Step back to the golden age of railways with two big shows

If you’re a fan of rail travel but just can’t handle the day to day despair of the 21st century version, take a chance to step back to a happier time this month.

First on the arrivals board is the Chiltern Model Railway exhibition, which will be steaming in to the Alban Arena this weekend.

From 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday you will be able to savour more than 20 working layouts, in many different scales, none of which have been seen before in St Albans.

You’ll be able to see trains of the past and present running through countryside and cities, hauling goods and passengers to destinations at home and abroad, or busily at work in a goods yard, industrial setting or engine shed.

The exhibition will also include many demonstrations and a diverse range of trade stands.

Tickets are £8 for adults, which includes a free colour programme, and each grown-up can take in two children aged five to 16 for nothing.

The next scheduled exhibition comes courtesy of the Brambleton Model Railway Club, which will be staging its big January show at Harpenden Public Halls on Saturday, January 18.

It’s the club’s 46th annual show, and will feature 13 layouts as well as stalls and stands between 10.30am and 5.30pm. Admission is £4 for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions.