Model railway show returns to Ally Pally this weekend

The festival has become one of the UK’s most respected railway modelling exhibitions and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year

Last year's Model Rail Show (credit BRM Magazine) — Last year’s London Festival of Railway Modelling (credit BRM Magazine)

The London Festival of Railway Modelling returns to Alexandra Palace this weekend.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the two-day festival is dedicated to the “creativity and engineering behind one of Britain’s most enduring hobbies”.

The festival has become one of the UK’s most respected railway modelling exhibitions over the past quarter-century, attracting enthusiasts, families and curious first-time visitors from across the country.

More than 40 highly detailed model railway layouts will be displayed across two grand exhibition halls. Carefully selected by The Model Railway Club, the layouts will represent a remarkable range of railway scenes from Britain and beyond, recreating everything from nostalgic rural branch lines to bustling modern rail networks.

Alongside the exhibition layouts, more than 90 specialist retailers, manufacturers and small suppliers will gather under one roof, offering visitors access to the latest products, rare collectables and modelling materials.

Clubs, societies and expert demonstrators will also be present throughout the weekend, sharing specialist techniques and advice while introducing visitors to the skills behind building model railways.

Emily Warner, head of marketing for World of Railways Shows, said: “Railways have shaped London for generations, and the capital has always had a special relationship with trains and transport.

“Working in partnership with The Model Railway Club — one of the world’s oldest model railway societies, founded in 1910 — this event celebrates that rich heritage and the enduring appeal of the hobby.

“Marking 25 years at Alexandra Palace makes this year particularly special, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring together enthusiasts, families and visitors to experience model railways at their very best.”

The London Festival of Railway Modelling takes place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd. Tickets for adults cost £17 in advance, and £8 for children under 16. Visitors who book in advance receive a 30-minute early entry window, with doors opening at 9:30am for pre-booked ticket holders.

The festival is sponsored by Bachmann Branchline and Graham Farish and supported by World of Railways in association with The Model Railway Club.

For more information:
Visit world-of-railways.co.uk/shows

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