THE FIRST MODEL WORLD LIVE!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the first Model World LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham on April 27/28 2024. We've had an amazing response to the launch for the new National Modelling Exhibition. Save the date for 2025, when we plan to be back at the NEC on April 26/27 for our second show - full details will be published right here once they are confirmed.
Highlights of the 2024 event included:
- Pete Waterman and the Railnuts achieved an official Guinness World Record for the Largest Portable Model Railway - look out for the full story in HM205, on sale June 6 2024.
- Class 37 37108 was transported to the show as a centrepiece locomotive sponsored by Accurascale, Reid Freight Services and Key Model World.
- Midland Military Vehicles brought two stunning restorations to the show - an FV107 Scimitar and FV434.
- More than 35 model railways and over 35 scale modelling displays took part alongside more than 70 traders plus demonstrations.
- Radio controlled trucks and aircraft displays lined up for the first year showcasing their models.
We would love to see your images from the show. Use #modelworldlive on Facebook, X and Instagram so our team can find them.
Once again, thank you for joining us for Model World LIVE and we look forward to welcoming you back on April 26/27 2025.
Mike Wild
Publisher, Modelling
MODEL WORLD LIVE 2024 IS SPONSORED BY
Model World LIVE latest news
Model World LIVE 2024 floorplan
The floorplan for Model World LIVE is available to view now. Start planning your visit to our first event at the NEC in Birmingham on April 27/28 2024 in Hall 12.
UNVEILED: Our ultimate special guest
Teaming up with our show sponsors Accurascale and Reid Freight Services, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of a truly unique guest at Model World LIVE - full-size Class 37 37108, fully repainted by owner Rick Davenport exclusively for the show.
Making Tracks attempts official World Record
For the first time in UK model railways an official World Record attempt recognised by Guinness Word Records is being made by Pete Waterman and the Railnuts at Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham.
PROJECT UPDATE - Making Tracks: The Final Frontier
With just three weeks to go until Model World LIVE and the debut of Making Tracks: The Final Frontier on April 27/28 at the NEC in Birmingham, we visit Pete Waterman's workshop to catch up on the latest progress on this epic model railway build.
PREVIEW: Model World LIVE model railway layout updates
UPDATED WITH NEW IMAGES With just a few weeks to go until Model World LIVE, we preview a selection of the latest updates and projects on the model railway layouts attending the show on April 27/28 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Model World LIVE layouts 2024
Little Ashton
Little Ashton was based on a layout called Ashton. The original layout was 'OO' gauge, but this created the basis for an 'N' gauge modern era layout which is purely fictional and allows me to run my extensive collection of EWS and DB Schenker locomotives.
Patrick Lane Flask Terminal in 'O' gauge
Patrick lane is a 7mm 'O' gauge layout based on a small nuclear flask unloading terminal in the 1980-1990s and during the sector period. Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024 will the first exhibition appearance for this new layout.
Rumbling Bridge - a Scottish byway in 'OO'
The idea for this layout came after reading Ian Futers’ excellent book Modelling Scottish Railways and models the Scottish station of Rumbling Bridge in 'OO' gauge. See it at Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024.
Northbridge - railway preservation in 'OO' gauge
Northbridge is a fictitious heritage railway loosely based on the Severn Valley Railway Bridgnorth station. The layout was started in 2015 by the Warley Model Railway Club and is modelled in 'OO' gauge.
82G (Bristol) Templecombe Road Shed
82G (Bristol) Templecombe Road Shed is the work of John Edwards, Nigel Smith, Keith Blake and Roger Scanlon to create a stunning and detailed replica of a working steam era locomotive shed in 'O' gauge.
Click here to view all the layouts for Model World LIVE 2024.
Model World LIVE scale modelling displays 2024
Dave Oliver Model World LIVE scale display
Airfix Model World contributor Dave Oliver will be displaying his models from the magazine at Model World LIVE. See the stunning and unique diorama models created by Dave Oliver at the show on April 27/28 2024.
Chiltern Scale Model Club
The Chiltern Scale Model Club will be display a unique collection of plastic and resin scale models from a wide range of eras and subject areas.
IPMS UK
IPMS UK will be attending Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024. Society merchandise will be available at the show as well as the chance to meet the IPMS UK committee members.
IPMS Panavia Tornado Special Interest Group
IPMS Panavia Tornado Special interest group is a network of modellers with an interest in promoting this twin-engine variable sweep wing aircraft. See the group display at Model World LIVE 2024.
IPMS Gloucester scale display
IPMS Gloucester will be attending Model World LIVE to showcase the latest models built by its club members.
Click here to view all the scale modelling displays for Model World LIVE 2024.
Model World LIVE special features 2024
UNVEILED: Our ultimate special guest
Teaming up with our show sponsors Accurascale and Reid Freight Services, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of a truly unique guest at Model World LIVE - full-size Class 37 37108, fully repainted by owner Rick Davenport exclusively for the show.
Radio controlled aircraft and simulators join Model World LIVE
Radio controlled aircraft are joining the Model World LIVE 2024 line up featuring the England Jet Team, JMC England, British Model Flying Association and Jet Modellers Association. See the aircraft first hand and take the controls in a BMFA simulator!
