Association Diary

The following entries have been included in good faith from information provided by the organisers of the events or by the organisers of 16mm scale layouts booked to attend. As date and detail changes occasionally occur, it is suggested that people should contact the event organisers beforehand for confirmation. The Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers cannot accept any responsibility for cancellations, date or detail changes, or errors.

Our large scale trains are very appealing to members of the public, especially when they realise that the live steam locomotives are not being powered by electricity and that their speed and direction are being set either by radio control or manually. Portable 16mm scale layouts, many of them fully scenic, are based in most parts of Great Britain and our volunteer members take them to exhibitions and events throughout the year. A variety of live steam and battery powered locomotives can be operated on them. Most of the steam locomotives are gas fired and can produce atmospheric steam plumes even indoors. These locomotives are very clean to run and do not pollute the average size exhibition hall with gas, oil or smoke. They do not set off smoke alarms or heat sensors and they can even be operated successfully in school classrooms.

Details of just some of our many layouts can be seen here.

If you would like to invite a 16mm scale layout to your exhibition or event, we might be able to help you contact the manager of a suitable layout. Please e-mail Tez Pickthall  at publicity.officer@16mm.org.uk with details of your requirements.

4th-5th July 2009 - Llechfan Garden Railway Open Weekend

Address: Terminus of the Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn, mid Wales, LL36 9EY

Website: http://www.llechfan-garden-railway.org/

Times: Trains running in the garden each day from 10.30am

Prices: Free entry to the Garden Railway

Layouts: Extensive, landscaped permanent 32mm layout situated behind volunteers bungalow. Please ask platform staff for directions - DO NOT CROSS THE RUNNING LINES TO GET TO THE LAYOUT UNLESS SUPERVISED BY TR STAFF!)

Traders: Atropos, Andel Models, Back 2 Bay 6, Imp Models, Trenarren Models, Chuffed 2 bits, I&G Steam, Martins Models, Nigel Bird Books, Essel Engineering.

Additional Info: Held in conjunction with the Talyllyn Have A Go Gala where Talyllyn Railway visitors may also take the opportunity to have a go learning the ropes for firing or driving a steam hauled train, driving a diesel, guarding a train or being a Blockman (signalman) or Station Master. On the Saturday there will also be an evening Bar at Wharf Station and an evening train ride. For the younger enthusiast a 7¼ " gauge miniature railway will be providing rides in Wharf station yard

4th July 2009 - Annual Open Day on the Birches Barn Light Railway (Members only)

Address: Wolverhampton, please contact Dave Watkins for details

Organiser: Dave Watkins

Contact: Ring Dave on 01902 330553, or e-mail dave.watkins@blueyonder.co.uk

Times: From 1pm

Layouts: Permanent 32mm gauge layout

Additional Info: Old friends and new are welcome to join us. There is plenty of room in the garden for friends and families. The line is a continuous circuit of 32mm gauge at ground level. The full circuit has gradients of 1 in 50, but an alternative route gives a, shorter but level circuit. There is room for several locomotives to be in steam at the same time. Suitable for manual or radio control. If you plan to come, please let me know in advance and I can tell you where to find us. Do bring something to run if you can. Whilst non Association members are welcome, they should be accompanied by a member, where possible.

11th July 2009 - Visit to Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society (Members Only)

Address: 101 Rolfe Lane, New Romney, Kent, England, TN28 8JL

Organiser: Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society

Contact: Robert Friend on 01304 373113

Times: Starts at 2:00pm

Layouts: 32mm,45mm, and larger tracks

Additional Info: Please note this event is open to members of the Association only

11th-12th July 2009 - Butterley Garden Railway Association Open Weekend

Address: Butterley Station yard at the Midland Railway Centre, Ripley, Derbyshire

Contact: For further B.G.R.A. information contact Norman Austin Tel. 01332 670291. For M.R.T. information Tel. 01773 747674

Times: From 11am

Layouts: Our permanent garden layout gives easy and enjoyable running on both 32mm and 45mm track

Additional Info: Come and run your engines, steam or battery driven. A good selection of traders will be there on both days. We will also have a club stall where we will be happy to sell your unwanted model railway, tools etc. on a commission basis for club funds. Refreshments will be on sale, admission is free. The Midland Railway Trust is advertising our event as a Garden Railway and Modellers Weekend when most gauges and scales of railways will be running both days on both sites. We will also be running in conjunction with the Golden Valley two-foot narrow gauge. The Sunday will have the Road Rally of vintage vehicles.

