As the clocks went back by an hour over the weekend it signalled the end of the summer and ushered in autumn and winter.
Long nights and chilly weather are setting in as people look ahead to Christmas, which is under two months away. While it may be a windy and rainy outside that does not mean there are not a host of activities and events going on in the steam community.
Ironically, autumn and winter are two of the best seasons to hop on an old steam train. Seriously, what could be better than sitting back and watching the world go by as an iconic locomotive chugs its way through snow covered countrysides and sleepy towns? There will be plenty to do at heritage railways over the coming months but it is also a busy time for the model steam engine community.
November has a multitude of events going on around the country. Here are some of the highlights happening this month.
Tolworth Showtrain – Tolworth Recreation Centre (November 8th and 9th)
The Hampton Court Model Railway Society hosts the 24th Tolworth Showtrain show early next month bringing together a host of top name brands. This year's star attractions will be Fencehouses, a 2mm Finescale model depicting the railways of County Durham. It even includes a tall viaduct.
Fencehouses is just one of the many impressive layouts on display at the Surrey show. Traders such as Roxey Mouldings, Kent Garden Railways and Winco will also be in attendance.
Prices: Adults £4, OAP £3, children £3, under 5's free, concessions £3.
Barnsley Model Railway Exhibition (November 8th)
For steam enthusiasts in Yorkshire, Barnsley Model Railway Club will be hosting its annual exhibition at Hoyland Leisure Centre in the second weekend of November. As always there will be scale model layouts of various locations across Yorkshire highlighting the region's proud railway tradition.
This year sees both fictional and real sites depicted such as the Sheaf Valley Railway, Millfield Yard and Newton Parcels. The club will also be on hand to provide advice and sell any stock collectors may need.
Prices: Adults £4, OAP £3, children £3, under 5's free, concessions £3.
Warley National Model Railway Exhibition – NEC Birmingham (November 22nd and 23rd)
One of the biggest dates of the model railway calendar is back once again this November. Warley National Model Railway Exhibition brings together the very best in the model railway community with traders from all over the country descending on the NEC in Birmingham for the largest event of its kind.
Visitors will be able to view dozens of intricate layouts ranging from traditional OO gauge to EM gauge to even international versions. Both British and even foreign traders will be showcasing the range of products they have for sale while collectors will be able to watch demonstrations and get advice from experts to get the best out of their own collection.
Best of all, Mamod will be in attendance.
Prices: Adults £14, children £8.50, family (2+3) £41.50.
Elsewhere:
Exeter Train & Toy Fair – November 22nd
North Kent Model Railway Group Exhibition – November 29th and 30th
Portsmouth Model Railway Exhibition – November 29th
New Forest Model Railway Society Club Open Day, Brockenhurst – November 30th