A model railway exhibition is set to be held in West Cumbria later this month.
Thought to be the county’s largest exhibition of its type, it will be held at Energus in Lillyhall on Saturday November 20 and Sunday November 21.
Now in its ninth year, the exhibition brings together groups, organisations and individuals from all over Cumbria and Northern England who share a passion and enthusiasm for all things model railway.
All except one of the layouts will be new to Workington.
Several of the layouts have been featured in national model railway magazines and this will be visitors’ chance to see them up close and personal.
A special this year will be Port Solway from Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The layout can only attend due to the effects of COVID resulting in the Newcastle show having to be cancelled.
A number of the Newcastle club members have agreed to spend the weekend in Workington showing visitors just what things may have looked like back in the early 1900s when the Maryport and Carlisle and North Eastern Railways shared a station.
There will be something for everyone however another effect of COVID means that Thomas the Tank Engine will not be attending this year but hopes to come back next time.
The layouts and exhibits will incorporate a whole range of technologies from clockwork to the very latest digital command control systems with some layouts having authentic background sounds.
The event is supported by a group of trade stands and experts will be on hand to demonstrate how modellers can get the most out of their layouts.
Visitors will be invited to ‘try their hand’ at card modelling and computer simulation programmes will also be available.
It is organised by Solrail, a ‘not for profit’ team of enthusiasts and volunteers.
The exhibition will be open from 10am until 5pm on Saturday November 20 and 10am until 4pm on Sunday November 21.
Admission is £5 for adults, with accompanied children free.
This year’s event will be different to previous years, due to the effects of COVID-19.
There will be separate entry and exits for visitors. The wearing of masks is optional.
