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Model railway enthusiasts from the West Midlands and the surrounding area, are invited to attend a special event at the end of June, as part of activities to mark Armed Forces Day.
Coventry-based model shop Thunderbolt Models, run by Dale Hayes, James Hum, Fergus Leahy and Terry Rowe, is putting on a model railway event, Covrail26, at Sports Connexion, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, on Saturday, 27 June, with proceeds going to support Help for Heroes. In addition, any veterans and serving personnel who attend will be given free entry.
James, who served in the British Army for 30 years, said, “All three of us have strong links with the military, so it makes sense to us that we support the Charity. We all feel that we’ve been really lucky with our military careers and want to give something back.”
People attending will be able to see seven first-time exhibitors among 47 other railway layouts, including some that fit into shell cases excavated from First World War battlefields, and an ammunition box. In addition, all the traders are from local model railway clubs and businesses.
Interest in model railways has been growing since the Covid pandemic, especially at a grass-roots level, and there are estimated to be around 500,000 serious modellers across Britain. High-profile enthusiasts, including Coventry’s own Pete Waterman, have helped to increase awareness of the hobby, often described as a “national passion”.
We all feel that we’ve been really lucky with our military careers and want to give something back.”
Thunderbolt Models
James added, “It really is a hobby for people of all ages. It gives them a practical outlet for their creativity in a safe environment. When you go along to events, I think you can see people’s worries and cares dropping from their shoulders.”
Jennifer Kirk, who is a keen modeler, author and has her own Youtube channel, ‘The Monday Club’ will be opening the event. Doors open at Sports Connexion, Leamington Rd, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3FL, at 10:30am – 4:30pm.
You can find more details about Covrail26 at https://www.thunderboltmodels.shop/event-details/covrail26