There’s plenty to look forward to at this year’s National Festival of Railway Modelling, but our advice starts with something straightforward: give yourself time.
Returning to Hall 5 at the NEC, Birmingham, on 21–22 November 2026, the festival promises more than 65 layouts, alongside a substantial shopping and exhibition area. The NEC describes a combined line-up of 120-plus manufacturers, retailers, clubs and societies, so there should be plenty to explore between watching trains and hunting for something to take home. Event details
From our experience, this is a show that rewards a little planning. Arrive prepared, take a proper break and don’t let the busiest part of the day put you off. Some of the most enjoyable viewing can come later, once there’s a little more space around the barriers.
The layouts on our list
The organiser’s featured layouts include Five Mile House, Hope-under-Dinmore, Newvaddon Parkway and Offerston Quay—a tempting selection spanning OO, EM, N and O. Announced layout line-up
Five Mile House brings 1930s LNER railway modelling to the show. Built by members of Lincoln and District Model Railway Club, it takes its inspiration from the real location near Fiskerton. It’s one we’d put on the list for anyone who enjoys watching period trains in a recognisable railway setting. Builder’s account
Hope-under-Dinmore offers a different period and atmosphere. South Hants Model Railway Club’s EM layout imagines a station on the joint GWR and LNWR route between Shrewsbury and Hereford. Set between 1904 and 1920, it combines a double-track main line with a branch, scheduled operation and working signals. We’d allow time to watch the sequence unfold rather than simply stopping for a photograph. Club’s layout profile
For diesel-era inspiration, Newvaddon Parkway represents an imagined location on the Cornish main line. Redruth Model Railway Club’s N-gauge layout includes branch connections and an industrial setting associated with Cornwall’s tin-mining past. It offers a useful contrast to the earlier steam-era subjects. Layout background
Offerston Quay, meanwhile, is an O-gauge shelf layout built around an expanded Inglenook shunting concept. We’re particularly interested in layouts like this because they can provide ideas for modellers working with limited space. Builder’s layout thread
There’s plenty beyond those four. The published list also includes Abergavenny Blackbrook in P4, Newchapel Junction in O, Minffordd in OO and OO9, Black Bridge in TT:120 and the LEGO-based Billingate. We’d pick a few priorities before arriving, then leave room to discover something unexpected. Full layout list
Manufacturers, traders and those tempting bargain bins
The announced exhibitors include Hornby, Bachmann, Rapido Trains, Revolution Trains, PECO, KATO and Gaugemaster. Among the retailers listed are Rails of Sheffield, Kernow Model Rail Centre, TMC, Ellis Clark, Cheltenham Model Centre and Trains4U.
The specialist side is worth attention too, with Modelu, Squires Model & Craft Tools, Deluxe Materials, ESU, YouChoos, Alan Gibson and Petite Properties among the names announced. The exhibitor list is still developing, and stand numbers were awaiting confirmation when we checked. Official exhibitor list
Our advice is to bring a shopping list, even if you know you’ll probably stray from it. It’s easy to remember the locomotive you’ve been eyeing up and forget the small parts you actually need to finish a project.
The bargain bins deserve a look, too. In our experience they can become some of the busiest spots in the hall, but a patient rummage can be worthwhile. Give yourself space to inspect what you’re buying, and don’t feel you have to make every purchasing decision during the morning rush.
More than layouts and shopping
We’d also make time for the stage programme. The current timetable includes Tony Wright discussing Little Bytham at 12.15pm on both days, followed at 1pm by That Model Railway Guy talking about building a model railway. These are talks; Little Bytham’s inclusion in the programme should not be confused with the layout itself appearing in the exhibition.
Other sessions cover MiG weathering products, weathering with Steven Draper and garden railways with Andy and Louise Christie. Saturday also includes a discussion about the role of model shops and an introduction to 3D CAD; Sunday features the Model Rail Replacement Podcast.
There will also be Make a Scene competition finalists, with visitors able to vote on Saturday, alongside Marble Express and a free ride-on train. Check the final timetable before travelling, as programmes can change. Talks and attractions
Our experience of the crowds
The show can feel busy from the moment the doors open. On our previous visit, the most crowded period we experienced was roughly 11am to 12.30pm. After that, it gradually became easier to move around.
At popular displays, we’ve found ourselves looking over a crowd three people deep. That can be frustrating when you’ve travelled specifically to see a layout, but our advice is to come back later. There’s little enjoyment in spending twenty minutes trying to see between shoulders when another part of the hall might have more room.
We’d either arrive early and make a full day of it, or consider an afternoon visit if avoiding the busiest period matters more than seeing everything. Those timings reflect our experience rather than a guarantee for this year.
An afternoon arrival does mean less time overall: Saturday closes at 5pm, while Sunday finishes at 4pm. Advance-ticket holders can enter from 9.30am, half an hour before general opening. Opening times
Breakfast, a proper break and keeping costs sensible
Our preferred approach is to arrive early, get some breakfast and start the day without rushing.
Wetherspoon at the NEC is an option worth checking before you travel. Its published opening times currently show an 8am start at weekends, although we’d recheck arrangements nearer the show. One important point: Wetherspoon does not normally take table bookings, so allow time to find a seat. Check the venue’s menu and prices rather than assuming they will match your local pub. NEC pub information · Table policy
When the exhibition gets busiest, that can be a good moment to stop for food. We’d rather take a break during the late-morning crush and return with enough energy to enjoy the afternoon. If you leave the exhibition hall to eat, check the re-entry arrangements with the door staff first.
We also recommend bringing a drink and some snacks. We’ve encountered drinks costing £3.50 and upwards on previous visits, so buying several throughout the day soon adds up. That’s a reflection of our experience, not a confirmed 2026 price list.
A small backpack is useful for carrying those essentials and any purchases, saving you from holding shopping bags all day. Keep it light, leave room for anything fragile and be mindful of the people behind you when turning in a crowded aisle.
Getting there
If you’re driving, sort the parking out in advance. The advertised show offer allows pre-booked ticket holders to purchase £10 parking before 11.59pm on 20 November 2026. Follow the event’s booking instructions to make sure you receive the correct rate. Parking offer
Travelling by train is worth considering. Birmingham International station connects to the NEC through a covered walkway, making it a practical alternative to driving and parking. Allow time to reach Hall 5 once you arrive. NEC travel and access information
Bringing children
We’ve found the event welcoming to children in the past, and the announced ride-on train and Marble Express give families something extra to enjoy.
However, family-friendly doesn’t always mean quiet. Busy aisles and crowded viewing areas can be overwhelming for smaller children, particularly when they cannot see over the adults around them.
We’d plan regular breaks and avoid trying to cover every stand. If a layout is too crowded, move on and return when there’s more space. A few enjoyable stops are better than pushing through a long list with a tired child.
For us, the best approach is to arrive early, have breakfast, enjoy an initial wander and take a proper food break when the hall gets busiest. Then use the remaining hours to revisit the layouts you couldn’t see properly, ask questions and have another look through those bargain bins.
Take your time, wear comfortable shoes and don’t be discouraged by the first crowd you encounter. Leave yourself enough energy to enjoy the afternoon—you may find that’s when the day really comes into its own.
Programme and visitor information checked on 16 October 2026. Exhibitors, layouts and timings remain subject to change.
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