As usual, the Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition 2017 did not disappoint. Four days in which to meet old friends and new, be inspired by some excellent work, and shop to feed the inspiration. After 40 years  experience, this highly professional event at a super venue has good organization, plenty of parking space and decent, inexpensive (non-junk) food which go to make for a relaxed day out.

There’s no denying that exhibitions are not on quite the same scale as five or ten years ago. But the successful ones manage to maintain good support from specialist traders, despite the competition from internet marketing. However, it is possible to learn more in a couple of hours at shows like this before making a purchase than spending  hours on the internet. Buyers and sellers are always better for real contact.

This year there was plenty to catch the eye, like Giancarlo Mastrini’s latest loco. It is interesting how there seems to be a shift  towards shorter projects, rather than a lifetime building one locomotive or traction engine. While steam is still at the heart of most work, it is good to see some more  unusual items like a full-size French Horn made in wood, or a working Ransomes thresher in Mecanno and some outstanding models by the Wheellrights.

There was new blood at The Fosse, too. German-based KM1 displayed some fine completed Gauge 1 locos, and one BR Standard 2-6-2 in 5” gauge. Encouragingly, there were a number of other suppliers new to us.

As usual we took too many snaps (more than 300) so have made a selection of those of models that took the eye, and some to give an impression of the event, generally.  There were still too many, so half this week and half next.

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