Early Influences - Bekonscot

Family outing to Bekonscot Model Village today. I went there aged 5 on my first school outing, and thought the place was magical. Not much has changed (either at Bekonscot, or my reaction to the place!). Although neither the buildings or the trains are finescale or overly detailled, both ooze charm, wonderfully evocative of 30's - 50's home counties. The automated railway control system they have built is very impressive (although I'd love to see a few Aster live steam main-line locos doing the business there!)

Lovely to see my son have a similar reaction to mine on his first visit. I wonder how much my first visit might have in some small way lead to the railway I now have in my garden?!

Stoneleigh 2010

A cracking day out at the 16mm Association show at Stoneleigh today! The highlight for me was seeing Edward Sholto 'in the metal'. Loads of traders (all seemingly doing good business?), not so many layouts, but a few favourites, including Indian Hill, Nant Mawr, and of course all of the Hunslets on Jack Lane :-)



I managed to keep spending vaguely under control; some nameplates from John Lythgoe for the MMS (after my youngest), some replacement silicone tubing for water fill valves (badly needed), and a bargain 'end of line' 4 wheel coach from I.P.



Shot a bit of video, will post once edited!

Spring!

Well, spring is here and I've been trying to find time to tackle the jungle that is our garden (two loads of clippings to the tip). Had a few steam ups in between the rain, and been thinking about how the line might be extended right around the garden... Will have to see if there's time to tackle that this summer!

Looking forward to the Stoneleigh show this weekend...