Miniature Model Rail Marvels at Matford Centre, Exeter - June 1st & 2nd

The Exeter Model Railway Exhibition, one of the biggest and best in the country, will be held at the Matford Centre in Exeter on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June.

Organised by the Exe Model Railway Society (Exe MRS), last year the exhibition attracted record numbers with enthusiasts and members of the public coming to marvel at the intricate and lovingly crafted layouts which were on show.

Chairman of Exe MRS Paul Doran said: "We have layouts depicting railways from the UK, America and Europe, and representing all eras from the earliest days of steam to the present day.

"Our members, and the public that come to the exhibitions, are of all ages and from all walks of life. There is a pre-conception that railway modeling is the exclusive preserve of males of a certain age, but some of the best railway modelers are female, and they have the awards to prove it. Our society has a growing junior membership, and we don’t charge school age children to attend our annual exhibitions as it’s important to encourage them and get them interested in the hobby, as they are the future."

There is free on-site parking (limited Sunday morning), refreshments, lots of trade stands and practical demonstrations, as well as more than 30 layouts in all gauges from the tiny jewel-like N gauge up to G gauge, which is suitable for use outdoors.

The technology of model railways has certainly come on since the days of forward/back, fast/slow, and there is even an app for your smartphone that enables the control of locomotives via WiFi. The electrically powered locomotives now also feature lights and make appropriate engine noises and can even sound a horn on command.

Paul says: "The best way to get involved in railway modeling is to join a club or society. Seeing the exceptional quality of the layouts displayed over the weekend it can seem daunting, but in a club environment you’ll get lots of help and advice and the benefit of members’ years of experience.”

Exe MRS’s exhibition certainly looks like a good way to spend a day at the weekend should the great British summer continue to offer mixed weather, and railway modeling is a fascinating way to pass rainy days and to learn a host of practical and artistic skills.

And once your layout is complete, you get to make the trains run on time all day, every day.

Tickets cost £6.00 adult, £5.00 concessions and are available on the door. Entry is free for school age children.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 5.30pm on Saturday 1 June and from 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday 2 June.

More information about Exe Model Railway Society and the layouts and exhibitors which can be seen at the weekend can be found at www.exemrs.co.uk

The Matford Centre, Matford Park Road, Exeter, EX2 8FD