11th-12th July 2009 - Railway Gala Weekend - 2009

Address: Amberley Working Museum, Amberley, West Sussex, BN18 9LT

Website: http://www.amberleynarrowgauge.co.uk/

Layouts: Southdown Railway (dual 32mm/45mm gauge)

Additional Info: "Bagnall Bonanza" with a Grand Parade at 3pm each day

12th July 2009 - Clwyd and Dee Railway Open Day & Loco Clinic (Members only)

Address: Please see your February 16mm Exchange for Details or contact Ian Shields (exchange.editor@16mm.org.uk)

Organiser: John Wenlock

Contact: exchange.editor@16mm.org.uk

Times: 12am-6pm

Layouts: 45mm track as well as the 32mm up and running

Additional Info: Please note this event is open to members of the Association and G-Scale Society only. Because of interest in vintage 16mm models we particularly request that members bring along their Archangels and other interesting old models, whether in running order or not. For poorly old engines, there should be a steam clinic, with experts on hand, to get your non-working locos running again. By putting their heads together, the assembled experts will be able to pass on some of their wisdom and (hopefully) bring those reluctant steamers back to life!

18-19th July 2009 - 42nd Model Steam Rally and Exhibition.

Address: Stoke Park, London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1TU

Times: 11am-5pm

Prices: Admission: Adults £7.00, Senior Citizen £6.00, Children under 16 FREE

Layouts: Prayle Grove (32/45mm layout - Graham & Carol East)

Traders: Over a dozen, details TBC

19th July 2009 - 10th Telford Narrow Gauge Show

Address: Park Inn Hotel, Junc 5 M54

Organiser: Back 2 Bay 6

Website: www.ngtrains.com/telfordng.htm

Times: 10:30am-4pm.

Layouts: 16mm layouts attending (TBC). 20+ layouts including "Tomorrow is Open Day" - Paul Towers (32mm, 2 rail electric)

Additional Info: Free parking and vintage bus to Telford Steam Railway Gala.

25th July 2009 - Kent's Garden Railway Show

Address: Alexander Centre, Faversham, Preston Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8NY

Organiser: The G Scale Society Kent

Contact: Andrew Lloyd gsskent@aol.com

Layouts: Hopfields - Kent Area Group

Additional Info: Events is part of the Swale Festival.  All groups involved with any scale of railways which are run in the garden are invited to take part. For further information, contact  The G Scale Society Kent, 15 Queensbridge Drive, Herne Bay CT6 8HD.

8th August 2009 - Combined 16mm Association/Gauge 1 Association Get-together

Address: Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR

Organiser: Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers

Website: http://www.bromsgrovesme.myby.co.uk/

Contact: For further details or to confirm attendance, please contact Keith Bucklitch on 01527 85996, or by email: keith.bucklitch@which.net

Times: 10.0am, until dusk

Layouts: Two separate layouts, both approximately 180 feet running length. The 32mm gauge layout is single track. The 45mm gauge layout has three concentric circuits. Clearances are adequate for models up to 1:20.3 (15mm:foot) scale, including large American prototypes. Both layouts are raised to a comfortable height above ground, so coal fired steamers are relatively easy to fire. Additionally, running rights on the raised passenger hauling tracks in 2 1/2",  3 1/2" and 5" gauges will be granted.

Additional Info: Once again we shall be opening our small scale tracks to visitors from the G1MRA and 16mm Association. The society is a member of the Southern Federation of Model Engineering Societies and therefore boiler certificates will be required for the larger gauges. For 32mm/45mm gauge steamers, if you do not have a current boiler certificate, the track marshall may require to inspect the safety valve function of your loco before permitting access to the running lines. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day, whilst more substantial meals may be obtained in the cafe of the adjacent Museum of Historic Buildings. As in previous years, we shall hope to arrange discount entry to the museum for our visitors and their companions on the day.

8th-9th August 2009 - Narrow Gauge Railway Gala

Address: Great Bush Railway, Tinkers Park, Hadlow Down, TN22 4HS.

Additional Info: Usually a private 2' gauge line, there are visiting locos expected (TBC). 16mm layout, 5" and 71/4" railways. Traction engine rides, organ museum.

8th-9th August 2009 - Locomotion Model Mania

Address: Shildon, Co Durham, DL4 1PQ

Website: http://www.locomotion.uk.com/

Layouts: Southdown Railway (dual 32mm/45mm gauge)

Additional Info: Boats, planes and trains – examples of the model maker’s craft on show.

14th-16th August 2009 - Great Garratt Gathering

Address: Manchester Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP

Website: http://www.mosi.org.uk/whats-on/great-garratt-gathering

Times: 10am-5pm

Prices: Free

Layouts: Ttarrag Shed - coal fired Garratt layout, Chris Moody.

