Newton Abbot model railway show promises ‘unique day out’ this weekend
Several model railway displays will make their debut at this year's event, alongside interactive train experiences, railway-themed activities and stalls selling memorabilia and modelling supplies
Model railway enthusiasts and families can get hands-on with miniature trains when an annual railway show returns to Newton Abbot this weekend.
The fourth Railway Studies and Modellers Show takes place at Passmore Edwards Centre on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to 4pm.
Visitors can explore layouts in several gauges, including HO, OO, Narrow and Electric Garden Gauge, with organisers confirming that several exhibits will be making their debut at this year's event.
“Whether you're a lifelong railway enthusiast, an avid modeller or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable day out with family and friends, the Railway Studies and Modellers Show promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages,” organisers said.
Two layouts will offer interactive experiences. The Penryn layout uses mobile phones as controllers, allowing visitors to operate trains, while Tamar Valley Model Railway Club will bring an OO gauge test track where people can run their own locomotives.
Advance booking is required for these sessions, although there is no additional charge beyond general admission.
Younger visitors will also be able to take part in a Railway Time Traveller activity, exploring four different eras of railway history.
Activities include Victorian railway challenges, steam engine games and designing a train for the year 2126.
Organisers say there will also be traders selling model railway kits, memorabilia, books and hobby supplies.
Food and refreshments will be available from the on-site Owl and the Pussycat Coffee House.
Admission costs £3, with under-16s admitted free.
Proceeds will support the preservation and continued development of Newton Abbot Library's Railway Studies Collection.
Describing its range of material, organisers say the collection “covers all aspects of Britain's Railways", with resources for historians, researchers, writers, modellers and anyone with a general interest in railway heritage.
Alongside books, its holdings include thousands of photographs, original blueprint documents, track plans, maps and timetables.
Based at Passmore Edwards Centre, Market Street, the collection is housed in a building constructed in 1904 as a Science, Art and Technical School.
The venue is around a 20-minute walk from Newton Abbot railway station and five minutes from the town's bus station.