November is doing its best to tempt us indoors, and the model railway calendar has come up with a rather good excuse. For the weekend of 14–15 November, I’ve picked six shows stretching from Tyneside to Devon, with two-day exhibitions and Saturday outings to work into the diary.
Whether you’re hunting for layout inspiration, taking the family along or looking for that one elusive wagon, there’s plenty to consider. “Just browsing” remains a perfectly respectable intention. How long it survives the trade stands is another matter.
Tyneside Model Railway Exhibition — Newcastle
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November
Jesmond Park Academy, Newton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DP
Newcastle & District Model Railway Society’s show promises a broad sweep of railway modelling, from pre-grouping subjects to modern diesels, alongside American and European scenes. The published layout list includes Euxton Junction, Newbottle Colliery and St Ruth.
That variety makes this an appealing choice if your interests refuse to stay in one era or scale. Trade support, free school parking and accessible facilities are advertised. Check the organiser’s exhibition page for the latest visitor information, or see The Model Line’s event listing.
Colne Model Railway Exhibition — Lancashire
Saturday 14, 10am–5pm; Sunday 15, 10am–4pm
Park High School, Venables Avenue, Colne, BB8 7DP
Pendle Forest Model Railway Society’s annual exhibition advertises more than 16 layouts, trade stands and modelling demonstrations. There’s also a free station shuttle planned, with the timetable due on the club website nearer the show.
The current listing gives admission as £8 for adults, £7 concessions, £4 children and £16 for a family ticket. Free parking and refreshments are advertised too. I’d leave time for the demonstrations: a useful technique can be just as valuable a find as something in a box. Visit the club website.
Barnsley Model Railway Exhibition — Hoyland
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November; opens at 10am both days
Hoyland Leisure Centre, West Street, Hoyland, Barnsley, S74 9EH
Barnsley Model Railway Club’s weekend show brings together layouts, traders and demonstrations, with the current listing advertising 11 layouts and 13 traders. Adult admission is £8 and under-16s go free.
This looks a useful all-round stop for anyone wanting both running trains and ideas for the workbench. Closing times differ between published listings, so check with the organiser before planning a late visit. See the Barnsley event listing.
Portsmouth Model Railway Exhibition
Saturday 14 November, 10.30am–4.30pm
Admiral Lord Nelson School, Dundas Lane, Portsmouth, PO3 5XT
South Hants Model Railway Club’s annual exhibition combines layouts with demonstrators, traders and societies. Admission is £8 for adults, with accompanied children aged 16 and under admitted free.
The organiser advertises free school parking and level access. A handy detail for anyone planning lunch: the main servery closes at 1pm, although the snack bar offers drinks and snacks throughout the day. Best to get the catering timetable right before settling in for another circuit of the layouts. Full visitor details.
Barry & Penarth Club Open Day Exhibition
Saturday 14 November, 10.30am–4.30pm
Barry Island Sports & Social Club, Redbrink Crescent, Barry Island, CF62 5TT
There’s a new venue to note for this year’s November show, with layouts, trade and club sales at the club’s Barry Island home. Adults pay £5; accompanied under-16s enter free.
Parking at the venue is restricted. The club advertises a free heritage shuttle from Nell’s Point car park via Barry Island station, with the first departure from the car park at 10am. Read the club’s announcement before setting off.
Railway Studies and Modellers Show — Newton Abbot
Saturday 14 November, 10am–4pm
Newton Abbot Library, Passmore Edwards Centre, Market Street, TQ12 2RJ
The fourth Railway Studies and Modellers Show pairs model layouts with railway history. Advertised attractions include an archive showcase, railway photographs, traders and layouts including Shobrooke Road and Devonmoor.
Admission is £3 for visitors aged 16 and over, with under-16s free. Proceeds support the Railway Studies Collection, giving this outing an extra appeal for anyone whose modelling starts with a photograph of the real thing. Show details and programme.
Where will your weekend take you?
Those are my six picks for 14–15 November. Check the organisers’ latest updates before travelling, especially for opening times, transport arrangements and any programme changes. You can also browse The Model Line’s events calendar for more ideas.
If you’re heading to a show, let us know which one — and which layout you’re most looking forward to seeing.
Is something inaccurate or out of date? Send the editorial team a correction.