MEMORABLE

HARROGATE 2014

Part two

Another Harrogate has been and gone, leaving a memory of another thoroughly enjoyable weekend. This year saw the usual supply of interesting models - about a thousand - enough to fill a whole day, or a whole weekend for the keenest visitors and those taking advantage of a visit to this delightful town. Here is the second part of our report.

The 2014 National Model Engineering & Modelling Exhibition will be remembered as one which brought out a lot of fine locomotives in all scales. Taking top honours this year was Alan Crossfield’s magnificent 5” gauge Patriot class, The Royal Army Ordnance Corps. This won not only a First Award, it also won the Myford Shield for Best Locomotive and the Barry Jordan Best in Show trophy. However, it must be added that all the dozen or so locos shown in competition received high awards. One of the best displays showing the talents of first class modellers.

Arguably the most eye catching display was by John Eva of a scrapyard. a

Also in the modelling rather than model engineering category was Raymond McMahon’s harbour scene diorama. This has appeared before, but has now been extended to double the size of the original. It will have to stop there as there is no more room for it. Again this is a most realistic model, complete with rust where appropriate. Brilliant.

At the other end of the spectrum there were some great looking road vehicles. The 1:12 scale horse-drawn fire engine, a 1:4 scale Uniflow Tractor and a delightful 1:10 freelance steam roller among the prize winners.

In the engine department Tom Pasco and D Elliott took top honours with a sleeve valve radial engine and a half size Vincent HRD motorcycle engine,  respectively.

The event was busy enough without being overcrowded. As ever Harrogate is a great place to catch up with people you maybe see only once a year and meet the people who really make this great hobby tick. As ever it was fully staffed and ran like clockwork, under the direction of Gavin Rex, and the Rex family.

See part one here.

Also see Harrogate People.

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