A DIFFERENT SORT OF EXHIBITION
Fresh fish stall at Compass Point.
As well as writing books and designing gardens, I also find time to model narrow gauge railway layouts. In a former life I was a professional model maker, making, amongst other things, houses, teapots, cars and robots in a variety of materials. Most of the time I was up against a deadline and tied to a maximum price, which could often lead to a feeling of stress. I'm glad to have left that behind and can now make models, purely for my own pleasure - without the stress. Well, up to a point. For my sins, I take my model railways to exhibitions. As the current layout, Compass Point, is the inspiration for my crime novels, I take some books along too.
DI Sonny Russell's railway carriage home
The shows are usually great fun, I meet lots of nice people and receive compliments for my work. Usually. Generally, the exhibitions are reasonably close to home and just for one day, plus my friend Terry comes with me and is happy to transport the layout in his transit van. However, I've agreed to take part in a two day exhibition in Fareham, which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, so I will need an overnight stay. In addition, Terry isn't coming so I've had to pack everything into our Fiat 500!
Everything packed in a Fiat 500
Luckily Terry came round and he helped carry everything down from the studio. Set up, the layout is a total of 2.8 metres long or over nine feet. In addition there are trestles to support it plus a proscenium arch and lighting board - also, rolling stock, transformers, cables, tools etc, etc. Not to mention an overnight bag and a box of books for sale. Phew! It was a struggle to get everything in and I made sure to take photographs so I know how to repack it on Sunday after the show. Hopefully I'll sell a few books, which will help to make it worthwhile. Not sure I'll accept the invitation for another two day, long-distance exhibition again. Unless I hire a van, of course.
If you're anywhere near Fareham this weekend, do come and say hello. http://fareham-mrc.org.uk/railex-2019/
If not, remember, you can obtain my books and kindles on Amazon
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