This year the West Wiltshire Gauge 0 Group held their annual model railway show on Saturday 8th November at The Paragon Hall in Westbury.
The show was the 15th organised by the group in Westbury and, in spite of the unpleasant weather and local road closures, was very well attended, by both local families and model railway enthusiasts. The popular show was attended by a total of 255 people.
Lionel Hooper’s Gogton Middle, designed to be operated by invited visitors of all ages, attracted a lot of the younger enthusiasts who were able to learn the skills needed to operate a railway layout. Ashley Jone’s Scalextric layout could also be operated by invited visitors who enjoyed the thrills and spills of motor racing.
For the enthusiast, the West Wiltshire Gauge 0 group’s exhibition layout New Andil Yard layout was well received. Also on show was Ken Hedges with his layout depicting Melksham in the 1950’s which together with Steve Jone’s layout of Seend in the 1950’s attracted a lot of local attention.
The West country was well supported with John Anderson and Paul Taylor’s Devenport Road Locomotive Depot Layout. John Perrett with his layout Benter Railway based on Moorewood Colliery and Tramway from the southern Mendip coalfield of Somerset. Tom Snook exhibited his layout Tom’s Boatyard, an imaginary layout based on Mitchell’s Boatyard Mevagissy in St Austell Bay Cornwall. Harry Harper with his layout Penboony an imaginary Cornish coastal town Layout. From Dorset Peter Hollins exhibited a layout depicting the Furzebrook Railway a clay mining railway near Corfe Castle.
Stuart and Tim from The West Wiltshire Model Railway Circle operated their modern layout depicting the Eurostar East of London. Adam Inglis with his N gauge layout showing what can be achieved in a small space.
There was a nostalgic look past to our childhood with Jim Rainer’s Hornby Dublo layout from the 1950’s. The demonstrations this year included Eddie Field making trees, Jerry Clifford modelling in 2mm fine scale, Alan Doddington with white metal soldering, Stan Tout weathering, and Tig figure painting.
Dave and Kim from The Gas Cupboard in Trowbridge were there as usual. Thanks to Dave for the raffle prizes, which was well supported. The other sales stands and the bring and buy were offering a wide range of railway associated products all at competitive prices and enjoyed good business. Rod Towler, show organiser,West Wilts 0 Gauge Group reported, “Light refreshments were available all day. These were organised by the Mere Branch of the Brainwave Charity. The lovely ladies from Mere, The Mere Cats together with Melanie produced lots of lovely goodies for us all to eat.
“Everywhere I went, there were people eating Jenny’s bread pudding. All proceeds from the sale of refreshments were donated to the charity which raises money to help Children who have Cerebral Palsey, Autism, development delay, brain injuries and similar genetic conditions.
“Sadly this is the last year that the ladies from Mere will be providing the refreshments. They are taking a well earned rest. My grateful thanks to them, Bridget, Ann, Jean, Jenny and Tish. For all their hard work in the past.
“My thanks also to Andy and Roxi of AM Print and Copy Court Street Trowbridge for the wonderful show guide and leaflets and the members of the Wiltshire Gauge 0 Group for all their hard work. I would also like to thank Cynthia and the rest of the staff at Westbury Labour Club for their kindness and help.
“Most of all thanks to the people of Westbury and all the visitors who braved the elements to attend the show.”
The provisional date for next year’s show is the 7th November 2015.
The West Wiltshire Gauge 0 Group welcomes new members. If you are interested, or require any further information, please contact Rod Towler, tel: 01380 831 147.
