Organised by the MERSTHAM MODEL STEAM SOCIETY in association with the FRIENDS OF ST NICHOLAS SCHOOL (sat nav help RH1 3PU.)The Merstham Model Steam Show is usually held on the second or third weekend of May each and every year within the grounds of St Nicholas School, Taynton Drive, Merstham, Surrey. The grounds of the school serve as the ideal location as they provide ample space both indoors and out allowing visitors to move around with minimal crowding.
In addition to the many exhibitors and traders that attend the show we have the additional attraction of the Merstham Valley Railway, a 7¼" gauge passenger carrying line which is a permanent fixture at the School.
The first Merstham Model Steam Show occured in 1985 at the original site of St Nicholas School on London Road, Redhill. The show has been staged on the third weekend in May every year since 1987.
The Event began as a weekend for Garden Railway Modellers. These modellers build and operate model railways usually in their gardens to a scale of around 1:19. Most of these railways run Live Steam models although there are many modellers using battery power. Their railways often feature lineside buildings and model houses to the same scale and much use is made of small accessories to create the atmosphere of a country or industrial railway.
The range of exhibits at the Merstham Model Steam Show has broadened over the years and there are now displays of Toyshop Steam, Meccano, Model Engineering, Model Traction Engines, Model Boats, and Dollshouses.
The event is housed in the Hall and Gymnasium of St. Nicholas School, Merstham and in a number of large Marquees. The Model Boats have exclusive use of a large outdoor Swimming Pool. Model Traction Engines can be seen running on the Tarmac or Grass areas. There is also the permanent 7¼" Passenger Railway, (The Merstham Valley Railway ) some ½ mile in length and a portable 5" Passenger Railway operated by the Croydon Society of Model Engineers.
Trade support is very strong, with all the major Garden Railway Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers along with a range of suppliers for Model Engineers, Model Boat Enthusiasts, Toyshop Steam etc.
Attendances are normally in the region of 3000 per year, with many other enthusiasts involved as exhibitors or stewards etc.
Our aim is to provide a non-competitive environment in which Modellers can enjoy showing their models to a discerning public and share their experience and skills with modellers in their own and other disciplines.
St. Nicholas School is a Residential School for Boys aged 11-16 years with Learning and Behaviour difficulties. The proceeds from the Merstham Model Steam Show are used to provide recreational facilities and activities for the pupils at the school, especially the Live Steam Group which enables pupils to experience the thrill of operating small scale Live Steam Models, and in the Summer Months the 7¼" Narrow Gauge Merstham Valley Railway.
