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EASTWELL IRONSTONE COMPANY
by Paul James
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Exhibitions attended with Eastwell.
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Over the 10 years we exhibited we attended at least 35 exhibitions. I think this list covers
everything but if anyone can add to it let me know.
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The EM gauge layout Eastwell Ironstone Company, owes its existence to a particularly
interesting history, and the persistance of its owner, Paul James. It was developed
from the original Sherdington and Eastwell layouts which were constructed between
1974 and 1977. The Eastwell Ironstone Co is situated in the South Midlands iron ore
field and is connected to the BR network by exchange sidings alongside an ex GWR secondary line.
The era portrayed is the early 1970s, and a eclectic mix of industrial steam and diesel
locomotives can be seen plying their way between the works area and the BR exchange
sidings. Prototypical operation is followed from where the ironstone hoppers are
loaded at the crushing plant, and taken away for exchange with empty returned hoppers.
A mixture of BR locomotives and stock can be seen passing by on the main line,
representing those which would have been seen in the area and timescale.
There is a lot of history behind the concept and evolution of Eastwell, much of it
published in the model railway press over a number of years. The Eastwell layout
photographs are courtesy of Tim Rogers, Paul Bason and Paul James.
The following list of magazines feature photographs and articles on the layout -
Model Railway Constructor (May 1980), Model Railways (Aug 1987), Model Railways
(Sep 1987), British Railway Modelling (Aug 1994), British Railway Modelling
(May 1997), Rail Express (July 1997).
September. Bulmers Rly Centre, EOS open day. Mini.
4/5th November. Shrewsbury. Mini.
4/5/6th May. Wolverhampton. Mini.
26th September. Bulmers Rly Centre, EOS open day. Mini.
13/14th October. Halifax Mini.
12/13th January. St Albans. Mini.
18/19th May. Expo EM, Bletchley. 1st exhibit of exchange sidings.
24/25th August. Rochrail 91, Southend. U shape.
25/6/7th October. Leeds. Short L shape for one and only time.
December. Hereford swapmeet. Mini.
Should have gone to Whitby in August but exhibition was cancelled.
November. Burnley. U shape.
9/10/1/2th April. Harrogate. Mini.
12/ 13th June. Chatham. (The Gainsborough!!) Straight.
28/9/30th Aug. Skipton Straight.
13/14th Nov. Hull. (One of the best!!) Straight.
1/2/3/4th April. Harrogate. U shape.
14/15th May. Expo EM, Bletchley. Straight.
5th Nov. Risborough & Disrict MRC, Aylesbury. Straight.
December. Hereford swapmeet. Straight.
January. Shrewsbury. (one day only). Straight.
22/23rd April. Crawley MRC, Horsham. U shape.
19/20th Aug. Cleveland MRC Redcar. (That £10). L shape.
16/17th Sept. Chippenham Modern Image Show. Straight.
16th March. Slough. U shape??
4/5/6th May. Wolverhampton. U shape.
28/29th Sept. Peterborough. Quickest dismantle 45Mins Straight.
15/16th Feb. Festival of Model Railways, Doncaster. Straight.
13/14th Sept. Rail Express 97, St Albans. U shape.
8/9th November. Tolworth Showtrain, Hampton Court MRC. U shape.
16/17th May. Expo EM, Bletchley. Layout + Dragline U shape.
28th Nov. Expo EM West, Malvern. U shape.
I have no records for 1999 for some reason. I know we exhibited at the Rutland Railway Museum,
Cottesmore but I dont know if it was this year. I also have a note for Farnborough in 1999 but cant
remember going. If anyone can remember this or any other exhibitions in 1999 let me know??
26/27th Feb. Cardiff. Straight.
14/15th October. Portishead. U shape.
14/5/6th April. York. L shape.
