Being Curious!

This box caught my eye as I walked out of the Bingham Model railway exhibition. It was the end of the day on the last day so there was not much left but there was something about the description on the box, wired for chip but no chip  and that low price which made me curious!

It was a 44 ton switcher as the box confirmed.

This was inside.

Even has a driver.

So, my curiosity as to exactly what was meant by the description on the box was raised even further. Luckily the seller was on the stand and confirmed that the only thing wrong with this never run model is that he was going to use the chassis for a kit built body but that did not work out but he had cut the wires to fit a DCC chip but had never done the final work. Well that final bit of work is exactly what I would be doing to this model anyway so for the bargain price of £25 this came home with me!

Whilst actually in the show I came across the guy who does the resin prints that I bought some of at the Sleaford Mode Makers Show last year. He is expanding his range and all profits go to the Lincs Air Ambulance so a great cause to support as I told Mrs. Woody as I selected these items!

The narrow boat will go on my 009 narrow gauge layout Chalkdon. 

These line side telephones will go on my 00 gauge layout.

This rather nice crane will probably also go on Chalkdon.

As will this gantry crane.

 Lots more projects to complete for me then! I really should not be so curious!

Bingham Model Rail Way Show 2

Continuing on from yesterdays look at the Bingham Model Railway Club 2024 Show we have an usual concept that is brilliantly executed. Blue Heron is a USA switching layout but built to be displayed in the dark! Great lighting and audio affects along with the use of an electrical mechanism from an opticians examination laboratory that allows the layout to be raised and lowered makes this a great layout.

Proving that you do not need a lot of space for a layout, Littlepoint Wharf comes in at around 4 foot by 1 foot in size. Get close up and lost in the scene you forget about the small size.

Another small layout was Bridges. 

Although 009 narrow gauge it did habe some standard 00 gauge track as well showing the skill of the builder with this hand built dial gauge point. Now that is skillful!

The rest of the layout was to a high standard and novel with its trackwork design.

Well those are the layouts I really liked.

I did find myself parting with cash for a couple or three items, but more of that tomorrow!

Bingham Model Railway Club Exhibition 2024

An unexpected visit to this exhibition that nearly didn't happen. I was only reminded about it this morning when I looked at an email and suddenly had to inform Mrs. Woody that I was taking her out for the afternoon. I didn't say where but getting near the venue I think there was a realisation for Mrs. W as we followed the signs to the 'Model railway Show' that her afternoon out was not going to be for afternoon tea!

The Bingham Club show is one of those small but cosy and friendly shows and it was again this year - well worth the £5 admission. 

There were around 20 layouts, some demonstrations and several traders - more than enough for Mrs. W to enjoy!

Most of the layouts were modest sized ones that individuals had built. There were a couple of club layouts too and most scales were represented.

In 0 gauge, Denton Sidings showed that you don't need a massive space for an interesting 7mm scale layout. Just under 12 foot by 2 foot wide and packed with details. A real credit to its builder.

Lets get the focus right!

That piano is not going to fit in that house!

I believe there are over 500 individual bricks in that foundation!

Another layout that took my eye was this n gauge layout, Burdock, which whilst being nothing more than a tail chaser was actually operated as such with only a few seconds between trains. A great selection of prototype locomotives featured on the trains as well as the ducks! And there were a lot of them!

Some other interesting layouts and I will look at those tomorrow.

What makes a great layout?

Following my visit to the Bingham Model Railway Club Exhibition on Saturday my mind was centered on one layout in particular. That is Cold Front, a WW1 themed 009 gauge layout. There were several factors in my mind that made it a great layout in my view and others as it won best layout at the show. Firstly was the choice of subject. In the period 2014 to 2018 there were a few WW1 themed layouts built and exhibited but they were and are a rarity. So, the subject is unusual but following the interest in WW1 as a result of the commemoration of the 100 year anniversary people are aware and interested in the subject regardless of being railway modellers or not or even being Mrs. Woody! Secondly, the presentation was first class. The layout was built on a curved baseboard and enclosed so your eye was drawn into the layout. The enclosure was well presented and it was almost like looking at a stage. Thirdly the composition of the layout was well thought out. The landscape of the layout rose towards the back making it easy to see the details and the details were well modelled. Fourthly, the trains operated well without the need for 'The Hand of God' pushing stalled engines. They were also interesting with rolling stock that would have been used in the period. Fifthly, the actual modelling was first class. Everything was modelled to a consistent high quality. Lastly, there was the surprise atmosphere created by the lighting mimicked day and night with the lighting fading to night time and then back to day through the use of clever electronics and LED lighting units. 

Well that is what in my view makes a great layout. Unfortunately with my skills and abilities I will never build that type of layout - but it doesn't stop me trying and enjoying the process!

I will end with some pictures of this great layout.

 

Bingham Model Railway Club Exhibition.

Something of a rarity in the last few years but nice to see that model railway exhibitions are beginning to come back. The issue of Covid is still here but being triple jabbed and still wearing a mask and sanitising on a regular basis you get to the stage where you feel comfortable in places which is something we all probably would not have been two years ago.

So with Mrs. Woody in tow to keep an eye on the spending we headed off to the exhibition this afternoon. The show is one of the smaller ones but in a spacious place so there is plenty of space to get about without falling over people and there were plenty of layouts, demonstrations and trade stands to keep you entertained and your wallet under strain! The layouts were a good spread of gauges from n to 0, eras and UK continental and American themed layouts were all present so a good variety with something to please and interest everyone - even Mrs. Woody was impressed! Her particular favorite was this 009 narrow gauge WW1 themed layout Cold Front. I must admit it was mine too!

More details tomorrow.