The second Great Train Weekend was on at Mt Victoria this weekend. Many people braved the cool of late Autumn to visit the historic Blue Mountains town. Why this time of year? After all late Autumn when the temperature barely makes it to double figures may not appear the best time to visit the mountains. Well it seems the area was first crossed by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth in May 1813 and in May 1868 the railway arrived in town.
There were many activities scattered throughout the town over the weekend. Rides and food was available in the School grounds, a market behind the Victoria and Albert Hotel, a railway film festival in the Mt Victoria Flicks, various vintage car and machinery displays and the museum on the Station was open. 3801 ran up from Sydney both days and brought a great many people to town. The photo shows the 1901 Locomobile Steam Car which ran around both days.
Saturday was the quieter day. Only a few stalls were at the markets and there was no vintage cars but the train still arrived from Sydney and many people wandered around. Sunday was the main day with the town a lot busier.
The organisors must be complemented for learning from last year. One of the requirements for a successful event is to care for the inner person and this year there were a number of places to get food and there were signs listing the options. This was sorely missing last year. There appeared to be more signs and flyers around too so people were not wandering aimlessly but were heading to whatever caught their interest.
Overall this is a great event and can only improve in coming years. Well done Mt Vic.
After a few weeks with nothing happening we have a weekend with an excess of events. I had to decide between the Thornleigh exhibtion and the Field day at the Campbelltown Steam museum. Waking to the sound of rain on the roof sealed my decision for the indoor event. Unfortunately the rain was little more than a nuisance. There was also the exhibition at Richmond Vale Railway. It is a special event and includes unlimited rides on the steam train with your entry. I must make the trip up there one year.
The Thornleigh exhibition is run by the Sydney N Scale Model Railway Club and as you would expect that scale dominates the exhibition. There were three layouts that weren't N (out of 8) and 2 of the 4 traders specialise in N. There was also a Bring and Buy stall to make up the 13 stalls.
The exhibition is threatening to outgrow the Community Centre, there were stands in the foyer and ante rooms were also used. If it is to grow a new venue will need to be found. However the current venue has good facilities with the basics in place. The club ran a refreshment stall with the standard fare of steak or sausage sandwiches. hot drinks etc. The only minus would be the parking, Thornleigh is a busy area and the centre is in a shopping area. The only parking is shared with Bunnings. Of course the location in northern Sydney is good with easy access from the main road and only a short walk from the station.
However there were a good range of layouts with only British models not represented unless you include the Thomas train running on Keith King's "Hundred Acre Wood" (also the name was inspired by A. A. Milne). All layouts were running well, not something you can say about all exhibitions. Some have been around for some time but that is not necessarily a problem.
I met a couple of people I knew and they mentioned it had been a slow start to the day, indeed there weren't many there while I was there. This is a shame as it is a good exhibition.
Next week is the Mt Victoria Train Weekend and I will try to get up there again. It debuted last year and can only get better. Hope the weather is better than the early forecast, the weekend deserves fine weather.
