A model railway exhibition will return to Edinburgh after many years.

Rainbow Railways, the Linlithgow-based model shop responsible for organising the recent Linlithgow Model Rail show, will head for Edinburgh on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2024. The business will support the first model railway exhibition to be run by the Edinburgh and Lothians Miniature Railway Club (E&LMRC) for some time.
The exhibition will be held in the Senior School Assembly Hall at George Watson’s College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2024 between 10am and 5pm each day.

Rainbow Railways are just one of six traders supporting the new venture.

There will be 13 layouts on display from all over Scotland in five different scales/gauges with six traders and two societies also attending.

The Club’s secretary said: “I’m grateful to all our traders for their support and confidence in helping launch this new exhibition in Edinburgh, but particularly Rainbow Railways who were the first business to get behind this new venture for us, which has allowed us to create a fun day out for collectors, enthusiasts, and families alike, with something on offer for all ages and interests.”

Colin Rae one of the directors of Rainbow Railways said:“It’s been a very busy few years for us building up our business in Linlithgow and expanding our local and national show calendar, which we support and attend.

“The number of Model Rail Exhibitions in central Scotland has never been stronger with great exhibits on show for those looking for a fun day out. It’s also great to see an exhibition return to Edinburgh and we are very pleased to be a part of this return.”

There will be a chance to operate one of the layouts yourself thanks to the Dundee Model Railway Club, who will be bringing ‘Dain’s Yard’: a small layout to allow attendees to practise shunting skills.

The venue is fully accessible for all and there will be an on-site café serving a selection of hot and cold food and drinks to allow you to make this a great day out.
There will also be a raffle with over £400 worth of models from Rapido Trains UK as prizes, with the star prize being a Great Eastern Railway tram pack. The prototype was the inspiration for Toby the Tram Engine in the books about Thomas the Tank Engine: a character known to and loved by millions.
Tickets can be purchased on the day at a cost of £8 for Adults (16+), £3 for Children (5-15), and a Family ticket (2+2) will cost £18. However, advanced tickets can be purchased on-line at a discounted price through https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/elmrc until 31 May 2024.

Full details of the layouts and traders that are attending are on the club’s website at https://elmrc.org.uk/elmrc-exhibition/.

Oil Train passes a passenger train to Fort William at Tulloch Bridge
© Martin Stewart