Hello Folks
It’s certainly starting to get cooler as we approach November. However, after an enjoyable and well-attended model railway exhibition on Saturday 24th October, we then had the delight of an extra hour in bed on Sunday 25th October.
I must begin by thanking all who assisted at the GRES Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday 24th October at the new venue of St George’s Church Hall, Gravesend. We were visited by over 300 adults and 50 children, so I’m pleased to say that we’ve made some money to provide a much-needed boost to GRES finances and help to support the next GRES Annual Outing. It was good to have a smaller one-day exhibition and we now need to decide if we do the same again in 2027, especially in the absence of finding a suitable school as our venue for the usual model railway exhibition.
We were pleased to welcome former GRES member Dave Walton on Tuesday 6th October, as he delivered an interesting presentation about the steam tug Cervia, and even brought along a scale model of Cervia. After the tea break, we had the treat of hearing about Rapido Trains, as Dave works there for part of the week and, while he couldn’t share any secrets, he was able to give those assembled an insight into the process of bringing a model to market while thoroughly checking each sample model to eliminate errors in the final models. However, despite this, issues were found with the final batch of two models when received in the UK. Recently, the Fireless Engines were rejected on that basis and the factory were obliged to remake the models. This led to a delay in their release, but modellers accepted it was best to wait a little longer for their models if the new models were more superior compared to those originally produced.
On Thursday 22nd October, we had the pleasure of welcoming John Callaghan who spoke about the pilots based at Biggin Hill during World War 2 and how their actions contributed to the Battle of Britain. This was both fascinating and educational but, unfortunately, we had another low attendance from GRES members – only just reaching double figures around 8.15pm. While one might say that our guest speakers still get paid, as agreed, all speakers (myself included) prefer to speak to a good size audience.
Here’s another reminder to invite your friends and family to subscribe to our new and improved Facebook site. If you have yet to do so, we would also like you to please subscribe and spread the word: https://www.facebook.com/people/GRES-Gravesend-Railway-Enthusiasts-Society/61552508150631/
We sold a few more wagons at the Exhibition although there are still a few of our glorious Southern-green liveried GRES wagons in OO Gauge to celebrate 50 years of GRES model railway exhibitions remaining. Remember, these include an individually numbered certificate signed by Ella plus a brief history of our exhibitions and would make a great present for a railway enthusiast or someone with an interest in Gravesham 😊. While the standard price is £19.99, current GRES members can obtain their wagon(s) for only £14.99 each.
Next GRES meetings:
Tuesday 3rd November – I am pleased to say that we will spend an evening with GRES member, Howard Cook, but don’t expect fireworks! This promises to be an interesting presentation. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Thursday 19th November – We have the pleasure of spending another evening with a Cook, but this time GRES member Clive Cook, who will share his interests in transport. This promises to be another interesting and entertaining evening. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
For those who like their model railway exhibitions and big events, please note the following:
Saturday 31st October & Sunday 1st November – Model Railway Exhibition at Crampton Tower Museum, The Broadway, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB (both days: 10am – 4pm). Adults – £5, Children – £3, Family – £13 (2+2). Many layouts, trade stands and weather permitting, children’s ride-on-railway (extra £1). Refreshments and disabled access available.
Saturday 7th November – West Sussex N Gauge Model Railway Club 40th Anniversary Show, Horsham Youth Centre, Hurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2ET (10am – 5pm). Adults – £5, Children – free. Layouts of various gauges on show and new/secondhand trade stands. Refreshments and disabled access available.
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November – Tolworth Showtrain, Tolworth Recreation Centre, Fullers Way North, Tolworth, Surrey, KT6 7LQ (Saturday: 10am – 5pm; Sunday: 10am – 4pm). Adults – £10, Children – £3, Family – £21 (2+2). A large exhibition with many layouts, demonstation stands, trade stands and society stands. Refreshments and disabled access available.
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd November – The National Festival of Railway Modelling, NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT (Saturday: 9.30am – 5pm; Sunday: 9.30am – 4.30pm). Adults – £30 (Advance – £25; Weekend – £45), Children – £8, Family – £58 (2+2). 60+ layouts, numerous trade stands, talks from top names on the World of Railways Stage and other interesting model railway stands. Refreshments and disabled access available.
I look forward to seeing some of you on Tuesday 3rd. Please ask if you have any questions.
Regards
George
George Marcar MBE
GRES Secretary
Cover image was taken from Gravesend Station on 24th October 2026 by IM
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