Roadshow Reports

Posted on behalf of Charles Leekham, OOLS Roadshow Manager

Home to the world's oldest Classic Horse Race and the 250th anniversary of the original Doncaster Gold Cup run over 4 miles Doncaster Race course has a proud tradition of hosting the best staying thoroughbreds in Britain and Northern Ireland which compete over the two and a quarter miles on the Friday of the St Ledger Festival.

Needless to say among the thousands of visitors who attend this iconic venue over the 2nd weekend of February, whilst the majority are most certainly not looking to back a potential "Red Rum 60 to 1" winner they are nevertheless looking forward to spending their wad on that dream purchase to add to their precious train collection.

After a painful two year Covid suspension this magnificent Model Rail Event reactivated in magnificent style.

It's always a joy for the OOLSC Road Show to attend this totally addictive event. I kid you not as the OOLSC played host to a wonderful membership group of family and friends who had undertaken an 8hr journey from Scotland to run their precious and beloved OO Live Steam Locos on the Road Show track and to take advantage of having a number of their Locos expertly serviced by Chris and Eric.

Especially reassuring, was the fact that their precious double tender Flying Scotsman survived a derailment the ended with a nose dive before eventually setting off on their 8 hr return trip, thoroughly elated with the successful outcome of this most important of model rail outings.

This intense joy of the model rail collectors’ hobby was replicated a thousand times over with visitors from every part of the UK. This magnificent venue played host to some 111 traders and exhibitors spread out over two floors with the OOLS Roadshow located upon the customary first floor together with around ten other exhibitors and the restaurant and carvery, conveniently close by.

Notably, one has to convey a very big thank you to Warner's for the faultless organization together with a special thank you for the exceptionally friendly and warm welcome from the staff of Doncaster Race Course Exhibition Centre. A very big thank you for looking after us all so well. We just loved the endless free drinks and meal tokens and a seamless set up and break down which contributed hugely toward the success of this brilliant event.

Grateful thanks is due to all the Roadshow team who enjoyed memorable dining and a truly thoroughly busy, enjoyable and successful OOLSC Road Show weekend. Namely to Chris together with a great big thanks to Eric (lovely to see you again ole chum) and a truly huge thanks to Nick, George, Dave, Jonathan together with all our visiting members and finally myself.

Charles Leekam.

OOLS Roadshow Manager