Welcome to GRES

Christmas Carol Service 13th December on board the Medway Queen 4-6pm
2025-12-13 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | Medway Queen, Medway Queen, Gillingham Pier Pier Approach Rd Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1RX
December 13th Carol Service – Season extended. Medway Queen will be open to visitors during the day.
​We will be holding a Carol Service, with mince pies and mulled wine to follow. Then we will close the ship for the winter. Starting again in the middle of February. No charge, but please book your places.
pambathurst@sky.com

Location: The Medway Queen is berthed at Gillingham Pier, Gillingham ME7 1RX.
Time: The ship will be open to visitors during the day (11am to 4pm, last admission 3pm), followed by the carol service.
Admission: Entry by donation, booking is required for catering purposes (mince pies and mulled wine will be available).
Booking Information: To book your place, please get in touch with Pam Bathurst via email at pambathurst@sky.com or by phone at 07790 179760.

If you wish to attend their carol service, please call, message, or email Pam Bathurst, as numbers are required for catering purposes.
Notes for Visitors:
​Disabled access is limited, and access to the ship depends on the tides. It may also occasionally be necessary to close the ship to visitors because of the restoration work.
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Clacton Model Railway Show Sunday 14th December 2025 - 10am – 4pm
2025-12-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Clacton Leisure Centre, Vista Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 6DB, Clacton Leisure Centre,, Vista Road, Clacton-on-Sea,, Essex, CO15 6DB, United Kingdom
Sunday 14th – Clacton Model Railway Show, Clacton Leisure Centre, Vista Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 6DB
(10am – 4pm).
Adults – £8,
Concessions – £5,
Accompanied Under 16s – £5,
Family – £15.
Up to 20 layouts, trade stands, plus other displays.

Maidstone & Mid Kent Model Railway Exhibition 2025
2025-12-29 10:00 - 2025-12-30 16:00 | Lockmeadow Market Hall, Barker Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LW, United Kingdom

Saturday 3rd January 2026 - New Year Travelcard Day
2026-01-03 09:00 - 17:00 | Kent
🚆 Travelcard Day Out – Itinerary
Outbound Journey
Depart Chatham: 09:10 – SoutheasternDepart Strood: 09:17 – SoutheasternDepart Higham: 09:22 – SoutheasternDepart Gravesend: 09:30 – SoutheasternArrive Abbey Wood: 09:57 – Southeastern
📍 Meeting point:Top level at Abbey Wood station, at ground level by the ticket barriers.

London Travel
Depart Abbey Wood: 10:09 – Elizabeth line / SoutheasternArrive Woolwich Arsenal: 10:22
Depart Woolwich Arsenal: 10:32 – DLRArrive Stratford: 11:19
Depart Stratford: 11:41 – Mildmay line (formerly London Overground)Arrive Willesden Junction: 12:20
Depart Willesden Junction: 12:41 – Bakerloo lineArrive Paddington: 13:03
🍴 Lunch break at Paddington

🎟️ What Ticket to Buy
To cover this whole trip, the best option is:
✅ Off-Peak Day Travelcard (Zones 1–6)
You will also need a return rail ticket from your local station to the London Zones boundary.
Best ticket combinations:
If travelling from:

Chatham / Strood / Higham / Gravesend

Buy:

A return ticket to “London Terminals” (or “Abbey Wood”), plus

An Off-Peak Day Travelcard (Zones 1–6)

This gives you:
✔ Travel to Abbey Wood✔ Unlimited use of Underground, DLR, Elizabeth line and Overground in Zones 1–6✔ Travel back home in the evening

💳 Using Contactless or Oyster
You can use contactless or Oyster instead of a paper Travelcard, but check:

Your bank doesn’t charge transaction fees

You always use the same card/device all day

For simplicity on a group trip, a paper Day Travelcard is usually easiest.

🛒 How to Buy Tickets
You can buy tickets:
At the station:

Ticket office (where available)

Ticket machines (choose: “Off-Peak Day Travelcard – Zones 1–6”)

Online (in advance):
From:

Southeastern website

National Rail website

Collect tickets from station ticket machines using the payment card.

