The fair county of Surrey has more than its fair share of narrow gauge
modellers, with two flourishing area groups from both our Society and the
7mm Narrow Gauge Association. They both came together on Saturday 2nd June
to host 'Narrow but Nice' in Leatherhead.
The OO9 layouts were all provided by members of the Surrey Narrow Gauge Modellers. John Thorne displayed his "Ditton Railway Company" which will be familiar to readers. This well detailed set of modules is soon to be joined by "Ditton Town", the final scene featuring the headquarters of the line and a model of Britain's last remaining temperance bar - not something usually associated with railway modellers!! Baseboards and trackwork were in evidence. At the other end of the room, John's "Scrubb's Lane Yard" shunting layout was in operation. Eve Everett showed "Sendup Down", a rabbit warren layout featuring some cleverly worked out gradients and levels. It takes its inspiration from "Dinas Dyke", an exhibition layout which may be familiar. Robert Bough had the beginnings of his model of Porthmadog Harbour station on show. This layout will apparently feature a working tide, but it was definitely out on the day. This is an ambitious project, but where was the Cob? No wonder the tide was out!
Trade support was supplied by Brian and the Members' Sales stand. As ever, these Members' Days are an opportunity to meet and chat - "come and natter Narrow Gauge" as the posters say! I'm sure a good time was had by all, I know that I enjoyed myself!
David Gander
© 2001 SNGMs