On Saturday 4th December 2021, the Railway Studies Collection, located within Newton Abbot library, will be holding a Railway Studies and Modellers Show. 
 
There are currently 9 visiting layouts confirmed so far and numerous trade and exhibition stands.
 


 
The aim of the show is to increase awareness of this fascinating collection, the second largest in the UK. Doors open at 10am and whilst there is no entry fee, all donations will be gratefully received on the door and will go towards the upkeep and continued development of the Railway Studies Collection. 
 
Michelle Pearson, Customer Service Assistant at Newton Abbot Library said: “We have invited a selection of well-known traders including model railway suppliers, railwayana, DVD publishers, railway societies and preserved railways to attend. We will also have a ‘white glove experience’  exploring some of our oldest and rarest titles in the Collection, and some special themed children’s activities for any young enthusiasts.” 
 
She added, “We are keen to promote local businesses, and all trade stands will be free to attend, though donations to the collection would be appreciated. In addition, we will have a number of N, OO, HO and garden rail exhibitors in attendance.” 
 
The library are still welcoming traders and exhibitors; for all enquiries, please contact Newton Abbot Library on 01626 886223, or email at [email protected] 
 
The show will be open from 10am to 4pm. There is an excellent café within the library and easy access to the show on the first floor via a lift or stairs. The library is a 15 minute walk from Newton Abbot Railway Station, a 5 minute walk from the bus station, and there is ample paid parking nearby. 
 
Newton Abbot Library is part of a network of 54 libraries in Devon and Torbay, and four Devon mobile libraries, run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent staff and community owned charity. Join the library for free by filling out the online form, 'Join the Library - Devon', at devonlibraries.org.uk.
 
 
 
The Railway Studies Collection: 
The Railway Studies Collection is located on the first floor of the impressive Passmore Edwards Centre, built in 1904 as a Science, Art and Technical School.  The building now is home to Newton Abbot Library, run by the charity Libraries Unlimited (charity number 1170092). 
The Railway Studies Collection is a vast collection of books, documents and photographs.  The development of the Collection, over 20 years ago, was instigated by David St. John Thomas of David and Charles Publishers, and believed to be one of the largest collections of its type outside of the National Railway Museum in York.    We are in the continued process of cataloguing and archiving the vast collection, which includes 1000s of photographs and many original blueprint documents, maps, timetables etc.  The Railway Studies Collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in today’s railways, railway history and modelling, and, with the aid of donations and bequests, continues to grow and develop. In addition to Libraries Unlimited staff, we have a dedicated team of volunteers, the Friends of the Railway Studies Collection, whose knowledge of all things railway is second to none.  The Friends group run talks, meet regularly at the library and are keen to recruit more, keen volunteers to help the next generation of railway enthusiasts to enjoy the collection

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