🚆 Options for the Return Journey
Option 1 – Go straight home
From Paddington, take the Elizabeth line directly back towards:

Abbey Wood → Gravesend → Medway Towns

Fast and step-free.
Option 2 – Extra railway bonus for enthusiasts 😉
From Paddington:

Take the Hammersmith & City line to Whitechapel

Change to the Elizabeth line for eastbound services

This gives an extra Underground section for those who want more variety.

🧭 Extra Points of Interest
On this route you’ll experience:

The Elizabeth line core tunnel

DLR elevated sections

The new Mildmay Line branded Overground

Classic Bakerloo deep-level tube

Brunel-era Paddington station

Club Talk - Tuesday 6 Jan 2026 - Video evening Cancelled
2026-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Tuesday 6 Jan 2026 – Video evening has been cancelled due to the weather conditions
See our events page for other regular meetings, which are typically held on the first Tuesday and the second-to-last Thursday of each month.
Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

ZOOM Call Plateway to Branch Line to Tramway by Ray Puddy
2026-01-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Kent
Topic: Plateway to Branch Line to Tramway by Ray Puddy
Time: 7 Jan 2026, 7:30pm London
Please contact us for Zoom call details

Modelling Group Evening 15th January 2025
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent
GRES also has a dedicated sub-section for members who are passionate about model railways. Our focus is primarily on 00 Gauge, and we work on both personal layouts and two club layouts that we maintain collectively.
We hold meetings twice a month at our venue in Longfield, Kent, providing an opportunity for members to collaborate, share ideas, and work on layouts together. The specific meeting dates can be found here.
To become a part of the GRES Model Railway Club, you will need to have an active GRES membership as well as a subscription to the Model Railway Club.

Canterbury Model Railway Exhibition 2026
2026-01-17 10:00 - 2026-01-18 16:30 | St Anselm’s School, Canterbury, St Anselm's School, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3EN, United Kingdom

Thursday 22 Jan 2026- Social evening and Quiz (not at the Emmanuel Church)
2026-01-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Kent
Quiz night – Thursday 22 Jan 2026- Social evening and Quiz (venue tbc – not Emmanuel Church)
Note: The venue for the quiz night on Thursday 22nd Jan has changed as follows:
Thursday 22nd Jan – This is the date of our annual quiz, which in 2026 will be held at the Three Daws, Town Pier, Gravesend, DA11 0BJ (from 7.45pm).
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Erith MRS Exhibition 24th - 25th January 2026
2026-01-24 10:00 - 2026-01-25 17:00 | Harris Garrard Academy, Yarnton Way, Thamesmead, Erith, Da18 4DW, United Kingdom
The Erith Model Railway Society’s January Exhibition, one of South East England’s largest shows, will be returning to the Harris Garrard Academy. The show will continue to encompass around 30 layouts, extensive trade and society support, demonstrators and static exhibits, making almost 100 stands in total.

Venue Address: Harris Garrard Academy, Yarnton Way, Thamesmead, NR Erith, Kent, DA18 4DW.

Opening Times:
Saturday 24th January 2026 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday 25th January 2026 – 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Entry Prices:
Adults – £10.00 (or £9.00 in advance).
Juniors (12-17) – £5.00 (or £4.50 in advance).
Accompanied Children Under 12 – Free.
Entry price includes free exhibition guide.

We can accept cash and card payments on the entry desk.

The venue can be reached by Abbey Wood railway station (10-15 minute walk away), which is served by regular Southeastern, Thameslink and Elizabeth Line services.
TfL bus services 180, 401 and B11 stop in front of the venue, with 177, 229, 244, 301, 469 and 472 services stopping nearby on the A2041 road, and Super Loop service SL3 stopping at Abbey Wood station.
There is a sizeable free on-site car park, full disabled access (including toilets), a large refreshment area with plenty of seating and an extensive range of hot and cold food and drinks at reasonable prices.

