have to be a bit calm and patient when moving around. If it gets too much you can always pop out for some air and/or coffee/a pint and return refreshed. I bought a book and some bits from Eileen's and again I just think if you take your time you'll get there in the end. I write this as somebody who dutifully lined up for 45 minutes to see Hursley all those years ago at Central Hall. Now that was a busy show. I thought that Melton looked fabulous from all angles including when viewed down from the balcony. I was staggered by the work on the 2mm Assoc. stand of the three MR locomotives – amazing model making skills. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PenrithBeacon Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Lough Engine Shed A superb model, but the lighting was awful for photography! Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PenrithBeacon Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 'La Baraque' and for me the star of the show, just wonderful! Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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