One of Cumbria’s biggest model railway exhibitions will return next month – with more layouts than ever before.
Now in its 12th year, Workington Model Railway Exhibition will be held at Energus, Lillyhall, on November 16 and November 17.
It is organised by Solrail, a not-for-profit firm of West Cumbrian model railway enthusiasts.
There will be 18 layouts on display, and one of the largest Scalefour layouts will be Burntisland.
Based on a real place, on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, it was the main crossing point for trains, by ferry, before the building of the Forth Railway Bridge.
Everything to be seen on the layout is based on actual buildings and models as they would have been in the late 1800s.
The layout started out as a small entry in a Scalefour Society competition but over the years it has grown.
Of Cumbrian interest is a layout of Alston station as well as one of Hallbankgate, back by special request.
The exhibition brings together groups, organisations and individuals from all over Cumbria, England and Scotland, as well as some from Northern Ireland in previous years, who share a passion and enthusiasm for all things model railway.
All except two of the layouts will be new to Workington as Thomas the Tank engine is making a return, he’s always looking for children to help him out so you are welcome to take the controls.
Underground Ernie will also be putting in an appearance. Several of the layouts have been featured in national model railway magazines and this will be your chance to see them ‘up close and personal’.
There will be something for everyone including, layouts and exhibits. which incorporate a whole range of technologies from hand propelled 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 providing almost anything the modeller needs. Live steam will also be making a return.
Scalefour Cumberland returns for a third year, in its own room, including demonstration stands: Starting Out, Designing a Layout, Building Track, Making Stock and Building Locomotives.
A couple of the layouts show what you can do with a small space. There will also be computer simulation programmes to try.
The venue is served by regular bus services from Workington and Whitehaven bus stations, using service 29.
The exhibition will be open from 10am until 5pm on Saturday and from 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
Admission is £7 with accompanied children free.