Please check our website for further details (directions, link to advance ticket sales, list of exhibitors, etc.):
https://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/erithmrs/exhibit_january.html

Modelling Group Evening 28th January 2025
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent

Club Talk - Tuesday 3 Feb 2026 - An evening with... Adam Curtis
2026-02-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Tuesday 3 Feb 2026 – An evening with… Adam Curtis
Adam will be showing some of his photo collection along with stories that go with the photos. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Check out Adam’s YouTube channel – Adam Curtis – YouTube

LRS Zoom meeting, Wednesday, 11 February 2026
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Kent
The ZOOM meetings are back for the winter period, and the third of the three presentations will be delivered by the LRS, on Wednesday, 11 February:

Wednesday 11 February – please sign in at 7.25pm for a 7.30pm start (details to be provided soon)

Modelling Group Evening 12th February 2025
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent

Club Talk - Thursday 19 Feb 2026- 200 years of railways in 100 pictures (part 1) - Tony Riley
2026-02-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Thursday 19 Feb 2026- 200 years of railways in 100 pictures (part 1) – Tony Riley

Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Tonbridge Model Railway Exhibition 2026
2026-02-21 10:00 - 17:00 | Angel Centre, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SF, Angel Centre,, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, Kent,, TN9 1SF, United Kingdom
2026 Exhibition

The club runs an annual exhibition every year on a Saturday in mid February at the local leisure centre. It’s one of the largest one-day model railway shows in the area and known for the quality and variety of the exhibits showing a range of different gauges, scales and prototypes. We also endeavour to have a range of interesting sales stands from traditional model shops to specialist traders and societies.
​​
If you want to contact our exhibition manager regarding our exhibitions or invites for club layouts to others please use the details in the ‘contact us‘ section of this website or in the footer below.
​
Our next exhibition will be on
​
Saturday 21st February 2026
between 10am and 5pm
at the Angel Centre in
Tonbridge.
​​
More details on who’s attending and how to find the venue are shown in the sections below.
​

Where

The Angel Centre, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SF
The Angel Centre is conveniently located in the centre of Tonbridge, a 5 minute walk from Tonbridge railway station with frequent trains to and from London, Sevenoaks, Redhill, Ashford, and Tunbridge Wells, and a short walk from the High Street bus stops. In addition, the venue is surrounded by large car parks (pay and display).
Most of the building is wheel chair accessible with a lift between floors. Access to the exhibition is via the main entrance. There will be light refreshments available within the centre and the nearby high street has a range of coffee shops and restaurants and various takeaway food outlets..

How much

Cost: ​Adults £8, Under 16 free
Payment by cash or card
​‘Hop ups’ to allow children to see some exhibits will be available (subject demand) for a small deposit (cash only) from the admissions desk.

What will be there

This is a list of those layouts, traders and other stands that have been invited and may change as a result of elements out side of our control. We suggest checking it again occasionally, especially closer to the exhibition.
​
Layouts
​
Albert Street Parcels OOBrunswik NBulldog Quay, Oare Creek EMDublingham Goods OOEttington Verso OOExpress Daisy Sidings EMFence House NCB OOHaydon Square E.1 OLochtern Quay OO9Lochty EMLockdown Sidings OOLondon Road Sidings OOMoors View NNeuhausen HONorthport Quay 7mmOuse Wharf P4Penmaenbach OORoshven OOSurrey Arms EMTellindalloch in Autumn OOThe Victory OOThe Yard O-32mm/O-16.5mmWittenden O-16.5/O9
​Traders
​​
Dart CastingsDow ScenicsSupercastDemo R SawyerGolden ArrowBest Toys & ModelsCambrian ModelsRailroad TradingC + L FinescaleInvicta ModelsSouthern Scale ModelsRapido Trains UKAce ProductsPlus DaughtersDavid WillsRail BooksTrainsportersWagon YardSquires ToolsHarrison BrownCoastal DCCSouthern Electric GroupCarriage & WagonHeritage in Motion​
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Others
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Admissions DeskTMRC Sales StandTMRC Membership & Display
Spa Valley RailwayTonbridge Model Engineers0 Gauge Guild *EM Gauge Society StandKids Have-A-Go Layout (TT)M Cousins + Have-0-Go Layout
* Awaiting confirmation

Kent Area Group of Scalefour Society Open Day 2026
2026-02-21 10:00 - 17:00 | Yalding Station, Hampstead Lane, Yalding, ME18 6HN, Yalding Station, Hampstead Lane, Yalding, ME18 6HN, United Kingdom
Kent Area Group of Scalefour Society – Open Day,
Yalding Station, Hampstead Lane, Yalding, ME18 6HN
Saturday: 10am – 5pm.
Featuring a full-scale model of Eridge station, in connection with the Tonbridge Exhibition. Entrance is free with limited tea/coffee available.

