26 Mar 2026
One of the UK’s longest-running hobby events, Model Rail Scotland, returns to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) this Friday (27 March), marking a major milestone: 60 years of the exhibition and 40 years at the SEC.
The show, which brings together model railway enthusiasts, exhibitors and families from across the UK, has become a staple of Glasgow’s events calendar and a longstanding fixture at the SEC since the mid-1980s.
Over six decades, Model Rail Scotland has evolved alongside the hobby itself, reflecting changes in technology, audience behaviour and the wider events landscape. While the core format of detailed layouts and specialist exhibitors remains unchanged, digital engagement, social media and new audiences have helped ensure the event remains relevant to both seasoned enthusiasts and new generations.
This year, visitors can explore more than 50 layouts depicting miniature railway worlds from home and abroad across 130 exhibitor stands, and see a spectacular LEGO model of the Forth Bridge, blending model railway craftsmanship with creative construction.
The enduring success of the show is underpinned by a strong partnership between organisers and the SEC, built on consistency, operational expertise and a shared commitment to delivering a high-quality visitor experience year after year.
Reflecting on its appeal, Breda Cruickshank, Head of Exhibition Sales at the SEC said: “Model Rail Scotland is one of our longest-standing clients and a brilliant example of how an event can evolve while staying true to its roots. Having worked with the organisers for over 30 years, I’ve seen first-hand the care and detail that goes into making it such a success each year.
“It’s a genuinely family-friendly event that brings people together across generations, and its continued popularity speaks to both the strength of the model rail community and the importance of having a venue that can support it consistently over time.”
This year’s edition will once again transform the SEC into a hub for hobbyists and visitors alike, featuring intricate model railway layouts, specialist traders, and interactive displays. A themed café experience will also return, adding to the immersive, community-focused atmosphere that has become synonymous with the event.
Ian Porteous, Exhibition Manager at Model Rail Scotland added: “Model railway exhibitions have been bringing enthusiasts together for decades, and while the way people engage with the hobby continues to evolve, the core appeal remains the same. People want to come together, share ideas, and experience layouts in person.
“Even with the growth of digital platforms, the physical exhibition remains central to the hobby, and events like Model Rail Scotland continue to demonstrate the value of that shared, in-person experience.”
The event’s longevity reflects both the resilience of the hobby and the continued demand for well-organised, in-person experiences. As it celebrates its 60th year, Model Rail Scotland remains as popular as ever, with strong attendance and a loyal, multi-generational audience.
For the SEC, the milestone highlights the importance of long-term partnerships and the role the campus plays in supporting events over decades, providing the expertise, infrastructure and continuity required for organisers to grow and evolve.
Model Rail Scotland takes place at SEC Glasgow from Friday 27 March.
