As regular readers of my blog will know, I can often be found assisting Mike Wild, editor of Hornby Magazine operate his many layouts at various shows they attend to promote the magazine.
This weekend it is the turn of his British Railways Midland Region layout Berrybridge to make a appearance at the Warrington Show. Once again I will be spending the weekend playing trains (unfortunately there will not be a Southern engine in sight, but I am sure I will cope) and generally trying the convince members of the public that Mike is in fact Mike and not me!
Berrybridge was originally built within 75 hours for an article in the magazine to prove that layouts do not always need to take years to complete. It comprises of a small ex Midland station on a cross country route with a typical passenger and freight service serving the station and a small good yard. A small loco servicing facility is also included for good measure.
One of the operational interests of the track plan is that generally trains are not able to pass in the short station loop necessitating freight to make use of the lie-by siding to allow other trains to pass.
This weekend will see some new rolling stock on the layout including an ‘2F from ‘00’ works, a 4F, a Ivatt 2MT and also, the brand new yet to reach the shops, Bachmann 3F 0-6-0 tender locomotive.
Further information about the preparation of Berrybridge for the Warrington show, along with more pictures, can be found on the Hornby Magazine site here.
If you are able to attend then make sure you come by the layout and say hello.
I’m amazed anyone mistakes you for Mike. If their eyesight is that bad, perhaps a move to Gauge 1 might be a good idea !
To be fair I think its only people that have never met Mike before, I think it’s an age thing or it might be his beard…