Brighton Modelworld
Brighton Modelworld 2008
30th Anniversary Exhibition
Fri 15 - Sun 17 February 2008
10am - 5.30pm Daily
The Brighton Centre, Brighton Seafront, er, Brighton (where else?)
Just 10 minutes walk from Brighton Railway Station.
Overview
Now in its 30th year, Brighton Modelworld is certainly an 'exhibition-and-a-half'. Although there are a large number of railway exhibits, this is more than 'just a model railway exhibition'. Practically every field of model-making is represented: trains, vehicles, boats, radio-controlled racing, dolls and miniatures, fairgrounds, model engineering, and even, in 2007, (life-size) working Daleks!
With around 80 'display' exhibitors, and 70 traders and societies, it is a very large exhibition. To do it proper justice requires most of the 7½ hours that the doors are open, although you don't have to stay that long provided you don't try to do everything.
For further information, read on, or see the Modelworld website.
Attractions
There should be something for everyone, although, like most model exhibitions, it is not really aimed at very young children.
The major highlights for 2008 include:
Model Railways
Model Railways will be represented by 30 railway and tramway layouts in the following scales:
Model Engineering
Passenger carrying railway tracks, operated by local Model Engineering Clubs, will be in operation in the Main Hall:
Other high quality Model Engineering exhibits will include:
- traction engines
- stationary steam engines
- heat engines
- railway locomotives (the largest being 10.25 inch gauge)
Their builders will be pleased to answer any questions and explain their techniques.
Boats & Ships
Working displays of steam-powered and electric boats take place on the Boating Pool in the Main Hall.
Car Racing
Operated by "The HOT Racers", their newly extended track will feature races throughout the show. There will be opportunities to test your own skill as well: it’s not as easy as it looks.
Fairground Models
A new grouping for 2008
Dolls & Miniatures
The dolls house and miniatures section is expanded for 2008. Many different scales and styles are represented.
Film Shows
Transport Films will be shown at times to be advertised during the show.
Trade & Society Stands
Around 50 traders will be present supporting the full range of modelling and engineering disciplines. Society stands are available to give advice and assistance. A complete list may be found on the show's website.
Other highlights
- Radio-controlled tanks
- War gaming
- Military models
- Train simulators
- Aircraft (static)
The Brighton Centre
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Open from 10:00am to 5:30pm daily
Adults £8 Children £5 Seniors £6.50
Family £19 (2 adults and up to 3 children)
Free Exhibition Guide included in price
Advance Box Office for groups of ten+ people: 01273 292695
The Brighton Centre, King’s Road (Seafront), Brighton, BN1 2GR
Catering & Other Services
The Brighton Centre's cafes, bars and restaurant will be open for the duration of the show. Alternatively, if the weather is good, the Centre is situated across the esplanade from the beach, so it is only a short distance to walk to have a picnic on the pebbles (or even go for a paddle!)
If the weather is not good, there is nowhere really in the Centre to eat your own food, although it is not unknown for visitors to 'hide' on the ample staircases to eat. (This is not appreciated by the Centre staff though...!)
There is a cloakroom available, although the author cannot remember whether there is a charge for this facility.
Map
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History
Modelworld at the Brighton Centre: (1978-2008)
Modelworld is "a celebration of all things miniature and innovative for every modelling enthusiast". It first featured at The Brighton Centre on 26th-30th May 1978, where admission cost 50p (25p for children) and was in fact the sixth exhibition organised by the Sussex Association of Model Railway Clubs, their first being held in a school hall in Newhaven and subsequently the Sussex Sports Centre in Queens Square Brighton and also at the Corn Exchange.
The 1978 event was the first to be organised in conjunction with the Borough of Brighton authority. The Association chose the newly-built Brighton Centre due to the popularity of the event and the increasing need for space. Their event programme at the time stated, "It is anticipated that this will be the first of an annual exhibition held at this Centre".
