In the run-up to Christmas, I like to take a trip to London to enjoy the lights and general festive decorations. This year, I was particually keen to see the amazing library St Pancras Christmas tree. The date was a bit up in the air, until I realsied that the MRC were holding an open day one Sunday, and a quick check on the web showed a train to the capital would be possible.
The tree is amazing, but not as comfortable to sit in as you might think. The cushions on those wooden seats are only printed!
Anyway, it's a short stroll to Keen House, where I was welcomed with open arms. Once I'd paid my entrance fee of course.
In the main room, with the test tracks and second-hand stall, could be found part of Copenhagen Fields, the newly operational York Road tube station.
Chatting to Tim Watson, the plan is to automate it using DCC so a series of trains can be operated without someone stuck on the control panel going mad.
A suitably festive addition could be seen on the roof. Tim wasn't happy with the chunky nature of these reindeer, and so they were destined for some modification to make them more finescale. This work has now been carried out, and written up for the club newsletter.
Up in the library, we found "Sandy Shores" and "Canutte Road Quay" operated by Jamie Warne and Graham Muzpratt repectively. It was good to see both layout and enjoy long chats with their operators.
Interesting too, to see the new-look library. Previously a collection of metal cabinets, the new fit-out with folding doors hiding the bookshelves is a lot nicer to look at. I understand that there was to be an opening ceremony with Pete Waterman the next day, and a photo shoot for Hello magazine.
I'd no idea how long I'd be at the event, a couple of hours was my guess, but this turned out to be an underestimate. The MRC, and it's members, is an interesting place. Well worth the trip if they have an open day.
After this, there was mooching around Covent Garden and Leicester Square. I can't get over the size of some of the decorations, and the special displays put on by various firms.
After that, a quick tube back to Marylebone, and a train back home reading my traditional London purchase, a copy of Private Eye.
An excellent day out. Topped off by the topper on Leamington Station post box...
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