On the rails: DEMU 2026…

I don’t really do many shows. I had hoped to make it to Michael’s Cathedral event in Bradford but the journey was both long and expensive, but the need to get out and see something of the world encouraged me out of the door on Saturday morning…

At a new location in Sutton Coldfield it was easy to get to by train, a bonus. Less than 5 minutes walk from the station in the end, and with a Costa at the leisure centre a quick flat white opportunity before wandering into a very friendly show, one with a sense of the old ExpoNGs that perhaps comes with a more focused ‘interest’. I heard a trader bemoaning it being quiet, but it seemed busy enough to me - maybe his wares weren’t attracting interest rather than the show which had a pleasant bustle without being crowded.

I enjoyed the majority of exhibits. It was refreshing not to have a big tail chaser, not that the layouts were all small, just that the larger layouts were still just small schemes, done ‘to scale’. From O to N there were interesting ideas, neat details and plenty of character.

Leadenhall was my favourite - a rather cameo-esque composition. A station barely long enough for a four car unit that felt much larger. Beautifully executed, neat modelling and a night/day sequence that worked much better in the flesh than appears in photographs. The Peco track was largely hidden by platform faces, the whole thing a fantastic advert for modern N. Excellent work by Simon Veasey of Revolution. 

Leadenhall - N 

Leadenhall - N

Leadenhall - N

Leadenhall - N

As I wandered around I found myself drawn to cameo crops of larger schemes, imagining how they could be presented in a different way. Viewed from above, many (Canton and City Basin excepted) with sub-optimal lighting, it reminded me of times past - and also - reflecting on whether my own plans would be really exhibition friendly or not…

Cromer - O

Rhiw - OO

I bumped into Chris Ford, who I’ve not spoken to properly since one of my early ExpoNG visits in the Twenty-teens. Lovely to catch up and distract him from operating! His layout was a late notice stand in, but felt very much part of the show, and ran well. Nice to see some older OO stock too, including his Lima 117 bashed 121! I did the same many years ago…

City Basin Goods - N.
This has some nice ideas and an interesting operation but slightly wonky modelling around the baseboard join killing the overall illusion. This cameo around the side of the parcels depot could have been a cameo of its own. I love the BR parcels vans!

Tidworth - OO

Cardiff Canton - OO

Cardiff Canton - OO

I was particularly taken with the grounded vans on Canton - again, I could imagine these forming the lead actor role on a smaller crop of the depot scene. Finally, I spotted myself, lost (or perhaps found) on Porthleven…

Porthleven - OO

So a tempering to my disappointment of not making it to Bradford (sorry Michael) but so pleased I made it to Sutton Coldfield. Everywhere seems an adventure from North Wales, but getting out and about is good for me - to remind myself what I am good at, what I enjoy and to socialise with friends and blog readers. Thank you to those of you who said hello, hope you enjoyed the show. I came home with another Revolution IHA and a Farish VGA for ‘future’ layout plans, thoughts of acquiring a Farish 20 when they’re released and with a renewed enthusiasm which has seen Night Shift nearly finished… that can wait for another time though. More soon…

Shrewsbury traincare sidings with three generations of Sprinter. An uneventful and smooth journey down and home, all logged on Journey Log.

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