We held a very successful Modelling Day at Mickleover in January, where much tea was drunk, much bacon and cake was eaten and a good time was had by all. Whilst the numbers through the door were very slightly down on last year, our food sales were up so increasing our seating area around the food counter appears to have worked.
We had layouts in 009, SM32, O9, O14, O-16.5, O standard gauge (both British and American), On2, On3 and even O-24.5 with some Kinver Light Railway tram models running on scale 3ft 6in gauge track. Plus, three traders, Association Sales, TVAG second hand sales and Adrian demonstrating etched origami.
Trade wise, EDM Models had the first of their O14 converted Lionheart L&B models running round the test track all day. Iconic Rail had the first of their Corris four-wheel tram car kits for sale and 422 Modelmaking had their recently introduced O9 range for sale.
And now for the layouts. The first layout that most would’ve seen was TVAG member Andy Basford, who brought along his embryonic O9 layout that he operated alongside manning the door.
TVAG member Jim English brought along his O9 layout ‘Quarry Yard’ an O9 layout by Jim English.
Peter and Arline Wilson brought along ‘Derwent Road’ also in O9.
The West Midlands Area Group of the Association brought along their modular layout in O-16.5.
The Lincolnshire Area Group of the Association also brought along their O-16.5 modular layout ‘The Lindsay Light Railway.
In 7mm scale standard gauge we had ‘Elsbridge’ – 7mm standard gauge steam tramway built by the late Neil Blair. Mostly in the care of TVAG member Andrew Young, he made sure that he didn’t run out of the excellent cake baked by Mrs Young!
Two standard gauge layouts had very similar names. Black Swan Wharf by Peter Garrett.
And TVAG member Phil Traxson brought along Black Drake Wharf.
Two new American projects were exhibited by their creators, David Rae with his standard gauge New England Short Line
Whilst Bob Harper brought the latest instalment of his Railroad empire in On2 and On3.
At the opposite ends of the scale spectrum, TVAG member Simon Jones had his 16mm scale narrow gauge shunting challenge that he first put together for the local Church fete.
TVAG stalwart Brewmaster Mike Bellamy is seen here having a go in a rare break from the kitchen.
Along with local modeller William Plant with his 009 recreation of the Rev Awdry’s Mid Sodor Railway.
Kevin Hughes showed us the latest progress with his ongoing scratchbuilding odyssey of Kinver Light Railway electric trams, 7mm scale true to scale gauge 3′ 6″ gauge.
After everyone had gone and we had vacated the hall. A few of us adjourned to my local curry house for a debrief over some fine Nepalese cuisine and raise a glass or two to an enjoyable day. Our need for a modelling day like this to lighten the dark winter months is clearly shared by other members and we are intending to host another modelling day at the same time of the year next year. We will announce the date when our booking for the hall has been confirmed by the church. But for now, please enjoy this selection of layout photos from the day.
Photos taken by Andy Basford and Andrew Young.