The Norfolk and Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers 1st Anniversary Open Day was a great event. It was a glorious sunny day in Beccles and there were several layouts that caught my eye.

Firstly, the superbly detailed Whitsend Tramway by Graham and Caroline Watling.

There are so many lovely scenes on this layout it’s difficult to photograph them all, but I managed to get this shot of the harbour.

Reeds Beck Waterworks by Chris Seago is a very elegant layout with a clean and uncluttered style that I liked a lot. I’m not sure my photo quite does justice to the Victoria waterworks but hopefully it will give you a feel for the layout. It is excellent operationally too – there were lot’s of very smooth shunting manoeuvres!

The N&SNGM group ran a competition to build a layout in 2 square feet. It is very difficult to do and there were some great miniature layouts. My favourite was Ashfield Green. I realised afterwards that it was also made by Chris Seago. I guess I just like his style of modelling.

The 009 Society Sales Stand was there and I was unable to resist buying some wagons and models (but more of that later).

Richard Doe and the N&SNGM team did an excellent job of organising the event, the Great Yarmouth Brass Band provided refreshments (including delicious home made cakes), and there were lots of visitors. I hope they do the whole thing again next year!

Afterwards I walked through Beccles and found a lovely secondhand bookshop with a well stocked railway section. I brought a copy of Layouts for Limited Spaces by Nigel Adams. I’ve realised that if I build another layout I need to spend more time designing and thinking thinks through before I start building….

A short hop down the road took me to Lowestoft and Parrs model railway shop at 252 London Road South. I’ve never visited before but I will definitely visit again. It is well stocked with a great selection of models and modelling materials and the owner is very knowledgeable and helpful. I stocked up on some Wills Dressed Stone Walling, some varnish and enough flesh coloured paint to last me years and years.

 All in all, a great day out.