One of the biggest dates in the model steam train calendar is coming to Birmingham's NEC.
Warley Model Railway Club (MRC) will be hosting the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition this weekend (November 23rd and 24th) and is renowned across the UK as being the premier model show the country has to offer. In its 46th year, the event will bring together the great and the good of the model railway industry with all the top names, including Mamod, being in attendance and making it a great day out for families and enthusiasts alike.
This year Warley MRC has announced that there will be a 'narrow gauge' theme with two very special guests making an appearance. Two visiting locomotives from Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway, the Baldwin locomotive number 778 and a Motor Rail 'Simplex' loco along with an engine from the Corris Railway will no doubt be the highlight of the event.
It does not stop there however as visitors will be able to see a full size train, the 'under construction, LMS Patriot Class locomotive, as part of a king size kit of parts.
Warley MRC commemorates every event with a special centrepiece display and this year is the turn of the Patriot. The organisation is aiming to rebuild this famous locomotive, creating a new National Memorial engine known as The Unknown Warrior, in time for the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice in 2018.
Visitors will be able to see the work in progress and the group believes that bringing this model back to life would fill a gap in the UK steam collection between the Royal Scot and Jubilee classes.
As with every previous exhibition it will feature the best of the best from the model steam engine trade and there will also be some experts on hand to give some demonstrations on how people can get the best from their own kit.
Kendal MRC will be hosting a 'how to' session on electric and scenics which will show visitors how to get the best baseboards and then build them up to create a realistic scenic background for their trains to pass through. Everyone from beginners all the way up to model railway veterans will be able to gain key information on how to improve their current set up.
It doesn't end there as there will be other drop-in sessions from the likes of Wakefield MRC, Steve Copley, Rob Bishop and Ian Rathbone covering a range of topics. These will cover a number of areas such as building a layout, painting and lining, large scale modelling and even soldering. With experts on hand to provide key guidance wherever possible, people will be able to have an insight of how they can get the best out of their hobby.
Warley National 2013 opens it doors on Saturday (November 23rd) at 09:45 GMT (09:15 GMT for advanced ticket holders) and closes at 18:00 GMT. The Sunday event kicks off at the same time but shuts at the earlier time of 17:00 GMT.
Prices start at £11.50 for an advanced adult ticket while entry for both days costs £20.50, there is an increase for those paying on the door. Child tickets are priced at £6.50 (one day) and £11 (two days). Family tickets are also available.