Rotary Model Railway Exhibition to be ‘Bigger and Better’ This Year

Organisers of the ever-popular annual model railway exhibition staged by the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe said this week that they were well on track to make this year’s event, their tenth, “bigger and better than ever”. Two worthy causes will benefit from the exhibition – ‘Heel and Toe’, a North East children’s charity that supports youngsters with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities, and ‘The Railway Children’, an international charity that works with vulnerable street children in India. Twenty-one working layouts have been booked for this year’s event at Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre, Burn Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4HT (Tesco) on Saturday, March 9th, from 10.00am to 5.00pm. And one of them – “Salsdorf’, a new European ‘TT’ scale layout by enthusiast Norman Raven – may well be featured in ‘Continental Modeller’ publication later this year. A special treat for young visitors will be a self-drive ‘Thomas and Friends’ layout from Shildon Model Railway Club. Entry costs £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and 50p for children. Family tickets are available at £10. Rtn. John Burrows, who heads the organizing team, confirmed that this year’s event will see 21 working layouts ranging from “n” to “1” scales (very small to very large) and that a number will feature digital operation including sound. Traders will be well represented with 10 stands selling new and pre-owned model railway items along with die-cast models, scenery, photographs and books. Four full-size preservation societies will be lending their support while other enthusiasts will be manning a tombola staff and serving refreshments. Free parking is available at St Mary’s RC Church just yards from the event, there is full disabled access, all day refreshments are available and a family tombola. “This is a real community event including sponsorship from Sabrerail and Barclays Bank plc, the Army Reserve, St Mary’s Church, Tesco and of course some 35 Rotarians,” said Mr Burrows who can provide further information on 07870 210269 or email jandeburrows@gmail.com