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Manchester Model Railway Society is once again hosting its annual Christmas Model Railway Exhibition at the Sugden Sports Centre on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 - a perfect pre-Christmas day out for all the family. This year, a very special show will celebrate the club's centenary. It will feature 26 model railway 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. The biggest layout in the show this year, at more than 40 feet long, is one which visitors can operate themselves. Manchester "Big Trams" first debuted in the early 1950s and has been entrancing children and their parents ever since. Amazing 'timeline' series In addition to layouts new and old, this year's exhibition includes a 'timeline' series of themed displays showcasing the history and development of real and model railways over the last two centuries. As always, there will be a wide range of traders and societies, perfect for stocking up on gifts for transport enthusiasts of all ages. Every year, hundreds of people attend the two-day exhibition, which has a reputation as one of the premier model railway exhibitions in the country. Exhibitors come from all over the UK to take part, and this year is no exception. There are layouts that have travelled from Sussex, Edinburgh and Cardiff, and exhibitors who have, between them, won the prestigious national award, The Railway Modeller Cup, nine times. Exhibition Coordinator, Philip Sweet, commented: “This year’s exhibition is the most complex we have ever staged - planning started in April 2021. There are many superb, award-winning, modern layouts, together with six layouts making their public debut. "The excellent transport links to the venue, the range of traders, the activities for children, the layouts and the other displays all combine to make this the perfect pre-Christmas treat for all the family.'' A century of progress When it was founded in 1925, the Manchester Model Railway Society was only the third model railway club in the world. It has a long history of innovation, playing an active role in the development of the hobby through technical innovation and craftsmanship. Based in its own clubhouse in Sale, the society has almost a hundred members ranging in age from 17 to 95. It welcomes new members, no matter their level of experience. The club houses six model railway layouts owned by the society, a reference library of more than 6000 books and magazines, and a workshop. It is open to members at least four days per week. The society is funded entirely by membership fees and any income generated at the annual exhibition. How to buy tickets Adult advance tickets are available to buy online until December 12, at £14 for Saturday, December 13, and at £11 for Sunday, December 14, and grant access from 9:45am. Children are free when accompanied by an adult (maximum of three children per adult), and carers can enter for free when accompanying a disabled adult with a ticket. Walk-in adult tickets will be available at the door from 10:30am onwards, at £16 (Saturday) and £13 (Sunday) respectively. There is also a group booking scheme with discounted tickets for any recognised youth organisation. For further details, please email exhibition@mmrs.co.uk More information about the exhibition is available on the MMRS website.
