Here in the Big Smoke, we do spend a lot of time talking about trains. The London Underground, love it or hate it, is a big part of most of our lives – getting us from A to B in our endless big city grind.
For some, it’s even more than this, with trains not only being a necessity, but a hobby. Whether you’re a famous, viral internet sensation or someone who enjoys building model railways in their free time, this annual event is sure to be right up your street track.
The annual London Festival of Railway Modelling is riding back into town for its 24th year this month, and you’ll be able to witness the excitement at Alexandra Palace on March 18-19. Barring any track delays or signal failures, the time for the London festival for train lovers is nearly upon us once more.
Train fanatics (looking at you, Francis B.) can expect to see hundreds of miniature trains whizzing through the great hall, at an event that attracts tens of thousands.
More than 35 different train tracks will be laid out, based on regions both across the UK and further afield, including a track from a WWI winter period in France. Elsewhere, we can expect to see designs of Blackfriars Bridge in 1873, 2012 era Pwllehi in Wales, and 1910 Plumpton Green, among others.
Traders and experts will be on hand to tell you about the tricks of the trade, and they’ll be carrying out live demonstrations of their expertise.
Doors open at 10am, with the event running until 4:30pm each day, and you can purchase your tickets (£14 for adults; £8 for children) to the London Festival of Railway Modelling here. There are also free shuttle buses running to and from Wood Green Underground station, with the final bus leaving Alexandra Palace at 5:15pm.