Rush to join signals more space for model railway exhibition
So many exhibitors have been lining up to take part in Aylesham’s first ever model railway exhibition which takes place in March that extra space has been hired to include them all.
Pitches in Aylesham Community Trust’s main hall and adjoining community room were soon snapped up by modellers wanting to display their layouts for the event on Saturday 8 March and now the hall in Bechange, a charity which shares the site with the trust, has also been hired. In all up to 16 exhibitors are expected to attend along with half a dozen specialist traders.
The exhibition is being held as a fundraiser by the Whitstable based East Kent Model Railway Society. Its Chairman Nick Evans said: “We are delighted with the response from so many people keen to show off their model railways.
“Having this many exhibitors means we can offer an excellent show which will capture the interest of our visitors. We hope the event will prove inspirational and exciting for people, whether they are novices or experts in the pastime.
“Today’s model trains can involve some sophisticated electronics designed to bring greater realism to a layout but, for many people, they also bring back childhood memories of playing with toy trains in the loft or on the bedroom carpet.”
Entrances to both the community trust building and Bechange are just a few yards apart, on opposite sides of the site’s free car park. Dover Transport Museum is due to bring one of its vehicles to the event and will be selling raffle tickets to win a classic motorbike.
Among the layouts will be one inspired by the wedding of Clare Deary and Luke Harmer in 2023. Clare, formerly from Aylesham, and Luke both work for Southeastern Railway and they hit upon the idea of having a train running around their wedding cake at their reception. The idea evolved though and Luke’s dad Jeff ended building a five feet long layout to go beside the cake called Travelling To Wedded Bliss.
Probably the largest exhibit at the event will be the 19 feet long Swanage layout. Built by EKMRS member Paul Edwards, it has become a popular feature on the exhibition circuit replicating a section of preserved railway between Swanage and Corfe in Dorset.
Other clubs from east Kent will be joining in as well. The group from Faversham will bring an eight feet square layout depicting Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends especially for younger children to enjoy.
Reputable traders will be offering collectable and pre-loved model trains, accessories and hard-to-find spare parts. The venue offers free onsite parking and light refreshments will be on sale as well. It is a five minute walk from the village railway station which provides hourly services from Faversham, Canterbury and Dover.
Admission is £5 each for adults while accompanied children under 16 are free.
21 January 2025
More information from Nick Evans via nickevanscomms@sky.com
or phone 07743 704547.
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