National Garden Railway Show 2026, pictures,videos and reactions

maxi-model said:
Notable absentees to me, now I come to think of it - Accucraft UK, Fosworks, Model Railway Clearing House, Jon's People (retired ?) and Amazing Little Trains of Coventry (!) All of whom have persuaded me to to make, in some cases substantial on the spot, purchases or long term as a result of their presence. Winners this time - Black Cat Bridges. Ordered two to replace existing. They offer a more a far more substantial stanchion design, better to withstand my errant toe caos and will be supplied painted a nice shade of RAL 6002 green. Max

Single track to be supplied. What will be replaced
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As others have said, Amazing Little Trains (ME) were doing a colab with GardenRail with Phil on his 'Layout for a Day', giving show visitors a chance to try DCC 'in the garden' which went down very very well. One youngster spent almost all of the day driving trains and running the railway via my old smart phone! The dynamite wagon had to be rebuilt many many times!!! I've already been asked about doing something similar next year.

Garden railways are very much a hobby as well as a job - historically I've always treated this show as a day out, where I can catch up with friends/chat etc. Something you can't easily do when manning a stand all day.
That being said, I'm more than happy to bring along any pre-sold orders for you to collect at the show to save on postage charges.

Oh and Accuy Uk and Graham with MRCH were definitely there at the show :)
 
andyspencer said:
As others have said, Amazing Little Trains (ME) were doing a colab with GardenRail with Phil on his 'Layout for a Day', giving show visitors a chance to try DCC 'in the garden' which went down very very well. One youngster spent almost all of the day driving trains and running the railway via my old smart phone! The dynamite wagon had to be rebuilt many many times!!! I've already been asked about doing something similar next year.

Garden railways are very much a hobby as well as a job - historically I've always treated this show as a day out, where I can catch up with friends/chat etc. Something you can't easily do when manning a stand all day.
That being said, I'm more than happy to bring along any pre-sold orders for you to collect at the show to save on postage charges.

Oh and Accuy Uk and Graham with MRCH were definitely there at the show :)
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My apologies if I have overlooked (YOU) and the two other traders. However, neither Amazing Little Trains (YOURSELF) nor Graham Langer's Model Railway Clearing House (edit - didn't check the prefix "The" on the business name :banghead:) were listed in the Garden Rail supplied show guide. So this may have dimmed my attention. But, yes, I seemed to have overlooked Accucraft, listed as exhibiting at stand 82. I was getting a bit weary by the time I got over that way. Firstly may I say, (YOU) and the two others are up at the top of my go see, at any show. Why ? You are some of the most likely to sell/trade US 1.20.3/Fn3 items, both new and "pre-loved", based on previous shows. These types of items are a major part of my garden railway roster and interest.

Might I suggest a further reason for my inexcusable oversight might be due also to a lack of the usual "flash" and banners I have come to expect from (YOU) and the two others at these shows. Perhaps Maxitrack's own branding (ironic given my handle, which was my trading name, + an s, up to 20 years ago) was overshadowing Accucraft's. Most businesses recognise that a good "brand" identity is essential. Alter or reduce the visibility of that leaves you at greater risk of being overlooked. Give me advance warning next time and I will make sure to search you out. Luckily no other Fn3 for sale opened my wallet. So, here's to next time ! Max
 
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There is more than a rumour, that attendance was around 25% up on last year.

We were certainly busy all day.
Last year, during the AGM, I managed to get away from the stand.. Not this year.

So, let's see your shiny new purchases then:

PhilP.
 
I'll have to wait 8 weeks for my purchases at the show. A pair of Black Cat made bridges of a way sturdier construction to the present. I keep catching my toes on them ! There was an Fn3 Bachman D&RGW (flying rio logo) on the Footplate stand but it was a bit battered needing some work, so I passed. Oh, and a couple of small speakers, from where else, RC Trains. Max
 
PhilP said:
So, let's see your shiny new purchases then
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Apparently this is a John Campbell model of a Clogher Valley railcar. It is in good condition, has never had a motor fitted by the look of it, and 'should' be an easy fix, although I'm already seeing things to do, such as fitting sand pipes and a working headlamp; and then there's the livery...stay, or go?

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And bought at the same time, a longer-term project. Another CVR/CDRJC railcar, beautifully built from wood. It is big -16mm/ft, not 15mm/ft- and needs continuing with.
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Not too much from me, More an info hunt, Meet and discuss things etc.

Some Bearings from Bowaters, (Pre Arranged),
Whitemetal Bogie sides from Footplate rummage table,
Transfers from Endon Valley, and info on future products that should be being checked on prototype this week.

Agreed to buy a load of white metal strapping etc (Leftover after production run), useful for scratch builds etc. (And finishing 11 s/h kits some of which were missing said strapping)

Agreed to buy a Fish Wagon and an Open Roof Cattle Van.
 
Northsider said:
Apparently this is a John Campbell model of a Clogher Valley railcar. It is in good condition, has never had a motor fitted by the look of it, and 'should' be an easy fix, although I'm already seeing things to do, such as fitting sand pipes and a working headlamp; and then there's the livery...stay, or go?

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And bought at the same time, a longer-term project. Another CVR/CDRJC railcar, beautifully built from wood. It is big -16mm/ft, not 15mm/ft- and needs continuing with.
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Looks odd in Blue and White , My opinion is GO.

The No. 1 looks good so far, I have a set of 7mm drawings I could scan and send if you wish.
 
I suppose I am going to have to confess?
But it will have to wait until after lunch.. Mine and my feline masters..

PhilP.
 
Near the end of the afternoon, just before leaving, I spotted an LGB Mayer in black, on the Footplate stand with a label on the cab that just said ‘dead’ . Now I like a challenge but on enquiring the price, they wanted £120.00 for it, looking it over, no sound unit or no speaker, all 4 sets of valve gear were damaged and would need replacing even before you got to inside to find out why it was ‘dead’ …….I walked away. Did wonder if I had gone back with a small bundle of cash, if it would have been accepted……….we shall never know! ………….at least I didn’t have to explain the loco when I got home! ……………did anyone else go for it???
Dave
 
Tanker man said:
Near the end of the afternoon, just before leaving, I spotted an LGB Mayer in black, on the Footplate stand with a label on the cab that just said ‘dead’ . Now I like a challenge but on enquiring the price, they wanted £120.00 for it, looking it over, no sound unit or no speaker, all 4 sets of valve gear were damaged and would need replacing even before you got to inside to find out why it was ‘dead’ …….I walked away. Did wonder if I had gone back with a small bundle of cash, if it would have been accepted……….we shall never know! ………….at least I didn’t have to explain the loco when I got home! ……………did anyone else go for it???
Dave
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Might have been worth a punt, if you got it working skirts to hide the lack of valve gear. There were a couple of Tramway Mallets in Belgium.
 
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