As mentioned in my previous post, I visited the Exeter Model Railway Exhibition today. Being in the UK, of course the vast majority of layouts and traders showed/stocked models to a British prototype, in a variety of scales and gauges. Nevertheless, there was some high standard of modeling displayed among these, of these, I particularly enjoyed the fine scale modelers, and a narrow gauge railway modeling the RhB (Rhatische Bahn) of Switzerland. At one point in my past I wanted to model this same railway, and actually bought (and still own) one locomotive model (The so called Rhatische Krokodil), however my model runs on 9mm track, while it should be 12mm. (Bemo, the main manufacturer of RhB models, produced their models in two track width for a while, but now only produces '100% correct models).
Of course, my main interest is US railroading, and this was represented by the largest layout on display here: RS Tower plus branchline, totaling up to 120 feet of layout, set up in an S shape. These modules, based on the FREEMO concept (not to be confused with the european FREMO), showed an interested public the charm of US railroading, and went a step further by showing the operations aspect of the hobby, using car cards, trackwarrants, and dispatching via radio etc. This is something that is rarely seen in the UK but is gaining popularity, as it adds a dimension to 'playing with trains' and gives everything a sense of purpose. Members of my local NMRA club (Western Union) helped the crew of RS tower, and operated the branchline. There were a few technical glitches (problems with a few turnouts, causing trains to stop etc) , but in all I got the impression that people enjoyed themselves, and the public appeared interested in seeing US/Canadian modeling, with it's long, multiple headed trains, and operations. Let these few pictures speak for themselves. Of course, full view pictures can be seen by clicking on them.
Of course, my main interest is US railroading, and this was represented by the largest layout on display here: RS Tower plus branchline, totaling up to 120 feet of layout, set up in an S shape. These modules, based on the FREEMO concept (not to be confused with the european FREMO), showed an interested public the charm of US railroading, and went a step further by showing the operations aspect of the hobby, using car cards, trackwarrants, and dispatching via radio etc. This is something that is rarely seen in the UK but is gaining popularity, as it adds a dimension to 'playing with trains' and gives everything a sense of purpose. Members of my local NMRA club (Western Union) helped the crew of RS tower, and operated the branchline. There were a few technical glitches (problems with a few turnouts, causing trains to stop etc) , but in all I got the impression that people enjoyed themselves, and the public appeared interested in seeing US/Canadian modeling, with it's long, multiple headed trains, and operations. Let these few pictures speak for themselves. Of course, full view pictures can be seen by clicking on them.
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