York 2024

York is a funny show. In many ways, the event I attended could have been from the 1990s, or at least 2000's. The feel would be similar, the trade not that different, and the quality of layouts, just as good. In many ways, York show is like a comfy pair of slippers. 

Which is why I make the effort to go every year. I love it. 

You could argue that although it's an important event, it's not a mainstream show. You won't find a big box-shifter for example. The local retailer, Monk Bar Model shop, provides the nearest to that role. 

It's not a specialist show like Railex either. The trade is mostly for the hands-on modeller, but apart from Connoisseur Models, there aren't loads of loco kit suppliers. This is a modellers show, but suitable for the average modeller. 

I arrived when the doors opened, and left 15 minutes before chuck-out time. Apart from a coffee break with a mate, where I ate the best custard doughnut I've ever consumed, I was walking, and looking, and chatting to people. For once, I was just a punter. I paid to go in, and felt I received excellent value for money. 

Layoutwise, lots caught my eye, but a couple of special mentions.

Trerice is the late Iain Rice's model of some Cornish clay dries. Dating from the 1990s, it still looks really good to me. Partly, this is because (as I bang on about a lot) the who layout is to a consistent standard. Those wagons, from his seminal books on the topic, aren't as detailed as a modern £35 one, but it really doesn't matter. 

The modelling is excellent, but close enough to my own, that I feel if I ignore the P4 track, I could just about do something similar. With a lot of care and work. But that's the point, and Iain's great strength, that he made you realise that YOU could build this. And make you want to too.

Hudson Street is the layout I'd like to build from the show. In fact, there is a very good chance I might do something along these lines later this year. 

It is a shrunken and slightly simplified model of the good fascilities found inside the York city walls - the entrance for which is still there. A cramped site, the model is full of action and life, which really appeals to me. 

All in all, another excellent show. Part of me would have liked more than a day to enjoy it, but I also relished the chance to spend a day in the city on the Saturday, with the trip to the show, and drive home, on the Sunday. All being well, I hope I get to repeat the experience next year. 

Plenty of layout photos from York 2024 on Flickr. If anything catches your eye, drop me an email, and I'll try to provide more details.