Seaboard Southern Exhibition

A lovely day for a stroll across the environs of old Crawley. The local NMRA group have a base here and their annual day is always worth a look. Not really an exhibition as such, it is quite focused, more of a members' day type of affair much beloved of the 009 Society. Half a dozen layouts representing the Americas (the inclusion of the Cuban above stretches the geography). Not a duffer amongst them though notably some were getting far more attention than others. The On30 in the side room was especially deserted, probably because nothing seemed to be running despite its size.

Trade was good and more or less what you would expect. Though there seemed to be a dearth of the useful small switchers of the 44T or S2 variety. The manufacturing side of the hobby doesn't appear to be looking at what may be popular, or maybe that's just it... it's sold out.

The catering, which is high on my agenda was a little lacking: the heavily advertised bacon and sausage baps having a 25 min wait; at lunchtime? When did you expect the demand for food? I've done a couple of catering turns at small shows in the past and would have been embarrassed at that. That aside good for a small specialist show and good to meet up with a couple of old friends.
 

The scores (well that's what you were waiting for)

Show 8

Parking 10 (very easy without the car)

Rucksacks 0.2

Catering 4 (three of those are for the cleavage)