Shows getting back on track

MODEL railway exhibitions have made something of a return since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, but in a limited way. The International N Gauge Show (TINGS) is one important show held in recent months, with a reduced attendance being reported. Despite the lower than normal visitor numbers and a less comprehensive show to allow more room between exhibits, there was a palpable relief among exhibitors and the trade that some measure of normality in the hobby was showing signs of return.

Despite the desire to kick-start an important element of the hobby, the lead-in time required to organise exhibitions together with the commercial risk surrounding the booking of venues, particularly for larger shows, sees a number of them off the calendar for the second year running.

In Scotland, the Falkirk Model Railway Club Exhibition, which has a reputation for being one of the friendliest of the larger shows, is cancelled, although the Elgin show is scheduled to go ahead. Other shows of note which have been binned for 2021 include the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition and the Tyneside 2021 Model Railway Exhibition.

Some shows listed in the diary dates page for November 2019 do not appear at all. Clubs, societies and their exhibition organisers have to take the risks involved in organising a show into account, together with the likelihood of lower attendance, lower revenues and not being able to offer as comprehensive a visitor experience as in the past with the need to make more room in the hall for visitors. Furthermore, there is always the chance of restrictions being reinstated at short notice, either nationally or in local areas, which could result in significant financial loss through the loss of venue booking deposits.

It is advised to check society and club websites for up-to-date information on whether a show is going ahead before starting any journey to the show. Also, we urge modellers to respect the conditions of entry to shows to assist the organisers and to minimise the risk of attendance for all concerned.