Big Macc 2

 In Part 2 there is a lot of ground still to cover. And by this stage the hall was definitely getting very crowded.

Aldgate Hill and Norton Folgate

It must be some 55 years since I first came across Minories, and it was already an established classic. I've never seen a version of I didn't like, and this was no exception. I particularly wanted to see it, because this is pretty close to the original concept, down to the use of some old Triang TT.

Small Dale Quarry

I like N gauge, I like quarries, and I like layouts set in the Peak District. So this scores highly. It seemed popular with many other people. Children seemed to like that there was always something happening.

 Incidentally, it never ceases to amaze me how small N appears in a big exhibition hall.

Gillow Heath Exchange Sidings

A layout based on a location very close to where we live. A major attraction for me was the Knotty stock, although, sadly, I only saw it in the fiddleyard. I rather liked the simple cassette system they were using. For some reason, possibly the crowds, I didn't get a more general photo of it, I think partly because I found the low perspex used to protect the layout got in the way.

 

Gunthorpe Junction.

A bit odd, this one. Based on a fictional disused station close to our old cottage, it is an interesting and brave layout. I was unimpressed at first, not least because they were having major operational issues, but I found myself drifting back to it several times.

Swiss Pass

Very impressive, very popular with family visitors. It is hard to convey how long and high it is, with multiple trains in view at different levels.

Rolvenden

You can always spot something you haven't noticed before. Children loved looking for small animals. Few layouts do such a good job of recreating a time and a place. Not many photos, because I've seen it a few times before. 

Old Parrock

Even though I'd seen it recently at the Manchester show, I still enjoyed a lot of time watching this. Even if a train hadn't moved I think would have stood and stared. as it is, it was a great example of how a layout should be operated from the front, a lesson a few other layouts here could have learned from.

Kerrinhead

Another layout I just came coming back to so many times. so many nice touches, like the pigeon loft, and all built to a consistently high standard.

Eaton Arches

another superb and large pre-grouping layout , again I kept coming back to. The bridge is the centrepiece but the buildings were full of life.

I hopped back on the usual excellent free vintage bus service back to Macclesfield itself, just in time for opening time at The Castle, a truly brilliant pub, and a suitable way to round off such an enjoable visit.