Go west they said, but didn't mention the county long 50mph speed restriction for the 'smart' motorway (that's going well is it not?).
I took a shopping list, but got very little ticked off.
Southampton is an annual pilgrimage either to see or to show. Always excellently run by Dave Barker and the Southampton club, though slightly shocked to see the previously sprightly Mrs B. in a wheelchair. Two halls, and several smaller rooms, mostly high quality stuff and most of it working. The Gauge O took most of the honours and if I'm honest a lot of the larger layouts, though excellently built, left me a bit meh. There is also a theory brewing that the box shifters are struggling to get new stock and there was, like several other recent shows, a reliance on s/h stuff.
What I did tick off the list were signs for Dury's Gap and Hopwood (which is still languishing in a tin shed at Pecorama and is overdue for retrieving). Most visitors to shows in the south at least will know the supplier with the back-combed hair and the stand made from stepladders and bungy straps. A custom job and despite protestations from some people that things don't turn up, I had them in my hand half an hour later with a spare set for Dury's Gap.
Exhibition 9
Catering 9
Rucksacks a hopefully low 1
Hi Chris.
ReplyDeleteBig layouts can be impressive at first glance yet as an art form I find them too clinical. Something 4 to 6 feet long by Nevard offers more interest that a big roundy circulating loads of stock. I've thought that for years. Character matters and is difficult to build into something big.
Regarding box shifters getting new stock, I'm not sure it is a theory. I get the impression that getting stuff out of factories in China has already become problematic. Not worth delving into Chinese politics and state control. They have a bunch of problems including the latest pandemic and none of it will help Hornby, Bachmann and Dapol and the rest stock up on inventory. I've been in model shops that look pretty bare.
And the fr***ng smart motorway?!!!
We went through that area three times in 2019 and I'm not sure I can stand it again for another trip to Sussex in the Spring. I'm seriously thinking of braving rail and hiring a car as a better solution.
Anyway, keep the faith and chin up.
Kane
Agreed, but then I would say that about small layouts wouldn't I.
ReplyDeleteSorry, forgot to put name to above.
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