National Festival of Railway Modelling at the NEC

There was quite a large show fitted around the Peco Rail200 stand! It has been many years since I have got to an exhibition at the NEC, and there is certainly enough to occupy a day there. Now run by Warners/BRM, there were a few attractions for kids like the ride-on train and Kato mini-module making, and the get-a-marble-in-the-train game. And why not? There's plenty for older kids too, with around 60 layouts you didn't have to like everything. Lots of trade too, including some of the big RTR manufacturers. I'd like to see more small suppliers/manufacturers able to attend, but there was quite a variety and I picked up a few odds and ends. Rapido took the limelight with a 1:1 model of a future release...

There was also a "theatre" with a schedule mixing videos with live speakers, I was a little cynical but actually found it quite good. I caught part of a panel of YouTubers (not that I spend much time on YouTube), a weathering talk, and a Q&A with Simon Kohler (ex-Hornby). I will admit I found it a useful place to sit and have a coffee or sandwich! Nonetheless, it made it feel more like a convention than just a show. 

With so many layouts I focused on those I liked or inspired me, not that the others weren't good too, but there was something for everyone. Anyway, here are some that caught my attention, starting with the narrow gauge layouts of course. For some reason, the show guide doesn't give the layout owner/builder's name.

Ashover Butts (009) - David Wright

Millthorpe Light Railway (009)

Donnersbachkogel (HO, HOm) 

Shadows of Exmoor (NG7 / O16.5), with both Lynton and Barnstaple modelled.

Penrhyn Quarries (10mm:ft)

Lynnbach (009) - Ian Arkley

Kreuzweg (HOm)

Dawlish Warren (N)

Shepherdswell EKR (OO), modelled on the Colonel Stephens line. 

James Street (N). This is a huge, busy, and finely modelled layout, but for me the harbour stands out. I saw it at Chatham and was impressed then too, though you do feel like you need binoculars to see it all!

Hassel Harbour Bridge (O) - Alsager Railway Association. This bridge must be about 5' tall, and there's a working wagon lift on the right.

Brick Coast Main Line (Lego) with an even bigger bridge!

Stern Point (O) - inspired by Spurn Point it is characterfully bleak, with lighthouse.

Ullapool (O)

Richmond (N) - Peter Brown

Shelfie 2 (OO).

Strood Dock (O). Both loco and Clyde Puffer emitted smoke.

Donaghadee Railway Station (OO), based on a station in Northern Ireland, with a superbly modelled harbour and lighthouse.

Eastgate Harbour (OO), the detailed ship models rather steal the attention from the trains, though there is a harbour station on the right. This layout also had a lighthouse - I made that 3 in one show! 

More nautical modelling, I particularly liked the Jaws reference! In the distance, sheep on the quayside moved in their pen while making sheep noises, and the Lyceum Theatre had a detailed interior with organ and audience.