The show was interesting (coal smoke from the traction engine outside added to the flavour), in a good location. However (and for once) there was not really anything that caught my eye layout wise. Well, apart from the Marks Model works (and friends) stand.
First up is an N gauge layout built as a layout for kids to play with, by a modeler that has created some well executed 'left field' models in the past(I wish I could find pictures of his Wellington railway station in wood, complete with trains). The big kids gave it a good run today as well.
The thing I really like about this layout is that it can be folded in 1/2 for transport/storage. The 9' radius curves were a bit limiting for my Nz120 models but 1410 soldiered on for the whole afternoon. This layout provoked a lot of discussion during the day and many ideas were kicked round. Another astounding fact is that the layout is powered by 2 sets of 8 AA batteries! this seems to be quite happy running locos for long periods of time (and I'm told that the batteries have not been changed in 3 years). This also provoked a lot of discussion, with much centered around the possibilities of running a layout on DCC from a laptops USB port.
Also present was the S scale Kai iwi /Rimu flats layout. This is an 1880's period layout which again fiolds in 1/2 for transport. The Rimu flats side is a work in progress, and while not having any prototype at least one punter claimed to have gone to school there.
The other side is a deceptively simple single track through some rolling countryside. However its the small details that set this layout apart from others. I'm told that the Birds etch is one of the most popular etches sold by MMW.
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