MBF North East Area Exhibition
South Shields, 10/05/03 (3/3)

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Gordon Wigham: One of Gordon's JJ Baker (G&B) fleet, seen on his Metcalfe garage, an AEC Q (BXD544 - Corgi repaint). Gordon Wigham: The JJ Baker (G&B) Maudslay Marathon Duple A-type (KPT333 - EFE conversion). Gordon Wigham: The JJ Baker (G&B) Maudslay Marathon Duple A-type (KPT333 - EFE conversion). Gordon Wigham: This Dinky Toys repaint represents JJ Baker (G&B)'s pre-war TSM Plaxton (DPY127).
Gordon Wigham: This Dinky Toys repaint represents JJ Baker (G&B)'s pre-war TSM Plaxton (DPY127). Gordon Wigham: Another of Gordon's JJ Baker (G&B) fleet, seen on his Metcalfe garage, an AEC Reliance with Burlingham bus body (WUP133 - Paragon Road Services Kit). Gordon Wigham: Another of Gordon's JJ Baker (G&B) fleet, seen on his Metcalfe garage, an AEC Reliance with Burlingham bus body (WUP133 - Paragon Road Services Kit). Gordon Wigham: A last look at Gordon's Gillett Bros garage (Metcalfe) with his G&B models (left to right), an AEC Regal III (FUP878), AEC Regal II (GX2739) and Maudslay Marathon (HUP801), all with post-war Burlingham bodies, rounds off another great show at South Shields.

 
May 10th saw the MBF North East Area host the first of their two annual model bus exhibitions, for 2003. The exhibition was held at our usual venue, the Salvation Army Hall, in South Shields, with no fewer than sixteen different displays, along with many other MBF members, in attendance. The event attracted members from all over the country and gave them the opportunity to meet old friends and new, and catch up on the latest gossip!

There was a huge variety of types and liveries on display from the Venture half cabs of Dave Herron and Gordon Noble, through to the modern Stagecoach fleet of Ken Bartch and Doug Cooper.

Scale played a part in the exhibition as well. Along with the usual 4mm scale models from event stalwarts, like Paul Ions, Dave Morris and myself, there were beautiful examples of 6mm scale (1:50) models on display from Derek High and Bill Day, depicting Sunderland District Omnibus Co. (SDO) and Gilletts and Baker (G&B) respectively. Also in attendance were the magnificent models of George Johnson. George has built up a wonderful collection of North East models, all scratchbuilt from a variety of materials, and all built to a huge scale (I'm not sure exactly how big, but most of them measure about 3 feet long!).

There were new dioramas from Ken Bartch and Doug Cooper, depicting a fictional bus depot and station for their Stagecoach fleet, and a lovely little garage from Bob Robson housing his fictional 'Heritage' fleet. A fantastic new diorama from Kevin Routledge was also on display, depicting Hartlepool Bus Station in the 1960s, during a particularly heavy winter! One of the North East's newest members, Gordon Wigham, had expanded his collection of G&B models and displayed them proudly in front of his Metcalfe garage.

The Salvation Army was very accommodating and kept the sandwiches, cake and tea flowing all day! Unfortunately, this will be the last event organised with Major Kerrison of the Salvation Army, as he is to be posted to a different location. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Major Kerrison all the best in his new post, and thank him for his kind assistance, over the past few years, in helping out the MBF North East area with our exhibition. After everything was over and the tables packed away, we were treated to a complimentary cake and cup of tea which rounded of a great day. Many thanks to all involved in helping to make this event the success it is!

Apart from a few hitches with the publicity (the local press advertised the event for the previous Saturday!) all went well. The day was a great success and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Neil Mortson, MBF North East Area Secretary

 


Photos and text by Neil Mortson