BGS Exhibition 2006.
Once again there were three layouts this year, two of them in 4mm scale and one in 7mm scale. There were also the normal trade and display stands and a demonstration by Laurie Griffin. In addition Martin Finney launched his new 7mm scale kit for the "Rover" class 4-2-2.
We hope that the show served to encourage you further if you are already modelling the Broad Gauge, or to make a start if you are just thinking about it.
The stands at the Exhibition were:
Stand 1: WELSH RAILWAYS RESEARCH CIRCLE
We are pleased to welcome the WRRC to our show once more. A display of photographs and drawings of the Broad Gauge in South Wales will be available for your interest. Please come and talk to the exhibitors and maybe even join the Circle. They produce an excellent magazine and also have an extensive database of photographs of Welsh railways.
Stand 2: DEMONSTRATION
Laurie Griffin demonstrated building locomotives and rolling stock from scratch and from etched brass kits.
Stand 3: IKB MODELS
As well as the full range of Great Western convertible coaches they had the new 4mm scale tilt waggon kits for sale as well as a first sight of the new 4mm scale kit of the Rover class 4-2-2. Also profile milled chassis for 7mm & 4mm scale for various locos.
Stand 4: CHELTENHAM ENGINE SHED - KAY BUTLER
This layout is at an embryo stage but is displayed to show construction techniques using centre foam (ASDA advertising boards were actually used.) It builds to a very light, stable and rigid baseboard, having been cross-braced. As will be seen, the centre section with all the awkward bits on simply drops into place. The bridge rail is from the Broad Gauge Society but has been enhanced with bolt head detail using a riveting tool. The baulks (longitudinal sleepers) are of lime wood - all fixed with Devcon 2 - part epoxy. The crossings and points are not yet commercially available but soon will be, from IKB Models.
The superb buildings have been produced by professional model maker Mike Jolly (Tel: 02380 324357).
Cheltenham coaling stage.
Cheltenham engine shed.
If you have any photos and/or drawings of the original St James Station and Goods Shed, Kay would be very pleased to hear from you - 1KB Models, 36 Field Barn Drive, Weymouth, DT4 OED - info@ikbmodels.net
Stand 5: CPL PRODUCTS
CPL Products supply a range of scale rulers in most scales, GWR transfers in 7mm and 4mm scales as well as buffers, couplings etc.
Stand 6: DAWCROSS AND STARLISH - ROGER WHITE
At our last show, Roger demonstrated his track-laying methods, which were then written up in Broadsheet 54. Roger's new layout was on display for the first time demonstrating these techniques. Needless to say, it is based on the South Devon Railway's line between Exeter and Newton Abbot.
General view of Dawcross and Starlish.
Stand 7: COLDRENNICK ROAD - BOB HARPER
A simple mixed gauge main line winding its way around an estuary forms a backdrop on which to display a variety of GWR trains from the 1890s. Most of the BG rolling stock has been built by Bob from Society and IKB Models kits, though there are some items scratch built by Peter Totman and Brian Watson. The scenery is the work of Bob Deakin whose excellent work won a cup at the Manchester exhibition.
"Europa" built from BGS kit.
"Stromboli" built from BGS kit.
B&ER 4-4-0ST scratch built by Brian Watson.
1076 0-6-0ST built from Scorpio Models kit.
Stand 8: KEVIN ROBERTSON BOOKS
Railway books and videos, many at reduced prices.
Stand 9: MARTIN FINNEY
Martin had his new 7mm scale kit for the Broad Gauge "Rover" class 4-2-2 on show. This is based on the 1880 batch of six locomotives, Bulkeley, Dragon, Great Britain, Emperor, Sebastopol and Alma. Photographs of all these locomotives are available and a CD with copies will be included in the kit. The kit also provides a choice of two different tenders.
Stand 10: MILLENNIUM PROJECT AND DATA BASE
It may be over a hundred years since the end of the broad gauge, but there are still hundreds of artefacts scattered around the country. The BGS is keen to see all of these identified and documented to assist future historians and modellers, also to identify vulnerable ones in order that they may be conserved. This display gives some idea of the range of structures to be found, from culverts to complete stations. Please don't just look at the pictures and walk on - stop and add your knowledge to the information. Perhaps you could even help with a survey of part of the railway?
In addition the project is trying to prepare a database of all known images of the Broad Gauge. This includes not only photographs, but also prints and plans. So far there are over 1700 images listed, but there is still a long way to go. If you have any images in your collection that have not been published, let them know about them.
Stand 11: FIREFLY TRUST
The Firefly Trust has now achieved its aim of a full-size replica of one of the first mass-produced locomotives in the world, Daniel Gooch's "Firefly", which can now be seen steaming at Didcot Railway Centre on certain weekends. This class was the backbone of the GWR locomotive department for the first few years after the opening from Bristol - Paddington. All sale proceeds go towards supporting the locomotive and donations are also gratefully received!
Stand 12, 13, 14 & 15: B. G. S. PUBLICATIONS, TRADE, BRING & BUY , MEMBERSHIP
These stands included a full range of Society publications and also the binders in which to file them away as well as a selection of Society products, including the latest additions to our range.