London Festival of Model Railways

I'm not a frequent attender of model rail shows in UK, but Ally Pally is only a bus ride away, so I went this afternoon. I didn't think that it was as full as previously - is there a recession on or something? Too many layouts on the theme of station looping to fiddle yard behind operators.

As usual, mainly Brit and O-gauge downwards, but one of the most popular did seem to be in G: Whiteleaf. Sorry that it's a bit blurred: this is the LGB "Vivarais" Mallet.


It was the only layout with live steam (except someone demonstrating Hornby's 00 offerings which are steam powered using electric power from the track.)



Next most popular, I thought, was the huge Hornby Dublo layout; perhaps having about six trains whizzing round on 3-rail track produced a mix of nostalgia and envy (mine was never that big!)



A couple of the continental layouts:

Felsen (German):



and Le Pont du Vernet (fictiously between Clermont Ferrand Aurillac)



I did like the Ruxley Branch - GWR in Devon - if only because of its size and varied scenes...

Nice pics Phil.

Was the "Vivarais" Mallet ever produced by LGB? or will I have to get my red spray can out?

Great pics Phil!

mikey

Very nice impression of the show Phil, thanks for posting.
Always dangerous to see those beautiful but other scale layouts... it can get you sidetracked...

Brian, LGB did produced a CFV red mallet; LGB 24852 CFV #413 (special edition, France market only)

Paulus wrote:

Very nice impression of the show Phil, thanks for posting.
Always dangerous to see those beautiful but other scale layouts... it can get you sidetracked...

Brian, LGB did produced a CFV red mallet; LGB 24852 CFV #413 (special edition, France market only)

Paul:
As I recall, the beautiful Vivarais mallet was also offered for sale in the US. They are however pretty rare; my guess is they weren't big sellers since there's only three or four of us over here with any interest in French railways (I don't think Corpet-Louvets sold that well here, either). They do show up on eBay occasionally at very high prices.

and it looks nothing like a real Vivarais Mallet - just a repaint of a German prototype...

KleineDicke wrote:

Paulus wrote:

Very nice impression of the show Phil, thanks for posting.
Always dangerous to see those beautiful but other scale layouts... it can get you sidetracked...

Brian, LGB did produced a CFV red mallet; LGB 24852 CFV #413 (special edition, France market only)

Paul:
As I recall, the beautiful Vivarais mallet was also offered for sale in the US. They are however pretty rare; my guess is they weren't big sellers since there's only three or four of us over here with any interest in French railways (I don't think Corpet-Louvets sold that well here, either). They do show up on eBay occasionally at very high prices.

OK then I'll put the red spray paint away!

my Birthday's in November if anybody would like to treat me to one!

philkelly wrote:

and it looks nothing like a real Vivarais Mallet - just a repaint of a German prototype...

Since she was built by SACM, one could say she was almost German.

At least LGB got the wheel arrangement and color correct.

Thats me looking at the Hornby Dublo!!!

Peter

Clarkmeggs wrote:

Thats me looking at the Hornby Dublo!!!

Peter

Case for a CGT badge, Carl?