Wirksworth Model Railway Show

An unexpected trip out on the 1st saw me going to the annual model railway show at Wirksworth. I hadn't intended to go, and in all honesty I could have sworn it was normally held mid-October, however the social media algorithms were in my favour for once and alerted me that the show was on first thing in the morning! As always, not a complete show catalogue is presented here, mainly layouts that caught my eye.

The show is rather unusual in that it is held over three different venues, each a few minutes walk apart. This year there was a vintage bus service running from the station up the short distance to the main high street. No doubt welcomed by those wishing to avoid the intermittent downpours. 

Doe Lea (N) - Derek Gelsthorpe. One I saw previously this year at Bakewell, and a nice example of what can be achieved in a small 4x1ft footprint.

Hollington Quarry (009) - Dave Jones.

Boxworks Wharf (009) - Unknown builder, the layout didn't appear in the show guide!

Knowles Hill Colliery (00) - Phil & Jack Sharpe.

Pizza Layout (00) - Again, a layout that wasn't in the show guide so another unknown builder and unknown name if any.

Knottmuch Moor (00) - Ronan's Railways.

Knottmuch Moor (009) - Ronan's Railways. I'm unsure as to whether the name duplication is deliberate or a mistake in the show guide.

Cowley Yard (O) - William Plant. Another nice micro layout example.

Lockdown Quarry (009/00) - Tim Oaks.

"N Gauge in a Suitcase" (N) - Malcom Hughes.

One thing that did become apparent walking round was that there were a few layouts advertised in the show guide that weren't there. Naturally, this does happen sometimes but it left me with the feeling that some of them might have been Saturday only exhibits. Fair play to the exhibitors though the spaces did seem to have been filled with unadvertised small layouts, the only place it really stood out was seeing a solitary 4x3ft N gauge layout on its own in a room roughly 15x10ft.

I understand the organisers were also having new fire safety rules to work with this year, necessitating some space/layout changes to the norm. Again, credit to the exhibition staff, they did hand out a comments/feedback form on entry!

Trade was also very well catered for. There were the usual off the shelf box stores but at least two sellers had large 2nd hand rummage boxes, managing to make me part with money for two lorry kits. A complete Airfix cattle wagon was also mine for the princely sum of £1.50, a steal!

Overall, a bit of a mixed experience this year, partly due to me having to leave much earlier than intended (Forgoing a ride to Duffield and back) and probably due in part to the weather. It's one that I'd definitely return to next year as I'm all for supporting local shows in my area given how few and far between they are. It just seemed to be missing something this year, and I can't quite put my finger on it...