You can't have missed that the modern railway is 200 years old this year. All sorts of events are taking place to commemorate this milestone - one of which was the Yorkshire 16mm group and their plan to have 200 locomotive wheels running on a layout at the Barrow Hill show.
I was invited to don the Garden Rail tweed jacket, and record the event for publication. At 12:30, I was there with cameras, trying to find a spot where the light wasn't terrible, and no identifiable children could be seen (the paperwork is a pain) which lead me, and one the hall managers to one corner of the line.
As you can see, it was a little chaotic, but in a very good way. I've no idea if the 200 wheels target was reached, but there was lots of steam, and many little locos running around the layout. It was fabulous.
Elsewhere, the trade was very good, layouts interesting, and catering a bit slow, but more than acceptable.
I rarely indulge in a custard slice, and when I do, I remember why - they are so messy to eat! Even with a knife and fork this must be one of the hardest cakes to consume, and this was a small one! Very tasty though.
Barrow Hill is a fascinating location for the railway enthusiast. The exhibits were spread among the locos standing around the turntable.
Every so often, it was spun around for our entertainment.
Next to the main shed is one for the Deltic Preservation Society. It turns out a know a few members, and so was allowed into the cab of "Tulyar" to have a look around.
It's comfortable, but suspect that's only the case because we were in a shed. The extra noise insulation behind the driver, a late fitment, suggests that all was not perfect when the locos were new.
All in all, a fantastic day out. I managed to buy a flat wagon kit, and didn't buy the stunning steam-fitted tugboat for £1500. Well, I have too many boats still to build, it was a lot of money, although a stunning bargain, and I'm not sure I have the skills to look after such a model. Well, that's what I'm telling myself.
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