Portsmouth Model Railway Exhibition

The South Hants Model Railway Club are back with their annual exhibition at Admiral Lord Nelson School on Saturday 14 November, from 10:30am to 4:30pm. It's an autumn regular for them, and they describe it as the longest-running model railway show in the area, one that's steadily picking up a national reputation for showing the best of the hobby.

There are thirteen working layouts to walk through, covering a range of scales and gauges, so you'll see everything from the tiny, detailed scenes to the larger, more expansive ones. Demonstrators are on hand to talk you through how it all works, and there's a loyal following of traders and gauge societies there too, so if you're into the building side of things, there's plenty to pick up. It's pitched at everyone from serious enthusiasts to families and casual visitors, and the younger ones can actually drive the trains themselves. The club also lends out stools and periscopes to small children against a refundable deposit when the exhibits are set too high to see over.

Getting there is a bit of a feature in itself: a vintage bus shuttle, run by the City of Portsmouth Preserved Transport Depot, links the venue with Hilsea Station, so you can arrive in style. Inside, the school's catering department provides refreshments to keep you going between layouts. Entry is £8 per adult, and children aged 16 and under go free when accompanied. The school is at Dundas Lane, Portsmouth, PO3 5XT, and the whole thing runs from 10:30am to 4:30pm.