21 February 2009 - Narrow Gauge South West, Shepton Mallet

A bright spring day and huge numbers of narrow gauge modelling enthusiasts headed for Shepton Mallet in Somerset for the 16th annual modelfest splendidly organised by the hard working Small & Delightful team. Delightful it certainly was, small it certainly wasn't with over 30 layouts present in all scales from 2mm to 16mm and an attendance by just about all the UK based specialist narrow gauge modelling traders, including Parkside Dundas all the way from Kirkcaldy, in Fife, 450 miles and 10 hours drive away.

Many people that I spoke to considered that this was the best NGSW yet and the 009 Society reported record sales figures. I noticed that the crowds around the 7mm NGA stand were much deeper than usual as well. I think everyone must be spending their pounds while they still have some value left!

My only disappointment was that there was so much to see and it was such a challenge getting the camera lens through the crowds and in front of layouts that I did not have time to do my customary quality control check on the famous cake selection available at "The Bistro". Such sacrifice in the cause of keeping up with the demand for photos, I hope that you agree that it was worth the effort as I snapped some really good models, despite having to abandon plans for posed photos with the camera on the tripod etc and just "point and shoot". I hope you enjoy my selection of what there was to see on the day anyway.

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