Michael's Model Railways: Tonbridge with Loctern Quay

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Tonbridge with Loctern Quay

Today I took Loctern Quay to the Tonbridge show.

It performed well, other than the odd reluctant coupling (despite all the testing!), and received nice comments. The show was really busy in the morning, the afternoon more pleasant. It was a good show, a great selection of quality layouts and good trade support with useful suppliers. Good catering for exhibitors too! Some of my better photos snatched between operating sessions below. I didn't think to get a show guide, so I think I have the names of name all the layouts, but I may not and I don't have all the details!

I'd been impressed with Express Daisy Sidings (EM) when I saw it in Railway Modeller, and it was good to see it in the flesh. I liked the shunting move counter, operated by a reed switch and a magnet in the loco, perhaps I should get one for Loctern Quay?

I'd seen Bulldog Quay, Oare Creek (EM) develop on RMWeb, so another layout I was pleased to see. The superb model ships rather steal the limelight, but the pre-grouping trains were delightful too. Talking of light, my one criticism is that spotlights on a pole at the back corner are a terrible way to light a layout...

The Victory (OO) is another simple but delightful model. The narrow peninsular design made it stand out and the high viewpoint drew attention to the detail, but it was another difficult model to photograph because of the lack of backscene.

Tellindalloch in Autumn (OO) is another layout seen in Railway Modeller. The obvious feature is the Autumn forest setting, impressively modelled trees of a realistic and imposing height frame the scene nicely. The river is well modelled too, with twinkling lights to give the impression of flowing water.

I think this is Dublingham Goods (OO). A nice model, but strangely using 3-rail track (hand-built) and ancient 3-rail locos. I don't know why.

I think this is Surrey Arms (EM). Also with 3-rails, but that's because it is Southern electric. A fine model with subtle colouring.

Moors View (N). Dartmoor in the winter. Very impressive scenery, and can't have been easy to do this well.

The Yard (O, O16.5) - I've seen this before, but am always impressed and mesmerised by the operating lorries and crane. The actual trains are merely there as props to be loaded!