Doncaster 2026

 

If the model railway hobby is dying, then no one told the good people of Doncaster. This was one busy event!

I was told at breakfast on Saturday that pre-booked ticket numbers were well up, and the first person was in the queue at 8am, 90 minutes before the doors opened. Plenty of people paid on the door to. This leads to a few complaints that the hall is too busy, but most people seemed to manage, and really enjoyed themselves. Sunday was easier, as it always is, better for layout spotting, if not bargain snaffling.

I spent both days talking to people on the stand while my colleagues sold more subscriptions than last year. Trade overall was up, another good sign. 

I did manage to get around and look at layouts, carrying out seven photo shoots this year. I can honestly say there wasn't a duff model on show, something confirmed by commenters online. A good mix ensured that there was something for everyone, especially if you liked the big roundy-roundy Grantham. It was next to our stand, and despite its size, there weren't any gaps along the barrier on either day. 

Of course, I'm a small layout fan, so the winner of "Layout Phil would like to build" goes to the excellent Forge Island. 

Alex has produced a superbly detailed scene, with excellent weathering. It's tiny, the scenic area fitting into a plastic box. You'll have to wait until later in the year to see my photos, but I can assure you, the wait will be worth it. 

There is a second prize for "Layout Phil has already built sort of" which goes to Offerston Quay. 

This 7mm scale model is based on my old BRM project Ruston Quays - and it's superb. Well detailed and with the added joy of working, radio controlled road vehicles. The top level is controlled by a laptop, rather than the shuttle I used, but it does the same job, keeping the station active while the lwer level Inglenook is shunted. Have I photographed it? Not yet...

But enough of the layouts, what about the cake I hear you cry.  

Elaine's Trains came up trumps with something special, peach melba, complete with cream. I would like to point out that I consumed the smallest piece, as I wanted to save space for dinner. Fish'n'chips and mushy peas, followed by knickerbocker glory. 

Again, I need to point out that only one of these is mine. The other, and the sherry triffle, belonged to other people. I could have been tempted, though, as these were really good!

All in all a really pleasant weekend. Yes, I know it's my job, but I enjoyed myself, and hope everyone else did too.  It's good to enjoy the atmosphere of a really busy show,