The blustery, freezing January weather is here once again bringing with it the gloom that is traditionally associated with the first months of the year.
The festivities of Christmas and new year seem a long time ago and the drudgery of work has kicked in once again. While getting back to the grind can seem like a chore for many, the new year also brings with it a host of activities. That is very much the case in the model railway community and January already has a number of great days out confirmed.
One of which is the upcoming Southampton Model Railway Exhibition 2015. Hosted by the Southampton Model Railway Society, this year's exhibition will take place at Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh on January 24th and 25th. Modellers from around the region will be in attendance to provide expert advice for like minded people.
Events such as this are a great opportunity for people to be inspired to develop their own collection. The wide range of layouts show modellers what they can achieve and the traders are able to give tips on what people need to get themselves started. This year will feature a whole host of layouts depicting scenes both real and fictional from across the world.
Already confirmed for the January event include a 4mm scale/OO gauge of Leicester South Goods as well as a 4mm scale/EM 18.2mm gauge of Brighton East. There are representations of other more exotic destinations such as Valencia Harbour, which is recreated with a 4mm scale/21m gauge layout.
January is a time when people look to make a fresh start and tend to make those ill-fated new year's resolutions. Whether it is going to the gym more, eating more healthily or simply picking up a new hobby, they tend to have been broken within a matter of weeks. However, for modellers maybe 2015 could be the year to take the plunge into joining a society?
While the event is being hosted by Southampton Model Railway Society, other groups such as Great Western Study Group, South Western Circle, EM Gauge Society and RCTS Eastleigh Branch will be in attendance. Joining a group such as this can open so many doors for budding modellers.
These groups carry out a number of activities that many modellers would not be able to do on their own. This includes working on major projects such as much bigger layouts and testing out some of the newest models on the market. So why not sign up and get involved with a society in your local area?
Another feature of the Southampton show is the demonstrations. There will be a number of demonstrators such as Mike Russell and Roger Slade who will be giving live run-throughs of how the different models work. They will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about model railways.
Doors open at the event on Saturday, January 24th at 10:00 GMT, running till 16:30 GMT on the Sunday. Admission is £7 for adults, £6 for senior citizens, £3 for children aged between five and 15 and family tickets are available for £17.