National Garden Railway Show 2026, pictures,videos and reactions

[maxi-model]

I'm possibly being abit preemptive opening a dedicated thread to the show. If not OK I'll repost to the "who's going thread.

To me the big reveal was just as you entered the show to the left and on the Footplate stand. One of the model railway "big boys" is getting into the 16mm market, Dapol. I have one or two of their OO9 and OO products, they are all impressive. They had on show their finished 16mm scale Vale of Rheidol wagon, in a couple of freelance liveries but a prototyical GWR one will be available too. Also a flat wagon and brake derived from the same chassis are coming. They also showed a "Tallylyn" style coach body prototype. Must be ordered either 32 or 45mm gauge, with metal wheelsets, not regaugable like Accucraft's 16mm products. Suppled with center buffer but its mounts will fit Accucraft chopper pattern directly. UK made and injection moulded, not a 3D printed or resin molded product. Will only be sold via Footplate. Expected release early summer. Interesting to see how this new venture develops. I'll be having a mustard wagon please. Max

 

[maxi-model]

A few pics. My model of the show. I sadly didn't make video, but that hamster is really working that wheel !

Interesting layout that includes a working crane


Unusual "osilator drive" on a live steamer, running on the immense 16mm NGM Association "modular" layout


A couple Roundhouse's finest at rest.


A longshot


Roundhouse Linda (?) rounding a bend


Seen on the G Scale layout


MOTY entry a very fine representation of the late Adrian Shooter's repatriated and modified Darjeeling Class B.


7/8" scale group display

 

[maxi-model]

A quick video or two. Well, I did say I'd try my best for those who could not attend. More pics and videos please and your thoughts on the show. Seemed well very attended. Plenty of seating for weary feet/knees/backs and efficiant, though pricey, catering operations. Some interesting and different layouts. Lots of trade stands, with plenty of the smaller "artisan" type. These smaller hobby suppliers seem to be embracing the new "produce on demand" technologies to give a much wider range of product. That and entry point prices are getting lower, with battery powered steam outline locos showing the way. Interesting to see one of the "volume"suppliers, Dapol, dipping their toes in the16mm water. Could we see them upscale running locos in injection molded plastic ?

Meanwhile at the mine

Layout in a day by Garden Rail magazine

Ingenious MOTY entry

7/8" scale society display layout

Accucraft IoM ex' Donegal railcar on the IoM group's stand

 

[Rhinochugger]

A quick video or two. Well, I did say I'd try my best for those who could not attend. More pics and videos please and your thoughts on the show. Seemed well very attended. Plenty of seating for weary feet/knees/backs and efficiant, though pricey, catering operations. Some interesting and different layouts. Lots of trade stands, with plenty of the smaller "artisan" type. These smaller hobby suppliers seem to be embracing the new "produce on demand" technologies to give a much wider range of product. That and entry point prices are getting lower, with battery powered steam outline locos showing the way. Interesting to see one of the "volume"suppliers, Heljan, dipping their toes in the16mm water. Could we see them upscale one of their OO9 L&B locos one day, in injection molded plastic ?

Meanwhile at the mine

Layout in a day by Garden Rail magazine

Ingenious MOTY entry

7/8" scale society display layout

Accucraft IoM ex' Donegal railcar on the IoM group's stand

@Fezwig and @Northsider on the IoM layout - love the Donegal railcars

 

[PhilP]

Nurse!
A pint of draught anesthetic, and something to soak my feet in, please!

T'is done.. Was good... Started before doors officially open.... Didn't stop..... Perhaps sat for a total of five minutes all day.

Thank you everybody!
PhilP.

 

[Northsider]

A busy, but hugely enjoyable, day. The IOM stand ran well,  Mona ran for several hours, and I even got to run 'naughty corner' stock, such as No.23 and my Groudle Glen BEV and toastracks. I got to meet up with many people from here, put names to new faces and see several of 'the regulars' -you know who you are, so I won't post a list! The meeters-uppers even got 5 minutes with @PhilP, including chocolate  Suggestives Digestives.
Having shot my mouth off to @Commerlad about all the IOM riches that would be available, there were only a couple of locos and a (small) handful of bogie coaches for sale -all with quite robust prices. Just proves how wrong you can be. I picked up a couple of projects, which will no doubt appear here in due course. Then all too soon it was over, and the M1 beckoned. The car will get emptied in the morning...
@Fezwig's Goods shed gets it's first public outing; note the cat stalking a seagull on the ridge tiles...

 

[Chris Vernell]

Fezwig's Goods shed gets it's first public outing; note the cat stalking a seagull on the ridge tiles...

