Model train enthusiasts set to make tracks for City of Canterbury Model Railway Society’s big weekend

Enthusiasts will flock to the Canterbury model railway event in January, Pic: Phil Parker Archant

Crowds set to flock to the event which showcases a world of transport in miniature

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Model train fans will have a treat in the new year with a major exhibition in Canterbury.

The City of Canterbury Model Railway Society is set to open the doors to its 29th annual exhibition, to be held at St Anselm’s school on Old Dover Road, on January 22 and 23.

Enthusiasts will be able to feast their eyes on at least 14 model railway layouts during the weekend at an exhibition which is widely regarded by exhibitors, traders and visitors as one of the best in the county.

And do not underestimate the scale of planning involved, with visitors getting to see layouts literally years in the planning, while work is already under way for the 2020 event.

Explains a spokesman for the show: “Planning for an annual model railway exhibition begins years in advance, due to the popularity of layouts featured in model railway magazines.

“The City of Canterbury Model Railway Society’s intrepid exhibition nanager Jeremy Kennett travels the length and breadth of the country visiting model railway exhibitions to find the very best layouts to invite to exhibit, necessitating Jeremy having to maintain a rolling three-year planning schedule.

“Work is already underway to identify exhibitors for the January 2020 exhibition, in addition to the special 30th anniversary exhibition in 2019.”

Among the layouts on display will be a scale model of Rolvenden station, near Ashford, by Robin Gay and James Makin’s Loftus Road, based on Kensington Olympia station and featuring detailed scenic work by the member of the Worthing Model Railway Club.

Meanwhile, the Canterbury society will be showcasing its own new Holt Street layout in N gauge for the first time.

Children will be kept entertained by the Guy’s Fizz Bang and Fawkesville layout which comes complete with push-button operation for children to use and includes a firework factory.

The event is open between 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday. For details on the club see www.ccmrs.co.uk.