Additional Info: Be amazed at just how many model and full-size Garratts we can fit onto the MOSI site as we celebrate 100 years since this famous locomotive was first produced at Beyer, Peacock’s Gorton works in January 1909. Come along and see a variety of running and static exhibits in this enjoyable weekend which will be launched by famous railway enthusiast Pete Waterman! Pride of place will be given to the K1, the world’s first Garratt, which has been kindly loaned to MOSI by the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Also on show will be a 7 1/4” gauge Beyer-Garratt from the National Railway Museum in York, the William Francis standard-gauge Beyer-Garratt, which is normally resident in Bressingham Steam Museum in Norfolk, plus MOSI’s very own 1930 Beyer-Garratt, which ran on the South African Railways until 1972 and which is on permanent display in the Power Hall. Bring your own Beyer-Garratts along and run them on one of two model railways specially installed for the weekend, including the ‘O’ Gauge Hassall Harbour Bridge and a live steam Tarrag Shed 16mm layout.

16th August 2009 - Guildford MES Open Day

Address: Stoke Park, London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1TU

Organiser: Guildford Model Engineering Society

Website: www.gmes.org.uk

Times: 2pm-5pm

Prices: Free

Layouts: 16mm permanent garden layout in operation

16th August 2009 - Eastern Rail Show

Address: The Mid-Norfolk Railway, Station Rd. Dereham, Norfolk

Organiser: ALSRM

Website: http://www.alsrm.org.uk/

Layouts: Hopfields - Kent Area Group, Bantry Bay Railway

16th August 2009 - Porthleven Lifeboat Day

Address: Porthleven Harbour, Porthleven, Near Helston, Cornwall

Organiser: Porthleven Lifeboat Committee

Times: 10:30am-4:30pm (approx)

Prices: Free

Layouts: Wheal Steam, 32mm gauge

Additional Info: Various stalls, stationary engines, lifeboat and helicopter rescue demonstrations.

30th August 2009 - Llechfan Garden Railway Open Day

Address: Terminus of the Tallylyn Railway, Tywyn, mid Wales, LL36 9EY

Website: http://www.llechfan-garden-railway.org/

Times: Trains running from 10.30am.

Additional Info: Wharf station and Llechfan Garden will be surrounded by Series 1 Landrovers attending the Talyllyn Railway's very own annual Land Rover Rally. For regular updates also see our website.

30th-31st August 2009 - Pecorama Special Event

Address: Beer, Seaton,Devon, EX12 3NA

Organiser: Pecorama

Website: http://www.peco-uk.com/Pecorama/Pecorama.htm

Contact: 01297 20580

Times: 10am–5.30pm

Layouts: Permanent 32mm gauge layout

Additional Info: 16mm members are welcome to run on the PECO outdoor 32mm gauge layout, please phone 01297 21542 ext 261 to book a running slot. Locos with boilers within the 16mm guidelines only please . Also Guest locomotives on the BHLR passenger carrying railway. Miniature traction engines, some giving rides. See Gordon and Maggie Gravett's fabulous new layout "Pempoul".

31st August 2009 - Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway Open Day

Address: The Warren, Bredgar, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AT.

Website: http://www.bwlr.co.uk/

Contact: Tel: 01622 884254

Layouts: Hopfields - Kent Area Group

5th-6th September 2009 - Garden Railway Gala

Address: Llanfair Caereinion Leisure Centre, SY21 0HW

Organiser: Garden Rail Magazine

Website: http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/gr/

Contact: Exhibition Manager on 01425 274688

Times: 10am-5pm

Layouts: Rowlands Lodge, Southdown Railway (dual 32mm/45mm gauge)

Additional Info: The event coincides with the Annual Steam Gala on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. Free bus service from W&LLR Llanfair Caereinion Station to the Leisure Centre.

12th-13th September 2009 - Birmingham Society of Model Engineers 19th National Locomotive Rally (Members only)

Address: Illshaw Heath, Solihull, West Midlands, B94 6DN  (M42 Junction 4 off A3400)

Organiser: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers

Website: http://www.birminghamsme.com/

Contact: John Walker on 01789 266065 or email jgwal@btinternet.com

Layouts: The following gauges are catered for: 32mm, 45mm, 3.5", 5" & 7.25"

Traders: Some traders will be in attendance

Additional Info: This is a private event and all 16mm Association members are invited. Camping and caravan/motorhome site from 13.00 on 11th September, Late night running, Saturday evening dinner party on Saturday at 17.00, Car park, Refreshments - olympic breakfast available on Sat & Sun from 07.00 to 09.00. Traction engines and road vehicles welcome.

