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
EVENT PREVIEW: Model World LIVE 2024
Model World LIVE 2024 is just weeks away. Check out our full event preview guide to our brand-new Model World LIVE exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham on April 27/28, 2024 here.
PREVIEW: Model World LIVE new scale model builds
NEW IMAGES ADDED Model World LIVE is just a few weeks away on April 27/28 2024 and modellers across the country are busy completing their latest builds to display at the show. In this preview gallery, we showcase the latest projects - both complete and work in progress - which you can expect to see at the show.
Modelu3D adds RAF figures for Model World LIVE launch
Modelu3D is launching a brand-new collection of RAF laser-scanned figures at Model World LIVE 2024 on April 27/28 which have been created specially by the 3D printing specialist with the support of Jed Jeggard from Up An At Em History.
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!
VIDEO: Model World LIVE 2024
Model World LIVE is the brand-new modelling exhibition from Key Publishing which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on April 27/28 2024. Join Mike Wild and Mark Chivers in the Key Model World workshop as they discuss the show and all its latest features.
Model World LIVE layouts 2024
Dublingham Goods Sidings - a three-rail shunting layout
Tony Harris set out to see if he could follow the railway rulebook accurately as a Hornby Dublo three-rail model collector. Dublingham is the result which will be displayed as part of the Double Gauge Association presentation at Model World LIVE 2024.
Ruston and Hornsby Sheaf Ironworks
Michael Sharpe will be exhibiting his new model of Ruston and Hornsby's Sheaf Ironworks at Model World LIVE 2024 alongside two 7/14in gauge Ruston locomotives.
Kinlochloggen - Scotland in 'N' gauge
The layout is based on a rural station somewhere in Scotland. The station has a passing loop and limited freight facilities. Trains frequently pass here and the layout can be operated in the steam/green diesel, BR Blue or Scotrail eras.
San Clemente - Southern California in 'HO' scale
San Clemente is set in Southern California in the period around 1959. It portrays operations on a secondary line served by two separate railroads – the Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe - and is built to 'HO' scale.
Grindley Brook in 'O' gauge
Grindley Brook models the now closed ex-LNWR line between Whitchurch and Chester in 'O' gauge and is presented by the Hillingdon Railway Modellers. See it at Model World LIVE 2024.
Click here to view all the layouts for Model World LIVE 2024.
Model World LIVE scale modelling displays 2024
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.
Mike and Ethan Williams Model World LIVE display
Meet Airfix Model World contributor Mike and Ethan Williams at Model World LIVE and see their builds from the magazine first hand with this scale modelling display.
RIchard Spreckley Model World LIVE scale model display
Long standing Airfix Model World contributor Richard Spreckley is joining the line up for Model World LIVE 2024 with a display of his builds from the magazine. Meet the modeller and see the builds first hand.
Garry Tobiss Model World LIVE display
Garry Tobiss will be displaying a diverse range of scale model subjects, as featured in Airfix Model World magazine, at Model World LIVE 2024. Meet the model maker and see the builds first hand.
Kev Baxter Model World LIVE scale model display
Meet Airfix Model World contributor Kev Baxter at Model World LIVE 2024 and see his latest builds from the magazine first hand.
Click here to view all the scale modelling displays for Model World LIVE 2024.
Model World LIVE special features 2024
Tamiya Trucking radio controlled road vehicles
Tamiya Truckin is a Special Interest Group (SIG) where like-minded Tamiya enthusiasts get together at shows across the UK to display their 1/14 scale radio controlled creations. See the latest display layout at Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Model World LIVE demonstrations 2024
DEMONSTRATOR: Malcolm Briggs - scratch building structures
Malcolm will be demonstrating the techniques that he featured in the series Making Building from Scratch that appeared in Hornby Magazine at Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024.
DEMONSTRATOR: Dan Evason - scenic modelling and figure painting
Hornby Magazine contributor Dan Evason will be explaining modelling techniques on his demonstration stand at Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024. Find out more about his stand here.
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