Workington Show (Solrail) 2024

Again, it was a great experience, and congratulations are due to all the organisers and helpers for putting on such a warm and friendly show. There seemed to be a good turnout of the public, along with many Scalefour members. For me, three layouts that made the biggest impression where; Bruntisland, Alston and Tarring Neville.

Burntisland must be one of the standout modelling projects of our time. A near scale model of the location in a period that entailed all items to be either scratch built or built from kits designed by the crew involved in its construction. It is a phenomenal piece of historical modelling.

Alston is just a brilliant piece of observational modelling with a thoughtful composition of buildings from the actual town framing an accurate rendition of the station at the front in 2mm.

For me, Tarring Neville brought a couple of novel ideas to the show, firstly being able to view the layout from three sides, secondly using cable to hold up the proscenium, giving a clear view from one end. It also was a fine piece of composition with scratch built OO track giving an interesting track plan along with well-placed and built buildings with supporting scenery all in 5’ x 2’. I really admire people that can produce an evocative layout that is interesting to watch all in a small place.

The Workington show (Solrail) was a big event for Rospeath Lane. It was the first outing when I had all components to pack in the car. Two scenic baseboards, two trestles, the support beams along with a good proportion of rolling stock and it all fitted in the car with space available for a toolbox along with small overnight bags. All the planning has been worthwhile…

There are some minor modifications required to the support structure. The proscenium does dip in the middle and the support beams sag a little on the right. Apart from that, it was good to meet many Society members for the first time as well as others I'd met previously. It was especially interesting to talk to two members who have also taken the plunge and entered the Jubilee Challenge.

So now I know it will be a doable project transporting the layout structure in one car with two passengers. I can press ahead with building turnouts and the control panel.