Setting up began early and it soon became apparent that the sales table would have to be set up outside due to lack of space. The theory being, I suppose, to “catch ‘em on the way in and to catch ‘em again on the way out”. Anyway, the weather was kind, unlike last year when it rained, and so Roger and Dave B were able to spend most of the day out in the sunshine.
By 11.00am we were ready to welcome our public and had a pretty good show to offer. We had the circuit and Queen Charlotte Dock in operation all day as well as Richard Barton’s SECR Goods Shed diorama displaying some very high quality models, and Geoff Roberts’ interesting diorama composed mainly of items from his spare bits box.
We also had both display stands set up inside the circuit and showing off a whole range of member’s models. In addition, Fred had brought in a little display stand of his own and some small dioramas and on a worktable, John B, Paul H and Steve carried on with their own modelling projects.
On the circuit we ran one line as DC and one as DCC and kept the two lines occupied pretty much all day with both members and guests running their models. Indeed, one of the first on the circuit was Dave Edwards from the Tonbridge club who arrived early at about 10.30am and gave his locos a really good workout. Later operators included David Gr with his rake of five MTH coaches being hauled by various locos and Graham with his lengthy fish train, also hauled by various (LNER) locos.
EMUs were also in evidence on the circuit today as Sean ran his 2HAP two car set and Andy Sparkes ran a very impressive 4RES set which was for sale (and was later sold!).
Most importantly David Ho kept us all going by supplying us with teas and coffees.
Although we had relatively few visitors this year, as a club we had a really enjoyable day “playing trains” and that in itself is no bad thing so thanks to all those who took part.
