Bristol Model Railway Exhibition – 1st-3rd May 2026, Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Hill, Bristol  BS35 3JB

Bristol was the first outing for Mauch Chunk in the south for some years and it again proved popular.

The team for the weekend was Richard Oldfield, Kevin Bays, David Faulkner, Steve Hales, Chris Mitchell and Matt Rogers.

As well as the well-established camelbacks, Mikados and Pacifics, particularly notable were the diesels – babyfaces, F3s and RS3s – all newly weathered by Richard and looking a great deal better as a result.  We again had problems with dirty wheels but managed to keep stock running.

Most remarkable was the completed steam wrecking crane CNJ 4 which Richard has modified from a Tichy Train Group kit. It spend part of the exhibition on the river road and can be seen in both photos and video.

We had a visitor who lived not far from Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) and another who was about to visit. Compliments focused on weathering, the unusual locomotives, the extensive tree cover and smooth running.

Photos include some shots taken during setup and an ‘overhead’ view from the gallery.