Friday, April 5, 2013

11th Australian Narrow Gauge Convention

If its Easter on an odd numbered year it means that its the Australian Narrow gauge convention. This years convention was the 11th and it was held in Melbourne and what a cracking weekend it was. I have been to nine conventions now and it was great to catch up with friends, make new friendships, be inspired and just have a good time.

I began the weekend with some rail-fanning on Puffing Billy,
 
 
and visited Bill Blacks beautiful Sn3 D&RGW layout that is featured in the current edition of Narrow Gauge Downunder magazine 
 
 
I had the opportunity to photograph the railway yard at Emerald. This was once a busy station on the Victorian narrow gauge branch from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook. Today Puffing Billy runs through.
 
 
At the convention the contest room was full of models of an exceptionally high standard
 


John Hunters O scale diorama

 
Richard Gryner's O scale diorama, winner of the diorama contest and voted best in show
 
Dan Pickard's mantel piece challenge entry and winner.
 
There was also layouts on display,
 
 
Smugglers Cove built by Geoff Nott and Michael Flack (On30)
 
 
Lomu Lomu by Steve Petitt. A beautiful layout that Steve only started in January.
 
There was numerous more models and layouts as well as traders to help spend the hobby budget. Like I said it was a great weekend and I have come home inspired and keen to work on the layout. The next convention will be held at Bowral Easter 2015 and I already have it in my diary.
 

1 comment:

  1. Very nice layout. Impressive even though I'm a tram tragic I can appreciate your love of NG....

    ReplyDelete