Sadly with the Signal Box having closed there wasn't the usual selection of new US bargains, but I did find several traders with used HO stock, some of it very expensive but there were some bargains to be had here and there.
There was a good spread of US layouts, including 'Grain and Beer' by the AMRL (American Model Railroaders of Luxembourg) and the NMRA stand was in attendance as usual.
'Colorado Bluff'
An interesting layout, mostly running older rtr stock by Bachmann and Lifelike. The emphasis was definitely more on running fun than authenticity. :)
'Great Western Railroad'
A freelanced logging railroad with a very nicely detailed winter theme. Lots of small scenes to reward the onlookers.
'La Rochelle Engine Terminal'
Another very nicely detailed layout, but a little less interesting to watch as it was focused on light engine movements in and around a roundhouse and turntable yard.
'Silver Pine Creek'
Another nicely detailed layout, this one was deliberately built very low to allow younger spectators to have a good view, and allow the rest of us to see the very intricate street scenes from an aerial vantage point. This layout is currently for sale.
'Grain and Beer'
A very detailed layout with hundreds of working lights and a custom built enclosure to keep the light levels down. The spectator barrier was a little too far back on this one so it was difficult to get a good look at the details in amongst the brewery buildings.
There were also some very nicely detailed British Outline layouts that caught my eye including 'Clarendon' which featured a very convincing station forecourt and a custom glass roof.
'Glenuig' was a very nicely detailed West Highland layout which took me straight back to my childhood, with the BR blue class 26's hauling provisions away from the quay.
'Avyn-A-Llyin' A beautifully detailed layout with a really convincing beach scene and pier area. The waves on the shore were fantastic.
Here are a few shots of the trade stands. There were many bargains to be had, but also a few traders who seemed to be confusing the prices of new items and secondhand!
I picked up a very nice Kato F40PH fitted with DCC and Sound, although I had to resist the matching passenger cars as I'm on a tight budget after the house move!
I also bought three secondhand Kadee short wheelbase cars for my HO Rock Island layout 'Godinez' these kadee models really are beautifully detailed and will fit right in on the layout with some weathering being the only detail needed.
