Solent Local Area Group Show, Wickham

I went to this show yesterday (Wickham is a village about 7 miles west of Portsmouth), as an exhibitor rather than a punter. I was collared by Jack Nisbet the area group leader a while ago about doing some demos of figure making etc. So, I spent a very enjoyable day yesterday just sitting at a table, fettling away at some Preiser body parts and having a good old chat with anyone who wandered past. Aside from the figures you'll have seen on here before, I also had a few items of weathered rolling stock on the table for inspection and comment.

It was interesting to note that there was a recurring theme in most of the conversations I had, that they'd love to have a go themselves but were frightened of making a mess and thereby compromising the 'resale' value. More than once, my response of 'well that only matters to you if you actually intend selling it in your lifetime' seemed to strike a chord - so maybe I have inspired a few to actually have a go themselves.

The show as a whole was quite good, and included an excellent 16mmNG (32mm gauge) layout from Manchester. Some superb detailing on there, with lots of live-steam in operation!

If I can find some decent pics I'll post them later.

Well I found some pics I'd taken of this Manc layout, then promptly found that it had its very own web-site!

http://www.timpdon.co.uk/timpdon/tlr/index.php

Oh, and for the hell of it here's a totally gratuitous shot of 'the artist at work'!