7 1/4in Ruston and Hornsby locomotive display
Two 7 1/4in Ruston and Hornsby locomotives will be on display at Model World LIVE alongside a scale model of the Ruston and Hornsby Sheaf Ironworks built to 'OO' gauge. Find out more about these locomotives here.
Full size Tamiya Bruiser joins House of Hobbies display
The famous Tamiya Brusier radio controlled 1/10 scale kit is being brought to life at Model World LIVE, with a full size replica joining the House of Hobbies stand.
Full size military vehicles head for Model World LIVE
Two full size military vehicles are joining the line up for Model World LIVE giving visitors the chance to get up close to two superbly restored vehicles by Midland Military Vehicles.
Model World LIVE demonstrations 2024
DEMONSTRATOR: Richard Hall
Specialising in detailing and modifying ‘OO’ gauge locomotives and rolling stock, Richard Hall has documented these projects in Hornby Magazine monthly issues and Yearbook annuals since 2021 with step-by-step guides. See the projects first hand at Model World LIVE.
IPMS Fenland and Spalding Model Club
IPMS Fenland and Spalding model club based in Lincolnshire are a group of modellers which build a wide variety of models. See the latest builds at Model World LIVE and learn from our members with our demonstrations.
DEMONSTRATOR: Airbrush Company
The Airbrush Company will be attending Model World LIVE with demonstrations of airbrushing techniques by Jason Lake alongside its trade stand. Learn the basics during your visit.
Click here to view all the demonstrations for Model World LIVE 2024
Visitor Information
Venue
Hall 12, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT
When
April 27/28 2024, Doors open at 10am (9.30am for advance ticket holders) until 5pm on Saturday and until 4pm on Sunday.
Tickets
Advance ticket holders receive entry 30 minutes earlier than the normal opening times.
On-the-door tickets will be available on each day the show is open from the Ticket Desk at the Main Entrance.
A child ticket is valid for children between 5-16 years of age.
Persons over 16 years of age will be charged an Adult ticket price and there are no concession tickets for persons over 60 years of age.
| TICKET TYPE | ADVANCE PRICE | ON THE DOOR PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult VIP (advance only) | £50 | - |
| Adult | £16 | £19 |
| Adult Subscriber | £14 | £19 |
| Child (Saturday) | £9 | £10 |
| Child (Sunday) | FREE* | FREE* |
* 2 children max per paying adult
Model World LIVE – Disabled Visitor Policy
Model World LIVE does not offer a special rate to disabled visitors, but does offer free admission for carers who are accompanying disabled visitors.
A maximum of one carer for each disabled visitor is permitted access to the Show free of charge to accompany and enable the disabled person to visit the exhibition.
Carer admission tickets are not available online and can only be collected from the Model World LIVE Ticket Desk situated inside the Main Entrance.
Visitors who have the following documentation are entitled to one free carer ticket, however, the visitor with the disability and any further members of their party will pay full price.
Visitors can use the following documentation as proof of disability:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
Blind Persons Registration
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Visitors must show the relevant paperwork at the Ticket Desk when they buy or collect their ticket.
Getting to the Event
BY ROAD: The National Exhibition Centre is signposted from all motorways and major routes including the M42, M40 and M6 - just pop B40 1NT in your sat nav to get to the NEC Site. Once on site please stop using your Sat Nav and follow the digital screens to direct you to the car park. The postcode will not take you to the car park for your event, so please ignore your Sat Nav and follow signage instead.
Parking is available on site managed by the NEC. Parking prices have been updated by the NEC as of January 25 2024. On the day parking costs £18.95 per day. Pay for your parking in advance for Model World LIVE and save £5. Advance parking can be bought in advance of the event direct from the NEC now helping to spread the cost of admission.
Visit the NEC website to book your advance parking and SAVE!
BY RAIL: The National Exhibition Centre is connected directly to the main line railway network at Birmingham International station. Direct services run all day through the station with connecting trains available from Birmingham New Street for those travelling from further afield. New Street station is less than 15-minutes by rail and the location of Model World LIVE will be signposted through the venue to get you to the right hall.For more information, visit National Rail or call them on 08457 484950.
BY AIR: The National Exhibition Centre is located adjacent to Birmingham International Airport with regular flights arriving from across Europe and beyond. On arrival use the fast and free air-rail link to reach Birmingham International station from the upper level of Terminal 1 and you can then follow the signs to walk to Hall 12. The train runs every two minutes and only takes 90 seconds.
National Exhibition Catering Outlets.
Indoor catering will be available inside Hall 12 during the event. Opening times to be confirmed.
Exhibitor Information
Risk Assessment Form for Exhibitors and Traders
Event Rules & Regulations - coming soon.
Covid Regulations
Model World LIVE will adhere to Government regulations that may be in place in respect of COVID-19 at the time of the show. For updates on this please refer to www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Email communications
All marketing emails about Model World LIVE will be sent by Key Publishing or Key Model World. Please be aware that emails selling data related to modelling events are not from Key Publishing and are false offers.
Event Contact Details
General Enquiries
Julie Hawes
Email: julie.hawes@keypublishing.com
Model Railway and Scale Display Enquiries
Mike Wild
Email: mike.wild@keypublishing.com
Trader Bookings
Matt Sinclair
Tel: 01780 755131