Summer is gradually coming to an end and months of cold, windy, wet weather will no doubt start to set in very soon.
It even seems like the colder days are already starting to creep in as the long, hot days of July seem a lifetime ago. While the weather may not be the best, August does provide us with one last bank holiday. It's an opportunity to get out and do something with the family over the extended weekend before the kids have to head back to school and provides parents with a chance to enjoy an extra day away from the office.
So what better way to enjoy the bank holiday than by visiting one of the north-east's premier model railway exhibitions? Yes, Railex North East returns once again. Hosted by the Blyth and Tyne Model Railway Society, the 2014 event will take place at The Parks, Sports Centre, Howdon Road in North Shields on August 23rd and 24th.
Modellers and traders from all over the region, and further afield, will be in attendance with many giving demonstrations. Families and enthusiasts alike can see the very latest products from the factories of companies such as Durham Trains of Stanley, Hobby Holidays, North Road Trains, Skytrex and Alexander Models among many, many more.
One of the great aspects of Railex North East is the sheer amount of variety when it comes to the models and layouts. Railex will see HO gauge, EM-P4 gauge, O gauge, 32mm gauge and G Scale – gauge 1 layouts and that is just a small selection of what people can expect when they pass through the doors on August bank holiday.
Among the highlights of the day, there is a replica of Birmingham Moor Street from between the 1960s and 1980s in P4 gauge format, a Thomas & Friends layout in OO gauge along with Loughborough Midlands (1980s to 2000) and Hartburn Junction both in the same configuration. It highlights not only the time and effort but innovation to create such intricate layouts.
Visitors will be able to learn from the very best and could gain some inspiration of what to do with their own collection from the demonstration taking place throughout the weekend. Among the confirmed demos, Peter Stanger will be giving a talk on 4mm loco building while Lee Edmondson will be taking people through the process of painting and weathering loco and rolling stock.
Hornby will be bringing a live show to North Shields with visitors being able to have a go at controlling their very own model railway. There will be the opportunity to learn about cards buildings modelling with Brian Taylor for Smart Models while for the little ones there is a children's modelling area where they can get their hands on some models.
Experts will be on hand throughout to provide advice to modellers and enthusiasts on how to get the very best out of their own collection. Whether that is from how to build to scenery or simply which gauge will suit specific designs.
Tickets can be purchased in advance priced at £6 for adults, £3 for children (aged between five and 16) while a family ticket (2+2) can purchased for £15. Anyone buying through Smart Models will receive a voucher for 25 per cent off Smart Models products for use at the event.