That goods shed is truly magnificent

 

[viaEstrecha]

Brilliant pics, thanks, all. I saw a vid of the hamster earlier on FB and had a chuckle - genius

 

[Chris Vernell]

Brilliant pics, thanks, all. I saw a vid of the hamster earlier on FB and had a chuckle - genius

You do realize that when AI takes over, we will be the hamsters

 

[Northsider]

You do realize that when AI takes over, we will be the hamsters

Or squirrels?

(Puts tin hat on & retreats to a safe distance...).

 

[Paul M]

I was there, and had a look at the Manx stand, but everyone seemed to so deep in discussions, I didn't wantvto interrupt. Fezwig's goods shed was certainly a stand out feature! One small disappointment about thd show was a comparative lack of traders, compared to previous years. The ones attending were very good, but seems a few were missing.

 

[PhilP]

One small disappointment about thd show was a comparative lack of traders, compared to previous years. The ones attending were very good, but seems a few were missing.

Interesting...
Some will have been at the NEC, or Statfold. - Possibly one of the reasons, for the change in date for next year?
Though it may also to be a better 'fit' in Warners schedule?

Many, as are we all, getting older, so distance to travel, may play a part?

PhilP.

 

[PhilP]

My initial post-show analysis:

It was a good show.
Busy! - Understatement.. I didn't stop. First bite of my sandwich at half past four.

I have lots of orders.

Thanks to everybody who said hello. We were definitely chorate at 12:30 - ish.

PhilP

 

[maxi-model]

Interesting...
Some will have been at the NEC, or Statfold. - Possibly one of the reasons, for the change in date for next year?
Though it may also to be a better 'fit' in Warners schedule?

Many, as are we all, getting older, so distance to travel, may play a part?

PhilP.

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

 

[Tanker man]

Yes, I enjoyed the show as did my brother, Nephew and David1226 despite an on going chest infection and a niggling hip! I got the time completely wrong , was at RC trains at 12:00 and wondered where everyone was?? By 12:15 , hunger kicked in so we went for a pasty! So sorry I missed the meet, did catch up with some round the hall.
Over lunch, I was discussing with David about having some sort of G Scale Central pin or badge, so that we could recognise each other. It may be possible to 3D print something, I am willing to have a go at drawing something……..but what? ……….I seem to remember G scale Mad had a logo?
Your thoughts, please
Dave

 

[Gizzy]

Yes, I enjoyed the show as did my brother, Nephew and David1226 despite an on going chest infection and a niggling hip! I got the time completely wrong , was at RC trains at 12:00 and wondered where everyone was?? By 12:15 , hunger kicked in so we went for a pasty! So sorry I missed the meet, did catch up with some round the hall.
Over lunch, I was discussing with David about having some sort of G Scale Central pin or badge, so that we could recognise each other. It may be possible to 3D print something, I am willing to have a go at drawing something……..but what? ……….I seem to remember G scale Mad had a logo?
Your thoughts, please
Dave

I still have my GSM badge on my GSS jacket.

Mizzy and I were busy on Dow Bridge Junktion all day. Thanks to those who came and said hullo, even though I was busy.

We missed the 12.30 meet too, only stopping to collect a sausage roll and a chicken and mushroom pasty for lunch, with our meal ticket.

A long day for us. We stayed in Warwick and got home just after 19.30, so a full 13 hour day shift done....

 

[maxi-model]

Yes, I enjoyed the show as did my brother, Nephew and David1226 despite an on going chest infection and a niggling hip! I got the time completely wrong , was at RC trains at 12:00 and wondered where everyone was?? By 12:15 , hunger kicked in so we went for a pasty! So sorry I missed the meet, did catch up with some round the hall.
Over lunch, I was discussing with David about having some sort of G Scale Central pin or badge, so that we could recognise each other. It may be possible to 3D print something, I am willing to have a go at drawing something……..but what? ……….I seem to remember G scale Mad had a logo?
Your thoughts, please
Dave

Great idea. I only know most people here by their "handle" so it can be difficult to identify if not in a big huddle or with name tags that match their GSC ID. Like yesterday. Anyway if the 16mm'illers and G Scalers can have a badge, why can't we ? Max

 

[Gizzy]

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
View attachment 355565View attachment 355566

Amazing Little Trains and Andy were collaborating with the Garden Rail magazine stand....

 

[Chris Vernell]

Or squirrels?

(Puts tin hat on & retreats to a safe distance...).

Karma

 

[JimmyB]

Thanks to everybody who said hello. We were definitely chorate at 12:30 - ish.

PhilP

Confused:

Chorate is a Reading-based mixed voice chamber choir, formed in 2009 by a group of experienced singers wanting to sing, have fun and raise funds for good causes, with over £36,250 raised to date.