A report on the 2005 Alresford Toy Train Show 

from the Organiser: Bob Leggett 

For those unable to attend the show here is my rather long report of the day 's activities. The show which is now firmly established as one of the main collector events in the UK was probably the best yet in terms of quality of layouts 

Despite being the hottest day of the year so far the attendance was slightly up on last year with approx 800 visitors. The main assembly hall was the venue for the smaller gauges and two Trix bakelite track layouts were operated by David Holmes and Clive Parker. An operating conveyor was seen on David's layout. Next door John and Sue Ablett ran their superb Wrenn layout with 60's accessories which was just awash with rare minix items ,some neverwas EMU's, Wrenn Brighton Belles together with loads of Dublo Dinkies and later style Dublo buildings. Dave White with help from several TCS members had amassed a wonderful Tri-ang Super 4 layout with tons of Model land and Minic Motorway buildings including Paul Rees Model land prototype buildings. 

In front of the stage Paul and Jennifer Brookes were displaying Wardie and other related items as well as selling some choice Master Models and other accessories from the same stable. David Lyon with his son Ben were operating his splendid Minic Motorway layout with automated Car driving onto the train plus a fully operation roundabout as well as incorporating a dual carriageway. Bob Boekhout from the Netherlands with help from Malcolm Pugh were operating Bob's excellent Tri-ang Standard track layout. James Day was running the TCS stand with help from Martin Doubleday as well operating a Noch preformed layout with a variety of stock plus Jame's great range of spares. 

First timers to the Show Richard and Christine Deas who ran a Tri-ang Hornby layout with the front styled in the shape of a Tri-ang Hornby Window box. It was much admired and Richard ran a variety of T/H stock. Ashley Barton with Sue was operating his stunning Airfix /Kitmaster layout which verges on railway modelling with some fantastic alterations to the original kits. There was an airport theme this year at the show. Ashley had added a runway to his layout. Chris Cheyney with members from Chichester Lions Club were operating a Dublo 3 rail layout for the Public to operate as well as a Train of fortune (circle of track with a clockwork loco, the winner who guessed which segment the train stopped in won a bottle of spirits, money that was raised went to the charities the show supports). 

On the stage ever present at every show Eric Large was running Lone Star with a mouth watering display of boxed sets and shop display items, Steve Fackerell was operating his three sectioned TT Layout and was greatly admired. Nick Gillman was operating a Southern 60's layout with items readily available in the 60's all with a Southern Connection although I did spot a Blue Pullman making a rare appearance! There was also a modern Hornby layout for visitors to operate, most of the items kindly donated by Hornby Hobbies. A Brio set supplied by Brio kept little fingers happy. 

In the Sports Hall the Bowman Society was running their Steam operated trains much to the amazement of many visitors, John Heywood had an interesting selection of Meccano and Chris Andrews was running a selection of static Steam engines all day. Michael Clarke was operating a large Tri-ang Big Big layout next to Miles Rowland who was prompting and meeting members of the Tri-ang Society. Bryan Pentland had a great display of mainly tinplate toys but a first for Alresford was a Japanese Monorail with two trains running all day. Another first this year was Paul, Marilyn and Adam Draycott’s magnificent Dublo 3 rails layout that had no less than 13 girder bridges on one section. There was also a great Dinky display as well as an airport.

Mike Allen had brought his excellent 3 track O gauge layout out of retirement and had even added some additional scenery. Train from Hornby, Bassett Lowke, Leeds and ACE ran all day. Another welcome return was Adam Heeley who with help from Chris and Jane Reeve produced a colourful Hornby clockwork layout with most of Hornsby's clockwork engines running at some stage during the day. 

Over 80 sales tables were selling a huge variety of old and new trains with as usual some dealers having a good day and others missing out. Overall despite the recent downturn most traders were content with their days trading. On the first tennis court Winchester Engineering Society were giving rides on the steam railway. The toy display was just off the main courtyard with a Minic display by Peter Gurd, construction toys by Jackie Britton, Tri-ang Boats and other toys by Trevor Smith, Army Guns and Cannons by Peter Steyning and Linda Toys by Clive Gehle which also included another airport. Of particular note was a Dublo style Signal Box copied by Linda Toys and produced in N gauge. 

David Lord was operating his ever popular Scalextric 4 lane layout. In the main courtyard, Martin Brimson was running a drive it yourself LGB layout including a very popular Thomas train as well as a working cable car The courtyard also included a Real Ale Bar, BBQ, and an Ice Cream van plus the Swamp Thing playing railway related Rock n Roll between 12.30-2pm. Refreshments were run by the School. 

The show raised a £1000 for groups in and around Alresford including the local branch of The Save the Children Society who manned the doors with a smile. Thanks to everyone who was at the show to make it such an enjoyable event (sorry if I missed anyone out) My thanks to everyone who helped, exhibited or ran a stall to make this show so enjoyable. 

Bob Leggett

Show Photos