Just my 2p worth,
I always enjoy going to ally pally show, it's a chance for me to catch up with friends who are spread around the country and see a good mix of layouts (from the work-in-progress to the sublimely finished top drawer, all of which have their place in the hobby).
The sheer size of Essex Beltlines blew me away and my first thought on seeing the fiddle yard was that my bank balance would have a major coronary trying to fill a FY of a similar size.
I hope that when I/we finish building the new UMRC 'N' gauge layout (see link at bottom of my signature) there might be the possibility of an invite.
It was also rather nice to have a sociable chat with Mr Y when he was outside having a crafty burn