Press Releases

Full steam ahead to half-term Model Railway Spectacular

Big, small, real or model, there's something for everyone at the National Slate Museum's annual Model Railway extravaganza coming up this half term, between 22-25 February 2007.

The show, which attracts thousands of visitors and enthusiasts every year, is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy numerous displaysby well-known local railway clubs such as Colwyn Bay, South Caernarfonshire, Wrexham and much further afield!

As usual there are numerous activities to enjoy including free rides for children on miniature steam engines and trains, daily demonstrations and talks as well as shed-loads of engines and layouts of all shapes and sizes - more than ever this year, according to Museum Keeper, Dr Dafydd Roberts: "The Model Railway Show has grown to become a really popular part of the north Wales events calendar and we look forward to it every year. The National Slate Museum has a lively interest in rail heritage, after all, narrow gauge railways were fundamental to slate quarrying operations and our own collections include the quarry steam engine UNA".

One of the big attractions at this year's show will be the intricately built engines of the late William T. Williams of Blaenau Ffestiniog. He was known locally as Wil Gloddfa, so called after his workplace the Gloddfa Ganol Slate mines, where he spent a lifetime working as a powerhouse attendant. He also lived in one of the cottages that later became part of the popular tourist attraction. On loan to the National Slate Museum for the period of the exhibition, these scale models of Brittannia, Hercules and a GWR Tank Engine haven't been seen in the local area for many years and will be a treat for anyone attending the show.

Another new attraction will be a children's ‘test track', as Marketing Officer Julie Williams explained:

"Obviously many of the layouts we have here at the Museum are very precious to their owners therefore we only encourage children to look and not touch them. This test train track however is different and is ideal for children. They can have a go at driving the engines themselves or they can even bring their own 00 gauge engines to have a go. This is our first year of doing this and if it is a success we hope to develop it for the future."

Also new to the event in 2007 is the use of the complete foundry floor as a demonstration area by popular attendee Paul Perryman and his colleagues, who bring their unique and popular collection of 32mm gauge engines.

On Saturday 24 February, the Reverend Alan Cliff of Rhyl will be on hand to sign copies of his latest books in the Jack the Station Cat range and this year he will also be reading extracts from the books.

And throughout the half term week, the Llanberis Lake Railway will be open for train rides along the beautiful Llyn Padarn (for an additional charge) making a visit to the event a complete rail lover's dream and a great day out for all the family!

The Model Railway Show runs daily from February 22- 25 2007 between 10 am and 4 pm. Entry is FREE . For more information contact the Museum on (01286) 870630.