This is an annual event held on the last Saturday and Sunday in November and is advertised on bill boards around the area.
We got there early and spent an enjoyable hour with 3 year old grandson looking at the exhibits. There were two large circular track layouts and several smaller ones. These are the pride and joy of the modellers and as much time is spent on the scenery as on the locos.
One layout had a small North Eastern drift mine alongside the workings of a local lime sidings. There wasn’t a lot of activity – one loco shunting wagons around the drift mine and the occasional loco running round the circuit. This was a shame as there were a lot of locos on sidings on the far side of the track away from the public viewing area.
The other large layout was done by three teenage boys and had a main line station, branch line station and goods depot. There was plenty of activity here as the boys were running an intensive service – so intensive that one of the goods trains ran into the back of a slow moving express derailing the last two coaches. This was a hit with grandson who spent 20-30 minutes just watching the trains.
The other hit was Wintertown, which was aimed at the younger generation as it was a snow scene with a funfair with flashing lights, skiers and cable car. In one corner Postman Pat had driven his post van into the canal and there were police cars with blue flashing lights. Locomotive power was provided by Gordon, Henry, Duck and Spencer (from Thomas the Tank Engine) and there was plenty going on.
Other layouts were fairly small but did have a lot of detail.
It was quite busy with a range of ages from 1-2 year olds being carried, usually by proud grandfathers, to octogenarians… Displays were a bit high for the little ones to view easily. Some wise souls had brought stools for the youngsters to stand on. We found a chair for grandson who is now a bit too heavy to hold for long.
Wives were providing refreshments with homemade cakes.
There were several trade stalls selling locos, coaches, track, second hand books and magazines. Prices were reasonable, especially for the books. The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway also had a presence there.
There isn’t a lot to see and certainly not worth making a long journey to visit, but grandson enjoyed it and is all set to take Mummy, Daddy and baby brother tomorrow… I can see this becoming a yearly event in the Wasley calendar. He can’t wait for Grandpa to find out his model railway which hasn’t seen the light of day for 25 years.
The Sunshine Hall is a typical local authority community centre with not a lot going for it. There were a couple of displays on the stage (reached by steps) otherwise there was good disabled access to everything else.
Entry is £2 or £1.50 for concessions. It is open 10-5 on the Saturday and 9,30-4 on the Sunday.
It's quite difficult to give this a star rating. There isn't a lot to see (3*) and it is one for the anoraks (7*) . It is on a small enough scale for the little ones to enjoy, and it was obvious most of them did (9*).