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 in 2025 that I’m aware of so far.
| East Dorset N-Gauge Group Anniversary Show | 14/15 Feb 26 | Kinson community centre, Pelhams Park, Bournemouth BH10 7LH | A celebration event with 11 N-gauge layouts. |
| HWDMRS – MRX25 Autumn | 15 Nov 25 | Cressex Community Centre & Social Club, 203 Cressex Road, High Wycombe HP12 4PZ. | The High Wycombe & District Model Railway Society’s autumn show will have 10+ layouts in a variety of scales and gauges including N, TT, H0, 00, 7mm, and 00-9 narrow gauges, plus 5 traders. |
| Blackpool Model Show | 15/16 Nov 25 | Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool FY2 9AA | Large show focused on RC and static model boats, ships, trucks, and tanks. |
| Falkirk Model Railway Exhibition | 15/16 Nov 25 | Forth Valley College, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk FK2 9AD | Over twenty layouts on display in 0, N, and 00 gauges, plus 20 trader, demo & society stands. |
| Workington Model Railway Exhibition | 15/16 Nov 25 | ENERGUS, Blackwood Road, Lillyhall, Workington CA14 4JW | Eighteen Layouts, 8 demonstration stands, 8 society stands and 9 trade stands. |
| Pendle Forest MRS Show | 15/16 Nov 25 | Park High School, Venables ave, Colne BB8 7DP | The Pendle Forest Model Railway Society’s 61st annual show will have 13 layouts, 3D printing demos, and traders. |
| National Festival of Railway Modelling | 22/23 Nov 25 | National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT | No details yet, but last year it was billed as the UKs largest railway modelling exhibition with over 60 of the country’s best model railways, and 70+ manufacturers, retailers, specialist suppliers and clubs/societies. |
| Deganwy Railway Modellers | 23 Nov 24 | Craig Y Don Community Centre, Queens Road, Llandudno LL30 1TE | Sixteen layouts in various gauges, plus traders. Last year was DRM’s (no website) first exhibition, and despite atrocious weather conditions, over 400 people turned up. |
| Gauge O Guild – Winter Show | 06 Dec 25 | Robin Park Leisure Centre, Newtown, Wigan WN5 0UL | “7mm” or Gauge O railway modelling show. |
| Manchester Model Railway Show | 13/14 Dec 25 | Sugden Sports Centre, Sidney Street, Manchester M1 7HB | Manchester Model Railway Society is this year marking the 200th anniversary of railways and its own centenary, with a larger than normal annual Christmas show. There’ll be 26 layouts, including the original Thomas the Tank Engine created by Rev W Awdry for his son Christopher, as well as six layouts making their first public appearance. Plus 27 traders. |
NB. This page is being continually updated, but things change: events get postponed, cancelled or there’s a change of venue. Always double-check on the organiser’s website before visiting.