TENTERDEN MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION 21st & 22nd FEBRUARY 2026
2026-02-21 10:00 - 2026-02-22 16:00 | Homewood School, Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6LT, Homewood School, Ashford Roa, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6LT, United Kingdom
Presented by:Ashford Model Railway Club
Venue:Homewood SchoolTenterdenTN30 6LT(Next to Fire Station)
What’s on:Two halls of quality layouts and trade stands
Dates & Times:
Saturday 21st February 2026: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 22nd February 2026: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Prices:

Adults: £7.00
Children (5–14): £3.00
Concessions: £5.00
Family of Four: £17.00
Children under 5: FREE

Facilities:

Disability access
Refreshments available
Free parking

Modelling Group Evening 25th February 2025
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent

Club Talk - Tuesday 3 March 2026- The luck of KoKura - Bob Gibbs
2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Tuesday 3 March 2026- The luck of KoKura – Bob Gibbs
Having delivered an interesting talk about the Berlin Telephone Tap last year, Robert (Bob) Gibbs returns to tell us about The luck of KoKura. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).

DEAL Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 7 March 2026 EKMRS
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00 | The Landmark Centre, 129 High Street, Deal, Kent CT14 6BB, The Landmark Centre,, 129 High Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6BB, United Kingdom
DEAL Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 7 March 2026
The Landmark Centre, 129 High Street, Deal, Kent CT14 6BB

Modelling Group Evening 12th March 2025
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent

Beckenham Model Railshow 2026 Saturday 14th March 2026 10am - 4:30pm
2026-03-14 10:00 - 16:30 | Forest Hill Boys School, Dacres Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 2XN, Forest Hill Boys School, Dacres Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 2XN, United Kingdom
Beckenham Model Railway Show 2026Forest Hill Boys School, Dacres Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 2XN.Saturday 14th March 2026 10am – 4:30pmThis is planned to be a normal model railway show with a mix of the best layouts, traders and demonstrators available, some of which may be vintage.
Leaflet
Click this link for advance tickets, save £2.00 for tickets at the reduced price of £8.00.
The venue is Forest Hill Boys School – Only 15mins walk from Forest Hill & Sydenham Stations which has 9 local bus routes give you better connections.
15 to 20 working layouts, Demonstrations, Trade Stands and Societies. Details may change and should be available later.
Working Layouts:

Beckwick – 4mm 00 Gauge – BWWMRC
Daisy Lane TMD – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Flatford Road Gaswork – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Fornham Lane TMD – 4mm OO Gauge –
Forrestone – 2mm N Gauge –
Foxwell Lane – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Gauge One – Gauge One –
Himalayan Adventures – 009
Hornby Live Steam 00 – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Hornby Dublo 2 Rail – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Hornby Dublo 3 Rail – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Ipswich to Weymouth – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Kitorama – Kits –
Lego – Lego –
Lynneton Yard – HO gauge
Medway Quay – 7mm O Gauge – BWWMRC
Oakley Lane – 2mm N Gauge –
Ramsgate Harbour ’88 – 4mm 00 Gauge –
Small N Working – 2mm N Gauge –
Solomon’s Dock – 06.15 Gauge –
South Greenford – 4mm OO Gauge –
Staffordshire Potteries – 2mm N Gauge –
Stilbarton Farm Rise – 4mm 009 GaugeÂ –
Triang TT – TT –
Westhouses – 4mm 00 Gauge –

Demonstrations, Trade Stands and Societies

4-SUB Association
Accurascale
All Wheels
Andy Lynch
BWWMRC Club Shop
Double O Gauge Association DOGA
Harrison Brown Models
Invicta Model Rail
Julian Bowden – Books, Buses and Magazines
Red pen model railways
South East and Chatham Railway Society SECR
Southern Scale Models
W M Collectables

Admission
£10.00 per Adult, Children (up to 16) accompanied by an adult free.
How to get there

Click HERE for a map.

