Chairman's Report Heartlands Oct 2018

Cornwall Branch - Hornby Railway Collectors Association 27/28 October 2018

Report by Colin Saxton - Chairman

October 2018 was the time for our bi-annual open weekend at our local heritage centre, Heartlands near Redruth. For once the weather was kind. Our public displays are always free entry, open to everyone and interactive with lots of opportunity for visitors to get involved. The venue is too large for our group alone to fill. Members get first priority and then our events organiser Bernie Porter invites other local displays of interest to make up the shortfall and enhance the variety of visitor experience.

In the impressive entrance hall on a table 16 feet x 10 feet was a large selection of Meccano 'hands on' models to delight young visitors.Also on show were bigger working Meccano models with LGB trains weaving between, all presented by Colin and Diana Saxton.

Looking anticlockwise around the adjacent main hall was firstly a Hornby Dublo foursome. Number one was a superb 9 feet x 4 feet 6 inches two rail double track layout with multiple sidings and appropriate plastic buildings. This was the first outing for this new display by Barry Williams, John Ferrier. Arnold Mason and young Eric Ellis.

Second was a traditional three rail loose lay by Dougal McLachlan on tables 9 feet x 4 feet. This feature had three main line continuous tracks and an excellent selection of stock.

The third railway was a superb fully modelled layout again on a board 9 feet by 4 feet. Jim Curry's presentation showed the full potential of tin plate three rail in a realistic scenic setting.

Next was fourth Hornby Dublo set up, loose lay, by Paul Baker with a double track continuous run and over sixty tank wagons. Many of the tanks were running in trains and made a most colourful display.

In amongst these layouts was a table display by Shirley Mason and grandson Cody consisting of Dinky models which attracted much interest.

Member Ron Vardy uses Meccano in combination with wood, card, string and other materials to create the most intriguing moving models. Included this year was a scenic railway, a roundabout and a ghost train complete with working ghosts delighting and thrilling both young and old visitors. Ron was ably assisted by Janet.

Our group vice chairman Robert Wheeler, assisted by Derek Smith, ran his loose lay Lionel 3 rail on 13 feet by 7 feet tables in the best O gauge tinplate tradition.

The group's latest member Robert Rusbridge and son Rhys displayed two Hornby O gauge layouts. The first - a combination of one and 2 foot radius track carrying clockwork on a board six feet by 3 feet - was fully scenic and very attractive. A traditional electric double track six feet by ten feet was the second presentation. Both used near mint stock and buildings - a lovely presentation.

Next was a table with a variety of Hornby O gauge static display, by Mike Hitchens.

Mr and Mrs. Stephen Hassel had the usual superb standard of attractive Bayko products which included a large hotel, a football ground and a whole row of terraced houses, together with magazines and Bayko literature.

In the centre of the room on a six foot circular table was a Hornby clockwork circuit with a display of stock. This was presented by Colin Saxton and operated by non member Wayne Tozer who invited visitors to get involved in wind up operations.

Members Bernie Porter and Ron Wills both ran sales stalls with tempting offerings of Hornby and other model products for sale.

Two more members, Chris Lawrence and Richard Wills, presented fantastic model soldiers and tinplate fairground displays respectively.

Non members tables included two fair grounds, a lovely scenic N gauge and a working T gauge railway in a suitcase.

Our weekend of show was well attended with some very appreciative visitor feedback. Our thanks to Heartland staff for donating the venue and for the endless supply of tea and coffee, and to all who made the weekend such a great success.

Colin Saxton ( Chairman)