On Saturday the Norfolk and Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers held their second Open Day. I went to their first Open Day last year and I’m very pleased it is becoming an annual event. It’s a nice location, packed with good layouts and lots of interesting people to talk with.

Here are some of the things that caught my eye.

First, Snow in the Glen by Noel Davies a lovely O-16.5 layout, packed with detail… and deep snow.

Some of the details are fantastic – look at the interior in the boiler house!

I was very struck by the simplicity and superb modelling on Watts Mine by Barry Weston. Lovely, large scale 1:24 models.

Stephen Sullivan was exhibiting his Lincolnshire ‘Potato Railway’, the Holbeach Estates Railway. It’s a very original topic for a model.

I was lucky enough to get a chance to operate the layout (Thanks Stephen!). Stephen has some incredibly small locomotives and I was impressed with how well they run, despite their miniscule wheelbases.

Finally, the Lochsanda Tramway by Lyn and Jim Owers, a fictional 1960s Scottish tramway. I love the colourful houses built from foam board walls, laser cut roof tiles and plasticard lintils.

The trams stop and start automatically. This means the ‘operators’ can sit down and talk to people – how refreshing!

The 009 Society Sales and Chris Ward 3D printed models were there and seemed to be doing a brisk trade.

The ladies from Great Yarmouth Brass provided superb refreshments. Rumours that I ate three large slices of Victoria sponge are totally… true. It was delicious!