20th September 2009 - Guildford MES Charity Day

Address: Stoke Park, London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1TU

Organiser: Guildford Model Engineering Society

Website: www.gmes.org.uk

Times: 2pm-5pm

Prices: Free

Layouts: 16mm permanent garden layout in operation

25-27th September 2009 - Hampton Loade Paddock Railway - SVR Steam Gala

Address: Hampton Loade Station (SVR), Hampton Loade, Shropshire

Organiser: Hampton Loade Paddock Railway

Contact: Tez Pickthall publicity.officer@16mm.org.uk

Times: Friday: 2pm-late, Saturday 11am-late, Sunday 11am-4pm

Prices: Free entry, voluntary donations welcomed

Layouts: Extensive three circuit 32mm gauge line with yard, sidings and branches

Additional Info: The organisers are planning to run after dark (weather permitting) and the layout will be floodlit from nightfall on Friday and Saturday. The standard gauge SVR is holding it's legendary annual steam gala with 24 hour intensive running and visiting locos. Visiting members of the Association are welcome to bring locos to run, subject to the usual discretion on the loco they bring, operator skill levels and being over 16 (unless supervised by an adult).

26th-27th September 2009 - 16mm Garden Railway Show

Address: Elsecar Heritage Centre, Elsecar, Barnsley

Organiser: Yorkshire Area Group

Website: http://www.yorkshire.16mm.org.uk/elsecarshow.html

Contact: Andy Cooper cooperslodgeworks@hotmail.co.uk

Times: From 10am to 4.30pm on Sat and 10am – 4pm on Sun

Prices: £3 Adults. Accompanied children under 16 free

Layouts: Ingleby Light Railway - Tim Roy and others TBC

26th-27th September 2009 - Southport Model Railway Exhibition

Address: Birkdale High School, Windy Harbour Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3DT

Organiser: Southport MRS

Website: http://www.southportmodelrailway.org.uk/index.html

Layouts: Timpdon Lakes

4th October 2009 - Cambridge Garden Railway Show

Address: Cambridge Museum of Technology, Old Pumping Station, Cheddars lane, Cambridge.

Website: http://www.museumoftechnology.com/

Prices: Adults £5

10th-11th October 2009 - North West Garden Railway and Narrow Gauge Exhibition

Address: Lytham St Annes High Technology College, Worsley Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

Organiser: G Wizz Garden Railway Display Team

Website: http://www.g-wizz-group.org.uk/exhibits/october.html

Contact: 01253 403069

Times: 10am-5pm

Prices: Adult £4.00, Senior £3.00, Child £2.00, Family £10.00

Layouts: Rowlands Lodge

*** NEW ***

16th-20th October 2009 - The Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition

Address: Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Nr Leamington Spa, (On the junction of the A425/B4455), CV31 1XN

Organiser: Meridienne Exhibitions

Website: www.modelengineeringexhibition.co.uk

Contact: 01926 614101

Times: 10am – 5pm daily,  closes at 4pm on the final day

Prices: Adult £8.00 (advance) £9.00 (on door), Senior Citizen £7.00 £8.00, Child (5-14 inc) £4.00 £5.00, Family Ticket 1 £12.00 £14.00, Family Ticket 2 £20.00 £23.00

Additional Info: A major show for Model Engineers and expected to attract over 11,000 visitors.  The 2009 event will will include; over forty key specialist suppliers, hundreds of models on display – organisers expect nearly 1000 entries, Fosse Way Steamers in steam daily, nearly forty club and society displays, live track action in 7 ¼”, 16mm and Gauge 1.

*** Updated ***

24th October 2009 - 2009 Exeter Garden Railway Show

Address: The Matford Centre, Matford Park Road, Exeter, EX2 8FD.

Website: www.exetergardenrailwayshow.com

Contact: Graham Wilkins on 01803 863429, twentyone.still@yahoo.com

Times: Doors open 10.30am

Prices: Adults £5.00, Children £4.00. 2 + 2 (Family) £15.00.

Layouts: Southdown Railway (dual 32mm/45mm gauge)

Additional Info: Enjoy a day out at one of the country's largest garden railway shows. Narrow and standard gauge live steam layouts plus vintage Hornby, Bassett Lowke, Bowman and 16mm. Bring and sell your unwanted railway items and maybe pick up a bargain on the always busy Bring and Buy Stand. Lots of traders in attendance for all your railway requirements.Wholesome, reasonably priced food and refreshments will be available all day. The Matford Centre is blessed with lots of natural light with plenty of room for traders, exhibitors and visitors and is located 10 minutes from J30 M5 and the City Centre right next to Matford Park and Ride. There is  loads of free, off road parking and is all on the level with disabled parking right next to the entrance. Last year's show was very successful and raised £1050.00 for The Devon Air Ambulance.

