The Double O Gauge Association at Colchester 2000

The Double O Gauge Association

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DOGA at Colchester 2000

by Stephen Siddle

We were very lucky with this one. Normally shows book their exhibitors over 12 months in advance. However Phil was already booked to take Melbridge Dock, and Charlie was going anyway to help with Hudson Road. I live fairly close so we had the makings of a crew, and Phil was able to persuade the show manager (who is also involved with CMRA) to give us a 4' table, which turned into 2 x 4' tables on arrival. To crown our Aussie member Steve Opperman was staying locally and volunteered for the Saturday crew.

Steve Opperman with the DOGA stand. Stephen Siddle's Tramlink project is at the back with a test track for the Class 37 conversion at the front.

Peter Coombes operates Melbridge Dock in a break from stand duty.

This was our first planned "lightweight" show ,and it worked well. Charlie brought some recent RTR "big steam" and the Cl 37, and I brought some modern image models displayed on a board from my Tramlink project. Peter Coombes and I did some demonstrating, although I spent most of my time talking to people - a good sign
The show itself is the biggest in E.Anglia and this year(a special effort) had 39 layouts including a number of very good OO layouts. We were in a small side room along with Melbridge Dock and a 009 layout - having a top class OO layout alongside was a great asset. Although we were not selling products, we signed up several members on the day and several more have joined since.

So a good show in a new area, and we are invited back.

	Steve Opperman with the DOGA stand. Stephen Siddle's Tramlink project is at the back with a test track for the Class 37 conversion at the front.
Peter Coombes operates Melbridge Dock in a break from stand duty.