Mickleover 2026

Saturday gone saw our annual Modelling Day for the Trent Valley group in Mickleover and was just what my dormant modelling mojo needed to kick it back in to life.

Last year we were a bit shorthanded, but a combination of having fewer number of us exhibiting / demonstrating and an appeal for helpers made for a much better balance this year.

We had the usual fine array of cakes, bacon butties and copious quantities of tea with Mike and his merry band of helpers in the kitchen.

Was solo parenting for the weekend, so didn’t have the layout with me, but we enjoyed our stints on the door greeting visitors, taking their money and handing out tickets.

There were several highlights in the layouts attending, though I couldn’t get close enough to Bob’s American ‘Nicola Landing’ to get a photo. My daughter enjoyed three goes at Simon’s 16mm scale Inglenook layout and there has been a request that my next layout should include  shunting puzzle for us to play with.

Phil brought along Black Drake Wharf, with the latest addition to its loco roster, the Austerity. I’ve yet to give in to temptation for one of these. They’re lovely, especially the crimson lake liveried one, but still a touch large for my needs.

We had an 009 visitor with this well known Talyllyn layout encompassing all the main stations in a room filler. Now in the care of Paul, a fellow Talyllyn volunteer who is steadily refurbishing the layout where it needs it.

Last but certainly not least, Chris brought along his slice of mid-Wales in O-16.5. One of my favourite layouts and a fine mix of prototype modelling in a freelance setting.

Was a good day and involved catching up with many friends. Now to clear the way back to my modelling desk…