Everybody, especially grown-ups and young kids, loves scale models. That’s everything from large radio-controlled model aircraft and ships – through detailed model cars, trucks, tanks, figures, space & sci-fi, scenes & dioramas – to elaborate model railways in all gauges down to tiny z-scale. There are whole worlds in miniature on display at model engineering shows, exhibitions and other events, for the whole family to enjoy. And the entry fees are usually as ‘cheap as chips’!
So, if you happen to be in the neighbourhood when a model show/display is taking place, why not pop along?
These are some of the shows and exhibitions left in 2026 that I’m aware of. (See also: UK Scale Model Shows in 2027)
| 14 Nov 26 | Newton Abbot Model Railway Show |
| Newton Abbot Library, Passmore Edwards Centre, Market St, Newton Abbot TQ12 2RJ | |
| The fourth annual event organised by the Railway Collection with layouts in different gauges, including HO, OO, Narrow and Electric Garden Gauge. | |
| 14/15 Nov 26 | Colne Model Rail Show |
| Park High School, Venables Ave, Colne BB8 7DP | |
| The Pendle Forest Model Railway Society’s annual show will feature over 15 layouts plus 12 traders. | |
| 15 Nov 26 | Woody Bay Model Railway Show |
| Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross, Parracombe, Barnstable EX31 4RA | |
| The Lynton & Barnstaple steam heritage railway is hosting a model railway show for the first time at its Woody Bay station, featuring layouts in a range of gauges inc H0m, 009, OO, O and Japanese HO. | |
| 21/22 Nov 26 | National Festival of Railway Modelling |
| National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT | |
| No details yet, but usually there are around 60+ of the country’s best layouts, and 70+ manufacturers, retailers, specialist suppliers and clubs/societies. | |
| 21/22 Nov 26 | Solrail Model Railway Exhibition |
| ENERGUS, Blackwood Road, Lillyhall, Workington CA14 4JW | |
| At least 15 layouts, plus demo, society & trade stands. | |
| 29 Nov 26 | Sedgemoor MBC Navy Day |
| Apex Park Lake, Marine Drive, Burnham-on=Sea TA8 1LT | |
| Sedgemoor Model Boat Club are holding their ‘Navy Day’ on the lake. Open to all military RC craft: battleships, destroyers, patrol boats, minesweepers, aircraft carriers, landing craft, submarines, naval support vessels/tugs. | |
| 12 Dec 26 | Gauge 0 Guild Winter Show |
| Kempton Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ | |
| “7mm” or Gauge O railway modelling show. This is the 70th anniversary of the Guild and they have four railway modelling exhibitions lined up this year. This is the fourth. | |
| 12/13 Dec 26 | Manchester Model Railway Show |
| The Sugden Centre, 114 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HB | |
| No details yet. Last year was the Manchester Model Railway Society’s 100th anniversary so they had a larger than normal show with 26 layouts and around 27 traders & other exhibitors. | |
NB. This page is being continually updated, but things change: sometimes events get postponed, cancelled or there’s a change of venue. It’s worth double-checking on the organiser’s website before visiting.

