Friday 17th May - getting to the show.
We took photos of how it went in to aid packing on the return journey.... (oh yeah?)
Definitely no room for passengers!
We had loads of help unloading at the venue, and setting-up went really well.
It was soon early evening and our next job was to find somewhere to eat because our hotel was short-staffed and they were unable to open the restaurant that evening - thanks PI. This actually turned into a highlight of our trip, as fellow exhibitors recommended the Greyhound Inn, off the town square, only 150m from the venue. It had a tranquil internal courtyard space, friendly staff and wonderful food and beer. Obviously, we went back the following evening too!
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May - The Show:
With just two of us, it meant comfort-breaks only until we were happy everything was working. We settled in to running trains and as time went on, we found one operator could work the layout ok although two operators was preferable.
There was still lots to learn about Edwards Yard - the new feature. How should we drop off and collect wagons/vans to/from the stonemasons? We both settled on using a 'spare' loco kept in the adjacent engine shed, which made shunting simple. In quiet moments, the fiddleyard operator was also able to shunt occasional vans in and out to the loading dock, to change the scenery. Stephen was also able to test his motorised Land Rover for this purpose, but although traction was good, the pick-ups caught on the threshold of the storage trays so it had to be set aside for future modification. Edwards Yard was deemed a great addition to the layout.
Fortunately, there were no major problems. A controller did die, but we had a reserve. Mysterious circuit shorts were identified as metal wheels bridging track joints fed from different types of turnout design - something we hadn't experienced before and will need addressing in due course.
Towards the end of the show, we were honoured to provide a setting for Bachmann UK to photograph their latest 7mm narrow gauge stock!
The show ended at 4.30 and the job of dismantling everything took a long time, but once again, a team was provided to move everything to our cars ready for packing away and the long drive home. We were both glad to get home - Geoff for a hot, unwinding bath and Stephen for a cold beer.
Behind the scenes:
In the fiddleyard, there is room for 5 stock 'cassettes' and space on the front tray for 2 more, but there is usually a bit more 'elbow' room in the fiddleyard than this to make handling easier. Another table behind the operator holds a few more cassettes and some loose stock. The yard has three holes for incoming track: top: the Mainline, middle: Edwards Yard and bottom: the long hidden tunnel to and from Worton Court representing 'The Quarry'.
Instead of a blank panel hiding the fiddleyard, the display case provides a decent view of that area for the public while providing extra storage and display space for stock.
The rear of Edwards Yard, with the long connecting track to Worton Court and access holes.
The Worton Court control panel with access holes to various switches; lighting, sound modules, electricity generator motor, signals and their sound modules.
In quieter times, we invited a few 'experienced' visitors to have a go. It was great to see some of the younger ones so enthusiastic about model railways.
Sandwiches for lunch followed by (a traditional highlight of the show for exhibitors) - hot apple crumble and custard!
The show had 13 layouts and several traders.
We were also honoured to be on the front cover of the show guide. Apparently, the photo was taken as we were setting up on the Friday. There's efficiency for you!
We congratulate the S&SWRS for a lovely show, especially as it celebrated their 60th anniversary.
