This is becoming a regular trip. Across the wilds of the Surrey Hills where direct routes do not exist and yet your destination is moments from the Hog's Back. The Normandy O gaugers open up once or twice a year. OK I'll level: this is not the most exciting on exhibition terms; it's not meant to be. All bar one layout (which was physically replaced by Peter Harding with a table full of books) the 'exhibits' were exactly the same as last time. It's the club getting the toys out and letting people in. There is not one, but two roundy test tracks, a small amount of local trade (Roxey Mouldings, C&L et al) and some rummage stands. This last one as you may expect was where my focus lay. Purchases were a bag of DPDT slide switches for £4 and a scratch- built Rhymney Railway brake van for a whopping eight quid! There are some issues with the latter, but it's perfect for the infant O gauge layout which is bubbling under the TT. The catering, courtesy of the local WI, was as you may imagine top notch and heavy on the cake front.
These open day events are a poor relation not having the glamour of an exhibition with star layout visitors, but this is always well attended and is a great place to catch up with people and grab some bargains without the pressure to rush around and tick the layout viewings off. They're a vital part of the model railway structure so don't think that there is no value to be had in these softer low-key events.
Open day - 8
Parking 9 (the speed bumps are evil)
Catering 11
Rucksacks 5
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