The Annual exhibition at Bristol, organized by the Bristol SMEE, is a highlight on the model engineering calendar. It always throws up some surprises and some pieces of pure excellence. This year they ranged from an outstanding Douglas motorcycle, to a fret saw cutting curves using a jig and made from an old hand press and sections of RSJ. From magnificent 5in. gauge locomotives to others made from cardboard - its nice to see cardboard models making something of a comeback. Also a couple of fine locos in 2 1/2in. gauge, also continuing its strong comeback.

Some extraordinary engines ranged from a  five-cylinder rotary steam engine to a 28-cylinder low delta-T hot air engine. Brian Young displayed a new blacksmith’s workshop. Also a wheelbarrow. No surprise there, he has built 1200 of them, each in a different wood, except this one was even smaller but took much longer to make. A model from 420BC was a siege weapon designed to burn down doors using a cauldron of hot coals one end of a tree trunk tube, and bellows the other. In peaceful contrast, a pair of Savage’s swing yachts were favourites of old and young alike.

As well as the displays of models by individuals and clubs, plenty of trade stands were busy tempting one and all.

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