York 2018

York came with a list. A list of people I really needed to talk to. And it was quite a long list.

Fortunately, talking is something I enjoy doing at shows. If I'm honest, it's the main reason I go. So, starting in the tea room, my Dad and I identified the target stands and headed out.

Being quite a traditional show. York has very varied trade and there was certainly lots to look at. Our first purchase, on the first stand we saw, was a model boat kit. Well, I've got enough toy trains after all!

Working our way down the hall, we managed the second mezzanine before lunch called. Even refreshments called for a chat with the organiser of the Ally Pally show.

By the time the ground floor was reached, we were tired but doing well. For both of us, the favourite layout was Canalside Ironworks by David Atkinson. Nicely small, full of big building and grimly industrial, it was full of detail and is just the sort of model we'd like to be building at the moment.

I like the miniature version of the infamous "loco on a boat" scene from The Biggest Little Railway In The World, this time filmed in Crinan locks it seems. Mind you, since the layout featured a completely fictitious, but well done, railway station, we can't complain about that!

Another first was the convincing thunderstorm on Z gauge layout "Bullet Trains of Japan". No rain, but the light and sound effects worked a treat.

Those exhibiting put on a terrific show. We left at chucking out time and could have done more. The list was complete and I was so tired, a stop on the motorway for a pick-me-up coffee was required.

Good show.It's hard work though this exhibition visiting!

More photos on Flickr.