Sellindge or Strumpshaw Hall 26th May

[The Artilleryman]

As the title says, which would be best for miniature steam traction?

Only got the one day, so I need the experts advice as to which would be best.

Many Thanks.

[single speed]

Always lots of variations at strumpshaw

[5inchrail]

Sellindge was a great disappointment. The heart has gone out of it for me. Very little in the way of exhibits and most of the miniatures that are usually there were missing. Been told many have gone to the hop farm at Paddock Wood for the weekend. Spoke to several stallholders who said they were doing very little trade and most looked very bored. No miniature railway rides and the craft tent only had one craft stall and all the rest was filled up with radio control cars and only a coulpe of organs this year as well. Perhaps the enthusiasm for it disappeared when Les Birch died. I don't know but i'm not convinced, based on what i've seen today, that it will be able to continue much after this year. I've always had a soft spot for Sellindge being the first steam event I went to at the age of 11 but it seems to be dieing...

[island steamer]

Perhaps being the same every year will be its demise. A lot of rally's fall apart due to not getting anything new for the punters to look at. The next thing will be the cost of putting such a show on out ways the punters through the gate. Sorry for being a dark shadow but that's how it is. It will be a great shame if it does fall down, Les and his Family put their all into building it up.

[The Idle Fellow]

Just got back from Strumpshaw - as a paying customer. Excellent day: glorious weather: great atmosphere: nearly 50 full size plus nearly 40 miniature engines (according to the programme - lost count): lovely setting: infernal combustion in a separate field (did I say that?): the 'jamboree' aspect was on the far side of the beer tent from the steam area. Big bonus for me, as a relative newcomer to TT, was putting faces to some of the names on here. Only one minor criticism - a lot less working than at Weeting. Now will someone with a better camera than me please post some photos?
Bill.

[Stephen Fry's left ear]

Took the Ruston to Sellindge Saturday and Sunday. Saturday it was deserted and today more visitors but the show really is a shadow of its former self. Was surprised there was no mention of Les in the show. The band last night were damn good though...

In the middle of the miniature steam was the biggest Winnebago i have seen for ages. The awning had its own postcode. The exhibit?? A stationary engine. Pop pop pop...

The owner was very king though and demonstrated his unsilenced generator until 11pm so that the telly would work.

[Arfursteam]

Hi Bill (The Idle Fellow)

I was also there yesterday and have taken photo's which will get posted later today.

Arthur

[The Idle Fellow]

Thanks Arthur. Great pictures. Sorry I didn't put a face to your name. Bill.