Of course this was the first time I'd loaded Hexworthy into the car, and indeed I'd changed cars since I started building it back in 2017, so I was glad it fitted - it was a bit tight! The exhibition was relatively local so getting there was easy, and unloading and set-up was stress free even though I was on my own at that point. It all went together well and everything worked too. There were a few minor snags - dodgy couplings despite the testing (and one that fell off), a loco that didn't want to run then did, and a short that couldn't be traced then went away as mysteriously as it came!
The layout got a lot of complimentary comments, the playground attracted a lot of attention, and people seemed to like the details and the smooth, slow running. A big thanks to fellow Sussex Downs group member Edward Mallory for helping out, he did a good job of operating and with practice we both got better at finding the uncoupling magnet first time. With his help we got packed up in 20 minutes.
It was nice to see this new German HO layout by Simon Hargraves, compact and simple it is nicely finished and with some unusual (to British eyes) stock.
Svanda, the Norwegian HO layout by Nigel Hill and Chris Ford doesn't seem to get out as often as it should. An unusual subject, attractive scene, and nice smooth running.
Ferness (1:32, 16.5mm gauge) is another Scottish estate-railway style layout by Ian Roberts, compact despite the large scale which allows lots of detail.
Shellsea Harbour (OO) by Giles Barnabe is one of those layouts I think I'd like to build. Attractively set with scratch-built buildings, an interesting track plan despite being compact and without loop, and some quirky light-railway style trains.
More photos of the layouts can be found here.
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