The 14th Westbury Model Railway Show was again held in the Paragon Hall, Westbury on Saturday 9th November.
Rod Towler, show organiser reported, “This year there were 13 layouts on display, including Gogton Middle, the popular children’s railway and the Scalextric layout. These are designed to be operated by invited visitors to the show, both young and old.
“Starting in the smaller scales, the 2mm scale was well represented by two superbly built layouts. Jerry Clifford with his layout Tucking Mill depicting an impressionist historic scene along the Somerset Coal Canal, whilst Hedges Hill Cutting exhibited by members of the Bentley Model Railway Club, bringing us up to date, with a modern scene in South London.
“The 009 society was represented by Eddie Fields with his layout Haul Y Bryn, representing a run down mineral railway in 1920’s Wales, and Angus Watkins with his evocative layout of Tan Y Bwlch station again in the early 1900’s.
“Moving up a scale to 00, this year saw the first outing of South West TMD (and Preservation Group) built by Ken Hedges, depicting a modern diesel maintenance depot with a small diesel preservation group.
The layout ran extremely well. Also on show was Devonport Road Locomotive Works, Home of the Happy Shunter. John Anderson and Paul Taylor with the front part of their major layout, which I am advised will having its full debut at next year’s show. Jim Rainer displayed his nostalgic layout of Hornby Dublo from the 1950’s.
“Stoney Middleton to Furness Quarry in 7mm narrow gauge, exhibited by Tom Snooks depicts the quarry scene that was once common in North Derbyshire.
“On to 0 Gauge, the West Wiltshire Gauge 0 Group new exhibition layout New Andil Road, exhibited for the first time in its entirety, was very much work in progress. As previously mentioned, Lionel’s Gogton Middle enthused the younger and young at heart visitors, as did Ashley Jones with his Scalextric layout. Mike Thomas joined the fun with his Hornby 0 gauge layout of trains of yesteryear. Peter Trigwell displayed his collection of 0 gauge locomotives.
“Demonstrations this year included, painting and lining, white metal soldering, DCC control, building laser cut model buildings and flowering arranging to 1:43 scale.
“There were trade stands and a bring and buy, selling a variety of railway related items at competitive prices,
“The refreshment bar was manned by the Mere Cats, the lovely ladies of Mere and of course Melony. Selling delicious rolls, cakes, teas and coffee. All the proceeds from the sale of the refreshments were donated to the Mere branch of The Brainwave Charity.
“Mention must be made of the raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Dave Simpson of the Gas Cupboard, the model shop in Trowbridge. Our grateful thanks to Dave. Jenny Seward and Tish sold the tickets and were pleasantly surprised by the number of people saying how enjoyable this year’s show had been.
“I would to thank the Mere Cats and Melony, Jenny and Tish, all the members of the West Wiltshire Gauge 0 Group, Andy and Roxi from AM Print and Copy for the wonderful show guide, and lastly but certainly not least Tom Snook for sharing the organisation of this year’s show. Tom was a great help.
Thanks are also due to the kind staff at The Labour Club for the warmth of their welcome.
“Thanks also to the people of Westbury and all the visitors to the show making it the success it was. The provisional date for next year’s show is the 8th November 2014, where we hope to build on the success of this year’s show.”