24th October 2009 - East Anglia Garden Railway Show

Address: Breckland Middle School, Crown Street, Suffolk, IP27 0NJ.

Organiser: East Anglian Area Group

Website: http://www.trossachs.freeserve.co.uk/eagroup.htm

Times: 10am-5pm

Layouts: Buggleskelly, Mwch Grumblyn, Pudding Norton Creek, St Genny's, Ttarrag Shed - t.b.c.

Traders: Andel Models (resin rolling stock), Brandbright (everything for the garden railway enthusiast), Imp models (various rolling stock components and secondhand loco's), IP engineering (battery locomotive and rolling stock kits), Jims Models (t.b.c.), Modeltown (resin buildings and scenic items), Trenarren Models (taken over the Perfect World scenics range)

24th-25th October 2009 - Hazel Grove Model Railway Exhibition

Address: Hazel Grove Recreation Centre, Jackson's Lane, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5JX

Organiser: Hazel Grove & District MRC

Website: http://hgdmrs.tripod.com/

Times: Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Layouts: Timpdon Lakes

7th November 2009 - St Barnabas Craft Aid Model Railway Show

Address: St Barnabas Church, St Barnabas Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS5 6JR

Website: http://www.st-barnabas.net

Times: 10:15-2pm

Prices: Probably 40p just for the Model Railway section

Layouts: Raby Treacle Mining Company - Charlie Wilson

Additional Info: St Barnabas Craft Aid is an annual fund raiser for Jachie Eye Clinic in Ghana. (http://www.st-barnabas.net/Mission/Jachie/jachie.html). Stalls will sell sweets, Christmas decorations, second-hand toys and books, and plants. Lunches will be served. Other activities for children have included quizzes and face-painting. The Model Railway Show, which takes place in the church itself, has invited about eight local layouts ranging from N to 16mm, many built by church members.

7th-8th November 2009 - Hull Model Railway Show

Address: The Costello Athletics Stadium, Anlaby Park Road North, Boothferry Road, Kingston-upon-Hull, Yorkshire, HU4 6XQ

Organiser: Hull MRS

Website: http://www.hullmrs.org/hullshow/

Times: 10am-5pm

Prices: Adults £4.00, Concessions £3.00, Family (2 adults+2 children 5-15years) £11.00 (Concessions are over 60 years or 5 to 15 years, under 5s free)*

Layouts: Timpdon Lakes

Additional Info: Light refreshments will be available on both days between between 10.30am and 4.00pm. Limited free off street parking is available, plenty of room for parking on street. Disabled access, exhibition is on the ground floor with lift to the refreshment area.

14th November 2009 - Romford Model Railway Show

Address: Marshalls Park School, Petitits Lane North, Romford, Essex, RM1 4EH.

Organiser: Romford Model Railway Society

Contact: 01992 812183

Layouts: Hopfields - Kent Area Group

14th-15th November - Live Steam Model Railway Show

Address: Kew Bridge Steam Museum, Green Dragon Lane, Brentford,  Middlesex, TW8 0EN

Organiser: Kew Bridge Steam Museum

Website: www.kbsm.org

Contact: Jo Willis, Tel: 020 8568 4757, Email: jo@kbsm.org

Prices: 16mm Association members will be happy to hear that this year there will be a special one-day ‘show ticket’ of £6 Adults and £5 Concessions, providing a saving of £3 on the museum’s standard ticket.

Traders: TBC - please see additional information

Additional Info: There is  a new organiser this year and  the museum wishes to express its gratitude to the London 16mm Area Group for its sterling efforts in organising the event in past years and hopes to continue its association with the group in the future. The new organiser, Jo Willis, would like to hear from anyone interested in exhibiting at the show, whether individual, society or trader. Please contact Jo using detail as shown above.

21st-22nd November 2009 - Warley National Model Railway Exhibition

Address: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

Layouts: Llymarch Chilfach (East Surrey Group)

Creekalley, Bumble Hole & Lon Gof by Paul Towers (32mm, 2 rail electric)

28th-29th November 2009 - Blyth & District Model Railway Society 2009

Address: Blyth Sport Centre, Bolam Avenue, Blyth, NE24 5BT (just off Newsham Road)

Organiser: BDMRS

Contact: 0191 258 3628 or e-mail: bdmrs@sky.com

Times: 10am-5pm

Layouts: Timpdon Lakes