Coventry shop Thunderbolt Models hosts Covrail26 at Sports Connexion on June 27 as part of Armed Forces Day
Model railway enthusiasts from the West Midlands and surrounding areas are invited to a special event at the end of June.
The event is being staged as part of activities marking Armed Forces Day.
Coventry-based model shop Thunderbolt Models is staging Covrail26 at Sports Connexion, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, on Saturday June 27.
Proceeds will go to veterans’ charity Help for Heroes, which supports former service personnel and their families with physical and mental health, welfare and social needs. Veterans and serving personnel will receive free entry.
The shop is run by Dale Hayes, James Hum, Fergus Leahy and Terry Rowe, all of whom have strong connections to the military. James Hum served in the British Army for 30 years.
“We all feel that we have been really lucky with our military careers and want to give something back,” he said.
A hobby for all ages
Visitors will be able to see 47 railway layouts, including seven first-time exhibitors, alongside displays featuring model railways built into shell cases excavated from First World War battlefields and an ammunition box. All traders are from local model railway clubs and businesses.
Interest in the hobby has grown significantly since the Covid pandemic, with an estimated 500,000 serious modellers across Britain.
James said: “It really is a hobby for people of all ages. It gives them a practical outlet for their creativity in a safe environment.”
The event will be opened by author and YouTuber Jennifer Kirk. Doors open at 10.30am until 4.30pm. Further details are available at thunderboltmodels.shop.
