[Makemineadouble]

Here are some intial photo's of this weekends Melksham Megamodelex. So if you like large layouts this ones for you:

A general shot of the Venue taken by me hanging from one of the light fittings

This is an overhead view of the modualar layout Meon Valley

This is the DDC/ RR&Co operated Hinton Parva and a very slick operation too

 

[Makemineadouble]

Here's some more photgaphic detail of the Excellent Modular layout Meon Valley /
Fiddleyard detail
Soberton

Triangular Junction junction

Station

Viaduct Modual

Station

Bend joints

Bend Supports

More Bend supports

 

[Makemineadouble]

These shots are from the On30 layout Idaho Springs

there was plenty of action on all the layouts, it really was a great show, BTW I got there quite early
Mrs W_ is in the Blue sweater - she's highly supportive.

 

[Makemineadouble]

I'm not normally into modern image layouts, but Riverside really caught my eye with the huge amount of detail.
This is an ever expanding modualr layout currently close to 50ft in length, it's hardly suprising some operators were communicating via Blue Tooth. Enjoy

 

[Makemineadouble]

Finally the simply Hinton Parva, regular trains, stunning layout, brilliantly enjoyable

You'll notice Mrs W crept into this shot !

 

[Makemineadouble]

This is the first event in a new venue. Brilliant venue, large enjoyable layouts, excellent coffee - and I got a few more tools for my collection.

 

[Makemineadouble]

The ones I spoke to were optimistic and pleased about the new venue, having moved from municipal premises in central Chippenham. I certainly hope it runs next year. The gauge one live steam was also excellent, but moving too fast for photograpy without a flash. The range of venders was good, I managed to buy a very usful angle guillotine/chopper with replaceable blades for a respectable £7 a multimeter for £6.50 and a nice wire bender for peanuts.
The DCC modern image layout Horton with full signalling, layout runing under full RR&Co control (lenz) was highly impressive. I sure being the main controller required a lot of concentration.
The ride for kids at the back of the hall kept them amused.
Good show.

 

[Makemineadouble]

I'm sorry to hear this was a once off show, as the concept of large active layouts is an excellent one. I understand that many people have space restrictions, but the shunting plank is unfortunatley over done at many exibitions. Melksham is certainly a good venue, I was suprised at the lack of people, this was also noticable at the Toy and collector fair at shepton Mallet the week before. Perhaps we need to conscript attendee's in the future some sort of Goverment edict

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