Est. 2026 · United Kingdom

The Model Railway Directory

Shops · Clubs · Events · Repair services across the UK

33Listings
9Clubs
8Events
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Quick: Shops Clubs Events Repairs OO gauge N gauge O gauge TT:120

34 listings found

Upcoming events

Exhibitions, swap meets and open days across the UK

News & Tips

Model railway news, layout inspiration and hobby guides

OO Gauge — Getting Started 1:76 scale · 16.5mm track gauge Beginner Guide

Getting Started with OO Gauge

Everything you need to know to build your first layout — track, controllers, rolling stock and scenery.

May 2026  ·  8 min read
ANALOGUE VS DCC DIGITAL LOCO: 47 SPD: 45% FWD SND LGT Control one train · Control many trains DCC

DCC vs Analogue: Which is Right for You?

Digital Command Control lets you run multiple trains independently. We explain the pros, cons and costs.

May 2026  ·  6 min read
MODEL RAILWAY SHOW 2026 Layouts · Trade stands · Demonstrations Events

The Best Model Railway Shows in 2026

We round up the must-visit UK exhibitions this year — with dates, venues and what to expect.

May 2026  ·  5 min read
PVA Realistic Scenery on a Budget Scenery

Realistic Scenery on a Budget

Kitchen sponges, tea leaves and craft paint can transform any baseboard. Step-by-step guide inside.

Apr 2026  ·  7 min read
DCC tip! Nice layout! MODEL RAILWAY CLUB Knowledge · Community · Friendship Clubs

Why Joining a Club Will Transform Your Hobby

Model railway clubs offer far more than just a place to run trains. Here is why you should join one.

Apr 2026  ·  5 min read
HORNBY Est. 1901 · Margate, Kent VS BACHMANN Branchline · UK models Price · Quality · Range · Availability Manufacturers

Hornby vs Bachmann: A Buyer's Guide

The two giants of UK OO gauge go head to head on price, quality, range and availability.

Mar 2026  ·  6 min read

Best Of Guides

Hand-picked recommendations for UK model railway enthusiasts

OO Gauge

Best OO Gauge Shops in the UK

OO gauge is Britain's most popular scale at 1:76. These retailers stock the widest ranges of locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.

  1. Kernow Model Rail Centre — Redruth, Cornwall. Renowned for exclusive commission models.
  2. Rails of Sheffield — Sheffield. One of the UK's largest independents.
  3. Hattons Model Railways — Liverpool. Huge online range with own-brand Originals.
  4. Gaugemaster — West Sussex. Best for controllers, DCC and electrics.
  5. Model Railways Direct — Bristol. At least 30% off all items.
Clubs

Best Model Railway Clubs for Beginners

Joining a club is the fastest way to improve your modelling. These clubs are especially welcoming to newcomers.

  1. The Model Railway Club — London. Est. 1910, Young MRC for ages 8–14.
  2. Manchester Model Railway Society — Sale. Free taster sessions every Monday.
  3. Leeds Model Railway Society — Leeds. Regular beginner workshops.
  4. Leamington & Warwick MRS — 6,500 sq ft clubrooms, all gauges.
  5. Bristol Model Railway Club — Active club with annual exhibition.
Events 2026

Must-Visit UK Model Railway Shows in 2026

From spring to winter, the UK's exhibition calendar is packed. Here are the shows no enthusiast should miss this year.

  1. RAILEX 2026 — Aylesbury, 23–24 May. 22 layouts, 30+ trade stands.
  2. Hull Model Railway Show — Hull, 30–31 May. Family friendly, 40 stands.
  3. Great Electric Train Show — Stoneleigh, 10–11 Oct. Premier O gauge event.
  4. Clydeside Exhibition — Glasgow, 24–25 Oct. Best show in Scotland.
  5. National Festival of Railway Modelling — NEC, 21–22 Nov. The big one.
Repairs

Best Model Railway Repair Services in the UK

Got a locomotive that won't run? These specialist repair services cover everything from vintage Hornby Dublo to modern DCC sound fitting.

  1. Norfolk Loco Clinic — Norwich. DCC specialists, same-week turnaround.
  2. Precision Loco Works — York. Vintage and heritage loco experts.
  3. The Loco Hospital — Swindon. Bachmann & Hornby specialists.
  4. DCC Supplies & Repairs — Milton Keynes. Digitrax & Lenz authorised.
  5. Glasgow Model Engineering — Glasgow. Scotland's go-to service.
N Gauge

Best N Gauge Resources in the UK

Top N gauge shops

  • Kernow Model Rail Centre — exclusive N gauge commissions
  • Hattons — widest N gauge range online
  • Gaugemaster — N gauge controllers & track
  • Smiths Model Railways — Graham Farish specialists

Why choose N gauge?

N gauge (1:148 in the UK) lets you build much larger layouts in the same space as OO. Perfect for small rooms, loft conversions and anyone wanting to model long mainline runs. Graham Farish is the dominant UK N gauge brand.

About the directory

A free, community-built resource for the UK model railway hobby

Community-driven

Listings are submitted by the community and reviewed before going live. Anyone can add a shop, club, event or repair service for free.

All scales welcome

From Z gauge to G gauge and everything in between. Filter by scale to find resources relevant to your specific interest.

Always free

Basic listings are and always will be free. Featured placement is available for businesses wanting greater visibility.

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Have a suggestion, spotted an error, or want to discuss featured placement?

info@modelrailwy.org.uk

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