By Car: Free on street parking.
By Train: Forest Hill or Sydenham station.
15 mins walk from either station or 75 bus from near Sydenham station.
Southern & London Overground services from London Bridge, London Victoria, Highbury & Islington, Crystal Palace, West Croydon or Norwood Junction.

By Bus:

75 Bus stop Dacres Road, is outside Forest Hill Boys School. Every 12-14 mins on Saturdays.

Route: Lewisham station, Catford and Catford Bridge station, Forest Hill Boys School, Sydenham station, Penge East station, Norwood, West Croydon station.
Other buses may be 15 mins walk from Bell Green, Forest Hill station, or Sydenham station.
122 Crystal Palace, Sydenham station, Forest Hill station, Lewisham, Woolwich, Plumstead.
176 Penge, Forest Hill station, Dulwich, Camberwell, Waterloo, Tottenham Court Rd.
181 Lewisham station, Bell Green, Grove Park station.
185 Lewisham, Catford, Forest Hill station, Dulwich, Denmark Hill, Oval, Vauxhall, Victoria.
194 Sydenham Station, Penge, Eden Park, West Wickham, Shirley, Croydon.
197 Peckham, Dulwich, Forest Hill station, Sydenham station, Penge, Norwood, East Croydon.
202 Crystal Palace, Sydenham station, Catford, Lee, Blackheath.
352 Bromley North station, Beckenham High Street, Bell Green.
356 Upper Sydenham, Forest Hill station, Anerley, Eden Park, Monks Orchard.
450 West Croydon, Thornton Heath station, Crystal Palace, Sydenham station.

Club Talk - Thursday 19 March 2026- The Life and Death of the North Downs Railway.
2026-03-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Thursday 19 March 2026- The Life and Death of the North Downs Railway.

Thursday 19th March – If you ever wondered about the North Downs Steam Railway and what happened to it, then wonder no more as Bryan Puxley will tell us about The Life and Death of the North Downs Railway. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).

Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

The London Festival of Railway Modelling 21st-22nd March 2026
2026-03-21 10:00 - 2026-03-22 16:30 | Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace, London, Greater London, N22 7AY, United Kingdom
The London Festival of Railway Modelling
21st-22nd March 2026, Alexandra Palace

For a quarter of a century, The London Festival of Railway Modelling has been the ultimate destination for enthusiasts, families, and collectors alike. Hosted in the iconic Alexandra Palace, this two-day event is a must for anyone passionate about railways, miniature engineering, and creative craftsmanship.
Brought to you in association with The Model Railway Club and World of Railways, the 2026 event promises to be our biggest and best yet — showcasing the artistry, precision, and innovation that make railway modelling such a beloved pastime.
Visitors can look forward to over 90 leading trade stands featuring tools, kits, scenery, and accessories, as well as 40+ inspiring layouts from top modellers across multiple gauges and eras. The show also offers expert demonstrations and club exhibits sharing valuable tips, techniques, and stories, all within a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced hobbyists alike

https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/information/the-london-festival-of-railway-modelling

East Grinstead Model Railway Exhibition Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March 2026
2026-03-21 10:00 - 2026-03-22 17:00 | Sackville School, Lewes Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3TY, Sackville School, Lewes Road,, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3TY, United Kingdom
East Grinstead Model Railway Exhibition, Sackville School, Lewis Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3TY (Saturday: 10am – 5pm & Sunday: 10am – 4pm).
Adults – £7, Concessions – £5, Under 16s – free. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays.

Modelling Group Evening 25th March 2025
2026-03-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent

Club Talk - Tuesday 7 April 2026- A ticket to ride - David Hanger
2026-04-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Tuesday 7 April 2026- A ticket to ride – David Hanger
Tuesday 7th April – David Hanger returns to deliver another an interesting talk, this time titled A ticket to ride. What is it about, well there’s only one way to find out! So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

ELHAM Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 11 April 2026 EKMRS
2026-04-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Elham Village Hall, Elham Village Hall, High Street, Elham, Kent, CT4 6SX, United Kingdom

Modelling Group Evening 16th April 2025
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Kent
