2010 MRE Report

Thorncombe Rail 2010 “The Atterbury Effect”.

The annual Thorncombe Model Railway Exhibition organised by Thorncombe Rail Activities Club went ahead on November 6th2010, and this year being our 10th anniversary it was opened by Paul Atterbury (of Antiques Roadshow fame).  Paul is well known as a local authority on all things railway related, and has written many books on the subject.

Public attendance exceeded all expectations, with a 47% increase in our all time best attendance figures, (337  adults and over 50 children), making this our most successful show ever!

However not all came in the morning just to see Paul, as over 200 arrived during the afternoon to see the range of quality exhibits on offer, from as far away as North Wales. Aided by a grand raffle, with many great prizes, a “Layout naming competition” and the prestigious “Public Favourite exhibit award”, (with prizes sponsored by Buffers Model Railways), the event had a buzz from the start that continued throughout the day.

In fact many people commented that the “Thorncombe show” continues to be one of the friendliest events around, featuring high quality and good value. People were noted to have come from far and wide, Croydon and Camberley being just two examples!

Trade support was again provided by PECO of Beer, “Buffers” of Colston Cross and Rod Saunders of Bradninch, who also provided a good selection of second hand rail equipment. A diverse and interesting selection of Railwayana was also on sale courtesy of Alan Corwood, and traders all said it was well worth attending.

Finally, the “Jeff Tennent  Memorial Trophy” for the public’s favourite exhibit was  awarded to Ted Olney of Bath for his “Bishopsmead” layout.  “Corris” and “Chardley Junction” layouts were voted into second and third place. Rod Alcock’s “Corris”exhibit  running Ted Olney’s  “Bishopsmead” very close for the award.

Once the sums have been finalised, it is expected that TRAC will once again be able to donate a decent amount to rail related charities, as they have done in the past.

Work is already underway to make next year event at least as good as this one. Be sure to be there on Saturday November 5th 2011!

Geoff Broadhurst’s hand carved slate work in Rod Allcock’s “CORRIS” drew many plaudits as this distance shot shows. 1930’s Welsh atmosphere, captured in abundance within this village scene.