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Let’s be honest, we’re all getting pretty desperate for a return to normality now. The beauty of model railways is the detail and intricacies that can only really be appreciated physically. With the government's roadmap out of lockdown and restrictions slowly lessening, we are quietly hopeful for the Warley National Model Railway exhibition going ahead at the NEC 27th to 28th of November 2021. The strength of our community and our shared love of model railways is what binds us together. 2020 was challenging in many ways including missing that event but we did our best so let’s reflect on that and look ahead to exhibitions in 2021.
Schools & leisure centres
We know that in the past we have managed to hold events as smaller venues such as school halls and leisure centres. We are still hopeful that we can get together in smaller numbers and see the very best layouts from the enthusiasts. It takes a lot of organisation however and with the pandemic picture still uncertain, we just don't know how many of these will go ahead.
Model railways events in 2021
At the moment many clubs and societies have taken the view that they sadly can’t go ahead with their planned exhibitions and events this year. That said, some have decided to stream virtual events inspired by the Warley Railway Club who in the wake of the cancelled NEC exhibition made the move online. Whilst enthusiasts were disappointed at the cancellation of the exhibition last year, the organisers still managed to satisfy appetites for model railways with their virtual event. Hats off to the WRC for adapting and doing their best in challenging circumstances. We were treated to conversations between club members, competitions, member layouts and how to demonstrations. That wasn’t what any of us wanted but in the light of Covid, it was A great way to keep our community connected. Fantastic to see how we adapted and ensured we all still got our fix of model railways.
What can expect at the NEC
It’s still the U.K.’s greatest model railway exhibition and this year is set to be extra special. We can look forward to over 19 model railway layouts from gauges T to 1 and bigger. As well as incredible scale layouts there will also be micro layout displays making the most of what you can do in a small space. As usual there will be specialist trade stands selling everything for your railway from advertising billboards to signs to metal hoardings. We can expect a smorgasbord of every component you could need for your model railway.
How Trackside helps
We were fortunate enough to have our own stand at the NEC four years ago. Whilst there are no plans to exhibit there this year you can still find everything you might need in advance of the show. Poster boards, totems, full station sign packs, advertising billboards, metal hoardings. We could go on but you get the picture. Come see what we have to offer.
