2009 MRE

2009 show a great success

The annual Thorncombe Model Railway Exhibition went ahead November 7th 2009, and this year it exceeded all expectations, with both a small increase in our all time best attendance figures, (212 adults and over 50 children), and a grand raffle with many great prizes, that helped contribute a substantial sum towards operating costs. The overall impression given was that the “feel” of the event was fresh and positive, and many people commented that the “Thorncombe show” continues to be one of the friendliest shows around, and very good value

Part of the fresh approach was the marked increase in posters put up around the area, and it seemed to have paid off, as over 18% of the voting participants recorded this as their first point of contact. Also “word of mouth” continues to be by far the largest reason given for coming along, a staggering 38%! (One could presume that we are being “talked about”).

Trade support was again provided by “Buffers” of Colston Cross Axminster, Peco from Beer, Rod Saunders of Bradninch provided a good selection of second hand rail equipment. Railwayana was also on sale courtesy of Alan Corwood, and all said it was worth attending. 

Line up of Exhibitors

TREVELLYN BRIDGE - 00, Chas May. (Railway Modeller Railway of the month April 2009)

PORTMINSTER - 00, Bridport Model Railway Club.

BELLOWS RAPIDS - N, Richard Hood TRAC.

WILLOWDALE - HO, Don Butcher.

CADMORE TOWN - 3MM, Brian Golding, 3MM Society.

CLARE'S TRAMWAY - 4MM, Pam Phillips.

TREACLE BOLLY - 009, Andrew Burnham 009 Society.

CLASS 43 COMPUTER SIMULATOR – Richard Holt TRAC.

TORMOUTH QUAY - 00, Graham Bean TRAC.

HALFPENNY HALT - N, Alan Stanier.

TREACLETON - 00, Don & Gloria Hillyar TRAC.

CLECKHEATON CENTRAL - 009, Geoff Broadhurst 009 Society.

LAMBERTS CASTLE - N, Steve Haynes Peco.

HEYWOOD & BLACK DOG MINING CO - 09 15" gauge, Matt Gicquel 009 Society.

The furthest starting point travelled from to reach us was “East Midlands”, another was Southampton, but the prize for determination to get to the event, must go to the gentleman who came from Bristol, by Public Transport; a train to Taunton, walk across town to bus station, bus to Bridport, then finally a bus to Thorncombe.  How he got back is not known.

Finally, the best in show trophy was again awarded to Chas May for his “Trevellyn Bridge” layout; “Portminster” and “Halfpenny Halt” layouts were voted into equal second place, continuing to give Chas a run for his money. Chas is now considering building something different for next year.  Special mention must also be given to Matt Gicquel for his “Hewood“ and “Black Dog mining” layouts, they were small but perfectly formed and gained many votes. Well done Matt!

Looking ahead to 2010 

The 2010 show will be held on Saturday 6th November, and work is already underway to present an equally fresh and varied selection of layouts compared to those exhibited this year. Make this a date for your diary!  To register an interest please contact Chas May on 01823 602726 ormailto:chasmay01@gmail.com 

Click Here for 2009 Pre-Event Press Release

3mm excellence Great Western style, "Cadmore Town" proved popular.