With all that has been happening in the world over the last 2 years, I had forgotten to update the blog. The last two shows before lockdown seem like a distant memory and were in fact like chalk and cheese. February 2020 saw us attend a 3 day show in Houten, Netherlands where we were, not surprisingly, the only British D&E layout on display. It was great to see some quality continental modelling and pick up some bits and pieces from trade stands that sell different stuff to the normal UK suppliers. Our other show, the week before lockdown in march 2020, was at the Nottingham Clubs show and this proved to be a little quieter, although still enjoyable. It gave us a chance to shakedown some more stock and fiddle with pesky couplings heights!
In September 2021, Splott was invited to our local club show. Again, we were able to use this event as a further shakedown for the stock and to make some improvements to the fiddle yard track alignment.
Finally , to bring us up to date with news, we have just attended Model Rail Scotland 2022 at the SECC. This 3 day show was the first time we have attended as exhibitors since Farkham attended in 2007. The exhibition seemed to be well attended and it was great to meet up and talk to modelling colleagues from all over the UK. It was also great to get such a positive response to the layout from the visitors, many of whom were able to relate to the steelworks environment.
Whilst the list of ‘Jobs to Do’ for the stock and the layout once again was a good page in length, it really gave us incentive to crack on with some modelling and get things ready for the big D&E event of the year – Showcase 2022 at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on the 23rd and 24th July 2022.