Venue: Locomotion, The National Railway Museum, Shildon, County Durham. DL4 1PQ.

NEXT EVENT: SATURDAY 3rd JULY and SUNDAY 4th JULY

Opening Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Admission is free for all
(Please note that all children must be supervised at all times by parent or guardian).

The first Toy and Train Collectors' Fair to take place was in 2006, bringing together trade stands, model railway layouts, static displays and the museum's impressive collection of rolling stock. As the fair is only once a year, every effort is put into the event, to ensure visitors and traders alike have a successful and enjoyable weekend. Whether you are looking for that long sort after piece to complete your collection or the everyday essential, we aim to please. Several local model clubs attend the fair displaying layouts of various gauges, providing an added interest for our visitiors. Combine the toy and train fair with a look at the museum exhibits, wander through the grounds and imagine days gone when the area was a throng of busy working railways. Have a family day out, there is a playground for the children and several picnic areas. Refreshments are available.

Transport from the car parks to the main building will be available either by brake van ride or the Eco bus except during lunch time break. The new events car park is now open for visitors and is situated after Ashfields yard through Dale Road Industrial Estate.

2009 REVIEW

Many thanks to all those who attended our fourth Toy and Train Fair at Shildon, Locomotion on 4th and 5th July and helped to make it another successful event. We were pleased to welcome various layouts, including OO from Blyth and District MRS, Weardale Preservation Society, Durham Modellers, Shildon MRS, Vince Main with Bad Kleinstadt, Wishford Halt by Derek and Dale and with his new harbour extension, Gordon Miles. O Gauge layouts were from Hornby Railway Collectors' Association (Borders' Group) and Ace Trains Collectors' Club who had a fine display of 0 gauge stock for sale. We had Brian and Sue Caton with their fascinating 009 gauge Live Steam scenic mountain railway layout. The North East Diecast Collectors' Club attended with their impressive display of diecast vehicles.

The fine weather this year meant there was more action outside too. The Furness Trust Volunteers provided brake van rides using 0-4-0 locomotive, Furness 20. The oldest standard gauge steam engine in Britain, built in 1863. The Stephenson Locomotive Society kindly ran Orion on Saturday. The 100 year old nine and a half inch gauge locomotive worked tirelessly throughout the day. Engine driver Danny was suitably dirty and tired by 5pm. Diesel shunters 03 and Annette gave atmosphere and the Aycliffe Preservation Society arrived on Sunday with the Aidensfield Bus. Thank you all for your time and hard work.

Traders came from far and wide. D & P Models, Going Loco, Pennine, Finishing Touches and K & M Models all travelled considerable distances to be with us. All the way from Sussex, Andrew Kwasmeiski came with his range of Triang. Local trade included Turner's Models and North Eastern Motors from Darlington, J & J Models, ContiKits, Suzi's Miniatures and many more...

We hope to be able to arrange dates for 2010 event soon. Watch this space for details.

Please click on the thumbnail to view photographs.

Ace Trains Collectors Club

Ace Trains Collectors Club		Blyth & District Model Railway Society - Dave Jackson & Brian Tindall	Bad Kleinstadt - Vince Main
009 Live Steam Scenic Mountain Railway - Brain & Sue Caton		009 Live Steam	Wishford Halt- Derek & Dale
Durham Modellers - Dave Thurwell		Gordon's New Harbour	Gordon's New Harbour
Hornby 0 Gauge Collectors' Association		North East Diecast Collectors Club	Shildon Model Railway Club
Weardale Preservation Society - Dave, Paul and Steve Foxton		03 Shunter	Diesel Shunter "Annette"
Aycliffe Bus Preservation Society - Aidensfield Bus		Furness 20 arriving with visitors	The Stalls
Trade stands		J & J Models stand	Keith Hunter with obsolete diecast
Pooley's Puffers		Pooley's Puffers	Gordon & Simon
Orion

 

2008 REVIEW
Our event at Locomotion on 5th & 6th July, 2008 was very successful and despite the weather most seemed to enjoy the weekend. The Ace Trains Owner's Club, Hornby O Gauge Society and Shildon Model Railway Club were at the entrance with their impressive displays. The Aycliffe Bus Preservation Society were the tough guys and withstood the rain, presenting the Aidensfield bus, Bristol L5G, on the front apron. Members from the Blyth Model Railway Club, Newcastle MRC and Durham Modellers were present as was David Husband from Barnard Castle with his static display of models depicting the steel industry. The Weardale Railway Preservation Society were in attendance with their O gauge layout, Eden Vale, and supported by their sales stand. Not to forget to mention our old friend Gordon Miles with his hands on layout for kids of all ages, (under supervision), who constantly had something running which people really enjoyed.

Trade stands reported reasonable business over the two days and most are quite happy to return next year.

Special thanks must go to all those who attended the event, traders, exhibitors and public alike and to the staff at the museum who as always were helpful and friendly. Also thanks to Mike Bishop who kindly supplied us with many of the photographs.

Please click on the thumbnail to view photographs.