The August bank holiday signalled the final days of summer. The weather is already turning autumnal and people all over the UK will be readying themselves for long nights and chilly temperatures.
It is a time of year when the kids are heading back to school and the days of playing out in the sun are a distant memory. While it can be somewhat of a downer that summer is coming to a close, it does not mean that there is no fun to be had. The autumn months are prime time for all things railways. Even in winter, what better sight is there than a steam train passing through a sunny, snowy countryside?
So, as the leaves begin to change there is an opportunity to get out and visit various railway related events. September is already jam-packed with events, none more so the expoEM North 2014 taking place at George H. Carnall Leisure Centre in Davyhulme, Manchester, on September 13th and 14th. Boasting all the very best in model railways, this is an absolute for seasoned modellers or anyone that has a passion for model railways.
Hosted by the EM Gauge Society it brings together a host of traders and modellers with an abundance of intricate layouts on display. Among the layouts confirmed for the event is the Aire Main Yard, Black Lion Crossing, Roundtrees Sidings and a depiction of Liverpool Lime Street station. The latter highlights the length some modellers can go to recreate an accurate replica of some of the nation's most famous railway landmarks.
Like a lot of other events, expoEM North 2014 can provide some great inspiration for both seasoned modellers and relative newcomers to the hobby. Experts will be on hand to provide advice at how to get the very best out of a collection or which is the best way to get started on a project. This can range from which gauge to choose to what trains to select to how to develop an impressive layout.
Societies
One of the great parts of an event such as expoEM North is that people can meet with members of societies. Groups such as the EM Gauge Society bring together like minded people from all over the region and give them a place where they can enjoy their hobby. Many societies will embark on large-scale projects including the building of much more complex layouts which could not be done by one person.
September's expoEM North will see six mainline societies in attendance and they will be providing information on what they do and how people can get involved. Among those already confirmed are the Great Central Railway Society, NE Railway Association and Cumbrian Railway Association. Members will be on hand to take any questions that visitors may have as to what they do and what special projects they have currently underway.
Prices
Entrance fees start at £6 for EM Gauge Society members while it is £7 for non-members. Doors open at 10:30 BST closing at 17:30 BST on Saturday while Sunday closes a little earlier at 16:30 BST.