Is it all worth it?

 As the exhibition scene is currently in full swing, something caught my eye the other day.
Whilst perusing my usual morning visit to various e-groups and favourite sites a posting on Model Railway Express set me thinking.
Phil Parker, a long term aquaintance has announced, in print no less, that he is to give up the exhibition circuit. His perogative of course, but it did make me think, reading his reasons, why I continue to brave foul weather, the great unwashed, getting up at ungodly hours and driving, sometimes great ,distance to basically play trains.

 I converted to 3mm scale for basically one reason- so my layouts would differ from those that had been freshly emptied from the box. Don't get me wrong, each to his own, but many layouts do have a sameness about them recently.
Add to this the constant whinging why ths loco, coach or even number is not available and you see where I am going.
It takes but a few pounds and as many minutes to change an items identity. Buildings are cheaply made- see mine- you can have any building you want, no plans?, then make your own interpretation from a photo. If you can't find a plan then there is a good chance no one else will- I love the 'experts' who basically criticise but have no practical solution themselves.
So, why do it? A few photos today I hope illustrate my point. If someone with my limited skills can belong to a society where help is available in boundless measures then it seems churlish not to take it up.
Hennock has appeared in two mags- Railway Modeller even had to sleuth me out and I have the best set of photos of my creation that I could ever hope for.
Lastly the satisfaction that enough people thought weel of my layout that they gave me a great big cup- Worth It? I rest my case.
If you have any reasons or opinions on this hobby of ours then please let me know- reasoned discussion on your thoughts or disagreements with mine are always greatfully recieved.
Bournemouth Model Railway Exhibition starts today!