One of the biggest dates on the modelling calendar returns for another year as the London Model Engineering Exhibition comes to the Alexandra Palace.
It is regarded as one of the most prestigious and largest modelling events that the UK has to offer and has previously been featured on BBC News. The exhibition brings together the very best in the modelling community and can be a great learning experience for youngsters wanting to pick up a new hobby or for the older generation looking for a trip down memory lane. There will be a host of clubs and societies that will be giving demonstrations on their latest products.
Spread over three days (January 17th to 19th), visitors will be able to view the full spectrum of models on offers. They range from the traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engine to more modern products such as trucks, boats, aeroplanes and helicopters. For people wanting to step up their own collection they make that decision of whether to go down the traditional route or go for boys toys such as remote controlled products.
One of the highlights of the event comes in the Model Active Zone where there will be a guest appearance from the stars of Robot Wars. The cult television show became a huge hit in the UK with the television broadcasts running on BBC Two from 1998 until 2003. It saw competitors build their own remote controlled robots to battle it out with each other but also avoid the glare of the dreaded house robots.
Television stars such as Jeremy Clarkson and Craig Charles all had a run of presenting the show while Match of the Day and BBC Sport commentator Jonathan Pearce lent his voice to the action. Attendees of the London Model Engineering Exhibition will be able to catch a glimpse of the likes of Sir Killalot and Matilda in action and there is also the opportunity for people to drive the robots themselves.
Visitors to the Model Active Zone will be able to enjoy a ride on the passenger carrying railway behind a steam locomotive along with a number of other hands on activities. Elsewhere there is the opportunity to speak with members of the various clubs and societies who will be attendance. Fifty national and regional clubs will be heading to the Alexandra Palace presenting over 1,000 examples of their members' work.
For those looking to expand their collection or even pick up some of the essentials for starting a model railway layout there will be 55 of the UK's leading specialist suppliers at the exhibition. They can provide advice on how to get the best of a collection and also point people in the right direction in terms of what are the absolute must for a model railway set.
The fun kicks off on Friday (January 17th) at 10:00 GMT and will continue to 17:00 GMT for the first two days while the closing time on Sunday (January 19th) will be earlier at 16:00 GMT, the Model Active Zone will shut at 15:30 GMT. Tickets can be purchased online where people can receive a £1 discount and prices are £9 for adults, £8 for senior citizens, £4.50 for children while family tickets begin at £13.50.
Tickets will also be available on the door.