Published on 22nd March, 2022
Recreated in remarkable detail down to the puddles, tyre tracks and even a branded supermarket carrier bag, this epic layout is 192ft long, includes three miles of track, and features some 25 computer controlled trains each up to 30ft long and running continuously. It includes both modern and classic locomotives in large 0 gauge so highly relatable to those viewing, whatever their age.
Simon George who created, built and detailed this astonishing railway says “As a child, my friends and I used to go and stand on a fence alongside the railway at Heaton Lodge in Yorkshire and watched the trains for hours on end. We spent our school holidays on that embankment, and many years later I found that that passion was still alive and that I could recreate it, albeit in model-form.”
“After spending some eight years building it, I decided I wanted to share it with a broader audience, especially families, and last year we showed it in public for the first time. People of all ages seemed to enjoy it, so I started looking for another suitable venue and the Bath & West Showground was ideal.”
This time the model railway will be joined by a number of other layouts – many of which are based on the local and historic Somerset & Dorset railway, as well as a number of model railway trade stands for those interested in getting started in this wonderful hobby. In addition, there will also be a ride-on miniature steam railway (operated by the Bath & West railway) within the Showground on the Saturday & Sunday.
Admission is £10 in advance for adults, £12 on the door, children 16 and under £8, under 5’s free. Advance booking: www.britainsbiggestmodelrailway.com
The Bath & West Showground is located on the A371 with free car parking and a café. It can be reached by train via Bruton Station (5.7 miles), Castle Cary Station (4 miles) and Gillingham Station (15.7 miles).
