THE NATIONAL GARDEN RAILWAY SHOW 2021 by Mick Blowfield

Show director, Mick Blowfield, tells us what to expect at Peterborough.

The date is Saturday, 26 June. The time is 9.30am. The place is the East of England Arena near Peterborough. And what’s that I hear? The sound of garden railway enthusiasts heading into an airy, spacious hall, talking about all aspects of their favourite hobby, greeting old friends (from an appropriate social distance), and eagerly anticipating what’s awaiting them inside.

Yes, it’s the 2021 National Garden Railway Show – the biggest garden railway show in the world. Just as in previous years, there is an exciting mix of traders, loco manufacturers, railway societies, and, of course, the layouts that represent different scales, types of locomotive power, and ways of going about modelling. I’m writing this over two months before the show, and already we’re looking at about 50 traders and 12 layouts. Everything from the G1 colossus, Anglia Roads, to the tiny Aberwym, only three metres long.

Even though parts of the show will be familiar, it has to be acknowledged that this will be an event like none before. After over a year when garden railway shows haven’t been possible because of Covid, this will be the first time for people from across the hobby to come together. In order for that to happen, changes are having to be made.

The top priority this year is to run an event that is as safe as it is entertaining. The Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers, which hosts the show, has thought long and hard about how to deliver a show that meets the quality standards of the past for an audience that will be both eager, but understandably nervous that public gatherings might pose a risk. Conversations the Association Board has had with members, traders and other exhibitors have shown that there are also lots of people who want the show to take place. It is a statement that the worst days are behind us, and we are ready to move ahead.

So, what’s being done to make the Show safe? The first thing to note is that the Show will take place – and only take place – if England has successfully moved to Step 3 of the UK government’s COVID-19 Response Roadmap. Under Step 3, large indoor events can take place provided that the number of participants is restricted to 1,000 people at

any one time. That’s about half the number of people who normally attend. But to increase the numbers without risk, the show is being run in two sessions – one morning, one afternoon. Each three-and-a-half-hour session will have a capacity of 750 people, enabling the show to attract 1,500 visitors but keeping the numbers at any one time to 75% of what the government is permitting.

The eagle-eyed reader will have noticed that if there aren’t hitches in rolling out the government’s roadmap, the show might take place after the country has entered Step 4 (currently planned for 21 June). By that time, there may not be any restrictions in place. But why take the gamble? There is too much uncertainty about what a Step 4 event will look like in practice to use it as the basis for planning. Faced with lots of “what if ” questions, it’s best to follow the age-old guidance, Keep It Simple Stupid.

To comply with the government’s Test and Trace system, all tickets must be bought in advance, online. Putting safety first means that entering and exiting the Arena, mixing, handling products, using facilities and every other activity we take for granted at a normal show will also be a bit different. The whole running of the show has been subject to rigorous review through a virus lens - details are on the Association’s website, and there will be comprehensive guidance in the Show Guide. Rest assured, the show organisers have conducted rigorous risk assessments with show participants and the Arena owners following the events industry All Secure Standard, to ensure the health and safety of all visitors, exhibitors, and event personnel. Last, but not least, the show’s implementation plan has to be signed off by the local health authority.

So, it’s a safe show, but will it be a fun show? As in the past, traders will be out in force, most of them for the first time since the pandemic began. Roundhouse and Accucraft will be showing their latest locos. Accucraft will have Talyllyn No.1, and its Quarry Hunslet, plus the G1 Adams Radial Tank and Aster B1. Roundhouse is bringing its 2021 release, Palmerston, and its Davenport and Taliesin models from 2020 will also be making their first appearance at any show. Bole Laser Craft and IP Engineering are amongst the manufacturers who have brought new models to the market during lockdown, and their locos, buildings, wagons, figures and lots more will be making public debuts at the show. As I write, new traders are signing up regularly, and, as well as old favourites, there are new ones who will be making their first appearance. What’s more, as well as the chance to talk to traders, there are numerous railway societies that can update you on their activities and perhaps entice you to get involved.

Another way of laying your hands on new goodies is the show’s Grand Prize Draw. You can win a share of roughly £6000-worth of railway-related prizes in return for buying a £1 ticket. Top prize is a Roundhouse Silver Lady made extra special with expert lining and a full complement of loco detailing. All told, there are over 20 prizes made possible by generous discounts and gifts from sponsors.

Some regular attractions such as Model of the Year and Member to Member Sales can’t take place this time because of time and space restrictions. But the Association AGM has been organised so that members can attend it between the morning and afternoon sessions. The Landmarks Display showcasing the history of the hobby will also go ahead. This year it will focus on the high quality work of small manufacturers and hopes to have locomotives built by DJB, Finescale, Tolhurst Model Engineering, Wrightscale and many others.

Last but definitely not least, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of layouts. As ever, the show tries to provide examples of as many different gauges and styles as possible. The Association’s Modular layout has been asked to operate two separate layouts, each with its own theme. Rhydypendren, which has long hosted an assortment of interesting locomotives, is making its first appearance under new ownership, and along with the likes of Lower Chaldon and Tor Halt, will be one of many layouts running live steam. And if you fancy something a bit different, there are two pop-up railways, built on the day – one intriguingly called the Upcycling Pop-up Railway, and the other from Garden Rail. All told, there will be layouts in 16mm, G1, G3 and G-Scale, showing what’s possible if you take your railways outdoors.

Full details can be found on the show website www.nationalgardenrailwayshow.org. uk. And don’t forget, that’s the only place to get your tickets. ■