Fairlight Works

Official blog of the High Weald Light Railway (1977) Co. Ltd.

ExpoNG 2010

009 exhibition expong inspiration model-railways narrow-gauge O14 scales

The annual narrow gauge modelling extravaganza that is ExpoNG has come and gone, and once again there are plenty of photos to share. This year’s show felt very well rounded – although larger layouts seemed to be in the majority there was a good range of scales and styles on display.

WW1 diorama - 009
A striking WWI diorama in 009 originally built by members of the G&DNGRS and now exhibited by the APPEVA group from France.

Rhyd Ddu - 009
Colin Lea’s Rhyd Ddu, also in 009, has been a real labour of love over the last few years as you can read on his blog archives. Its exhibition debut at ExpoNG showed that his hard work has really paid off – there were some operational gremlins but then when has any layout ever totally behaved itself when on show?

NG Sand & Gravel - O14
The sublime O14 NG Sand & Gravel, built by Roy C Link and exhibited by David Janes of KB Scale. The subtle use of sound and a letterbox presentation give a totally immersive experience.

Ardez - HOm
Ardez in HOm by John Attlewell. This DCC layout with working signalling was computer controlled by a laptop running Railroad & Co software – more on this in a future post!

Koonunga Junction - On30
Koonunga Junction in On30 by Fabrice Fayolle. A beautiful slice of Australia, made in France, on show in the UK!

Fen End Pit - SM32
David Barham’s Fen End Pit, in SM32. A large, highly detailed layout with a working dragline excavator used to load skips which are then run down to the conveyor belt grading system at the other end.

Rae Bridge - 009
Rae Bridge by Ted Polet in 009 was a real highlight for me as his Craigcorrie & Dunalistair has been a constant inspiration since taking up narrow gauge modelling, and a great “sequel” to seeing Dunalistair itself when Ted last exhibited at ExpoNG in 1997.

Gweek North Quay - O16.5
Finally the prize winners. Gweek North Quay in O16.5, by Falmouth MRC, was the deserved winner of the David Lloyd Trophy – voted for by representatives of the G&DNGRS, 009 Society and 7mm NGA. The layout, set in Cornwall, is backed up by a fabulous “historical” website detailing the story of the Helford Valley Railway.

Punta Marina - O16.5
Punta Marina by Henk Wurst, also O16.5, was awarded the Reinier Hendriksen trophy by the Racoons group. As a layout I must admit I prefer Henk’s previous creation, Castle Rock in 009, but as a piece of scenic modelling Punta Marina is a brilliantly composed and truly beautiful creation.


More ExpoNG photos and reports from Simon Cox, Tom Dauben, John Proctor, Michael Campbell, Chris Ford.