This year’s Manchester Model Railway Society Exhibition, being held on Saturday, 14th, and Sunday, 15th December, has 28 model railway layouts from all over the UK, more than any of the 98 previous shows that the Society has organised.

Manchester Model Railway Society is the world’s third-oldest model railway society and the only one that stages its annual exhibition in the centre of a major UK city.

It is being held at The Sugden Sports Centre in Sidney Street, very close to Oxford Road station.

Following comments from visitors to last year’s exhibition, there will be more and a greater variety of traders and an extra layout.

Two things remain constant from last year – the ticket prices and the quality of the layouts.

This year’s themed area is dedicated to commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

It will also pay tribute to the work and dedication of railway employees and service personnel during the Second World War.

Doors open for advance ticket holders at 09:45 and at 10:30 for tickets bought at the door.

Advance tickets can be purchased up till 21:45 on Friday, 13th December and are cheaper than those bought at the door, and there is no charge for all accompanied children.

As always, there will be plenty to keep children occupied, as well as the chance to win a complete trainset, and for partners who want something else, Christmas Markets are not far away.

Full details about the exhibition are online at www.mmrs.co.uk/exhibition

“We always invite the very best layouts that we can find. Most have been featured in at least one specialist magazine – apart, that is, from the three which are making their public debut with us. This year’s show has set two records already: the most layouts at any or our exhibitions, and the greatest distance travelled by an invited layout – 330 miles from Redruth in Cornwall. It’s a measure of our reputation that the owners and operators are prepared to travel so far for the weekend.”

Exhibition coordinator, Philip Sweet