Tonight is the fifth part of a series of blog posts (click here for part 1, click here for part 2, click here for part 3 and click here for part 4), showing some of the Model layouts that could be seen at the Solent Model Railway Group’s Exhibition held on the 23rd and 24 February 2013.

Martenex-Marigny – 1:160 scale, N gauge – Gorden Wiseman, London

This layout represents a French Railway – Aix les Bains that was electrified in 1950.  The line was used as a test-bed for different electrical systems, leading to the need for one-off experimental dual system locomotives.  This, along with diesel traction provides a variety of traction to be spotted.

This is a layout with plenty of character, personalised by having a camp site; a trademark of Gordon Wiseman’s!

St Annes – 1:76.2 scale, 00 gauge – John Owen, Solent Model Railway Group

As with a few other layout’s at this exhibition; St Annes represents a BR era scene with a mix of Southern and Western stock.  It was nicely executed and being set in Hampshire, was quite at home at this exhibition!

Loosely Warren – 1:220 scale, Z gauge – Brian & Ann Silby, Wellingborough

I often go on and on about how appropriate smaller scales are to wide scenes; but this is a great example, so I’ll have to say it again.  “Loosely” based on Dawlish Warren (hence being named Loosely Warren); Z gauge provides the perfect opportunity to capture a large, expansive and impressive scene.

It doesn’t just look good from a distance either; a lot of effort has clearly gone into the details.  Overall I was very impressed by Loosely Warren!

Unserstadt – 1:160 scale, N gauge – Brian & Ann Silby, Wellingborough

This layout has a very similar feel to Loosely Warren, partly due to both layouts being built by Brian and Ann Silby.  It is no less impressive; on the contrary, Unserstadt has a very big wow factor!

This is a Swiss diorama.  As with Loosely Warren, it has been well thought-out with many small details that look good up close as well as far away.

And yes, this layout really makes use of a small gauge, as it is absolutely massive in perspective!  The mountains seem to go up and up – note the aeroplane in the picture above!  This layout is certainly worth making a bee-line to, as it is absolutely beautiful!

One more Blog Post will be published on other layouts of this exhibition in due course that will include a summary of all blog posts.  So keep your eyes peeled!