Our plans for 2026
We aren't holding a Festival of Model Railways in Ashford this year, as our focus is on establishing the AIMREC Collection as a viable and sustainable visitor attraction.
Our plan is to open on most Saturdays throughout the year with additional Fridays in school holidays and half terms. A planned timetable with opening days can be seen on the VISIT AIMREC page on this website. This will be periodically updated so always worth checking before setting out.
We are working to make sure the key exhibits are always running reliably whilst also regularly refreshing the range of layouts and displays so there is always something new to enjoy.
We will be attending the Tenterden Model Railway Exhibition on February 21/22 and other events throughout the year which are indicated on the timetable.
During 2026 we will also be developing the Spitfire Line extension to provide a longer run in the area in front of the AIMREC Collection building.
We are seeking to grow our Volunteer numbers to support the above plan and would like to hear from you if you are able to make a regular commitment to support us.
Ashford Festival of Railway Modelling 2025
Layouts, Traders & Societies Attending
Confirmed Guest Layouts (as at 15/03/2025))
Bob and Nigel's Cardboard World - 2.5" gauge - Bob & Nigel Pryor
Digital G scale Shunting Demonstration - G - David Groves
Brick Coast Main Line - L - Lego Railway Train Club
Lego Classic 12v Railway - L - Phil Waller
Pempoul - 1:50 - Gordon & Maggie Gravett
Arun Quay - O - Gordon & Maggie Gravett
Holmeshurst - O - Ian Burford
London Road Sidings - OO - Terry Kempton
St Seeb - OO - Colin Postlethwaite
Oxley Heath - OO - Orpington & District MRS
Lydd on Sea - OO - George Ansell
St Johns - OO - Paul Warden
Westhouses - OO - John Morgan
Halden Lane - OO - Keith Askey
Swanage - OO - Paul Edwards
Milepost 31 - OO - Ashford MRC
Artists Valley - OO - Craig Owen
Stirling Road Shed - OO - Rob Alvis
Finlay's Adventure Park II - OO - Finlay Marks
Folkestone Harbour Diorama - 00 - John Turner
Kineley Halt - OO9 - Bachmann Collectors Club
Somewhere in France 3 - OO9 - Peter Capon
Sylvasprings Nursery - OO9 - Chris O Donoghue
Hops Farm - OO6.5 - Jeremy Mole
Tanners Hill - N - Steve Farmer
Bank (W&C Line)- N - Carl White
Mount Kato Tramway-N - David Warner
Flatlands - N - Andrew Town
Glenshiel - N - David Churchill
Broadford - N - Paul Chalklin
Lavender Lane - N - Chris Brown
Joganji River - N - John Garner
Welcome to My World - N - Chris Alvis
Four Feather Falls - OOO - Steve Searson
Traders & Societies:
The Wagon Yard / Invicta Model Rail / Southern Scale Models
David Wills / Kent Model Exchange / Dakota Dibben / Lynton & Barnstaple Supporters Group / 4-Sub Association & HETT / Heritage Traction / N Gauge Society / Bachmann Collectors Club / Golden Arrow Models / RHDR Supporters Group / 2 EPB Group / Soul Trader / G Scale Society / Eden-Green Media / South East Community Rail Partnership
Ashford Festival of Railway Modelling April 12-13 2025
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, Ashford Museum, The Craftship, The Coachworks
What will I see?
40+ model railway layouts and displays in 10 different scale/gauge combinations from L to OOO, model railway traders and heritage societies. An exhibition celebrating Ashford's contribution and railway legacy in the bicentenary year of UK railways. Children's craft activities. Museum displays. A beer festival.
How do I get tickets?
Entrance to the model railway exhibition at Ashford College and Elwick Club will be by Ticket which can be ordered in advance on this website for collection at Ashford College on the day of visit, purchased in in advance from Bethersden Studio and Made in Ashford, or purchased at the main venues on the day. Scroll to the next section to order in advance.
How much will it Cost?
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £2.50 for children under 16. Carers supporting paying visitors with disabilities are free.
Is there a map of the venues showing parking and public transport?
Scroll to the next section where there is a free downloadable map.