Ashford Festival of Railway Modelling April 6-7 2024
What is it?
A weekend event in Ashford Town Centre featuring a model railway exhibition, a photographic exhibition, museum open days, children's activities and a beer festival
Where are the events taking place?
Ashford College, The Elwick Club, Ashford Gateway Plus, The Parish Hall, Ashford Museum, The Craftship, The Coachworks
What will I see?
40 model railway layouts in different scales from G to Z, 20 model railway traders and heritage societies. A photographic exhibition celebrating 140 years of the Maidstone East to Ashford West Railway. A special exhibition called Tracks Across the Spectrum by and for people with autism.
How do I get tickets?
Entrance to the venues will be by wristband which can be ordered in advance on this website for collection, purchased in in advance from Made in Ashford, or purchased at the venues on the day. Wristband sales will commence in early 2024.
How much will it Cost?
Wristbands are £10.00 for adults. Under 16s and Carers are free.
Is there a map of the venues showing parking?
See the next section!
What will I see at the Ashford Festival of Railway Modelling
Confirmed Model Railways (as at October 2023)
Melton Mowbray North - N (John Spence, Steve Weston, AIMREC)
Eastgate Harbour - OO (Robin Brogden)
Wegburg & Arsbeck - N (Eastbourne MRS)
Lenham - N (Andrew Town, AIMREC)
Warner's Oak - OO (David Warner)
Wishden - N (John Wiley, AIMREC)
Oak Lane TMD & Westenhurst - OO (Nicholas Garner, AIMREC)
Joganji River - N (John Garner)
Cement Works - OO9 (Chris O Donoghue)
Bob & Nigels Cardboard World
G Scale Test Track - Kent G Scale Society
Traders
Bachmann Collectors Club (with OO9 demonstration layout)
Invicta Model Railways
David Wills
Harrison Brown
Dakota Dibben
Maxitrak
The Wagon Yard
On the Rails
Societies
Network Southeast Society
4-Sub Association
140 Years of Maidstone East to Ashford West
Material under development
We are working with Ashford Museum, Charing Historical Society and Hothfield History Society to develop an exhibition to be put on display in Ashford Gateway throughout April 2024.
Can you help?
If you have material, photos or stories related to the history of the line and its trains, stations and people please get in touch via friends@aimrec.co.uk
Tracks Across the Spectrum
Exploring Railways and Autism
Content in preparation. If you would like to contribute to the material in this display please get in touch via friends@aimrec.co.uk
Holding an Autism Friendly Event
We are consulting best practice guides from the National Autistic Society to make our event autism friendly. We will publish details here in advance when they are ready. If you have experience you can contribute to our aim please get in touch via friends@aimrec.co.uk