Taking CF to a show is quite a logistical challenge, but one that has become more and more streamlined over time. It is a big lump of layout.
Every single baseboard joint has to be perfect(ish) and is checked as the main ring of the layout is set up and levelled. The scenic in-fill boards followed by the back scenes complete the construction phase. Joints can move at this point so they are again checked where possible. One joint was not quite right on Saturday running at York was the hidden NLR lines. It probably moved when the scenery was inserted. Of course, once the scenery is in place, access is very challenging. At the end of the day we investigated.
Sometimes, a sharp tap with a mallet will do the trick, but not in this case.

Another scenic section needed to be removed to improve access.
A biased G cramp was used to horizontally shift the errant joint and then seriously tighten up on the main bolt.

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This was tested the next day and the other scenic boards were installed: not an easy task in the middle of the layout, with the back scenes installed.
The skinnier members of the group set-to polishing the tracks. Getting out of the access holes is quite entertaining.
This video shows how well the team work together.
So far so good. The layout now performed very well - unfortunately, I didn’t. I had a problem during the week beforehand with a R groin strain. This was getting better, but not helped by this little exercise. On top of that a flu virus found me, so that I was shivering and cold for much of the time: I didn’t really get to see much of the show and be sociable. What was truly impressive was how the group rallied round and helped. I was grateful that we had started to build in this sort of resilience after one of the co-founders died. This wake up call at York did make us think about how many shows we will be doing going forward. We have occasionally done 2-3 shows in a year. We will now only do 1-2, especially if they are long distance. It will also make the layout more ‘special’ when exhibited and less likely to be overexposed. On that basis we are looking at 2029 for exhibition invites.
Tim