Model railway exhibitions

[Fivefootoffun]

A question for anyone with a little train enthusiast. My youngest is 4 and train obsessed. A model railway exhibition is coming to our nearest city and I’m just wondering if he’s too young for it. This is maybe a silly question but is it literally watching the model trains or is there any opportunity to take part/operate them etc (some of the railway museums we have been to in the past have had remote control tracks etc).
I think if it is just watching he’s still probably a bit too young so wanted to check. Nobody I know in real life
could help, helping mm can!

Mine went to loads at that age

Unlikely to be able to operate any, and they are often PACKED so he may struggle to see much. However some of the layouts are incredible and a really good opportunity to play I-spy with some of the layouts.

From what i remember as a kid and from going to a tiny one recently as an adult.... I'd imagine most will be watching only (possibly with the creators lurking over their precious sets :-)) However there might be the odd one where you can do something.

But as a kid, I remember just being fascinated and watching for as long as I could. As PP said, the layouts can be brillant - lots to look at.
(I was SADLY disappointed by the exhibition I went to in November :-) - none of that childlike joy! )

I’ve been to loads of model train exhibitions with my son! If your son loves trains then definitely give it a go! Even if there is nothing interactive, the kids are still usually transfixed!

Depending on the size of your son, and whether you want to carry him round or not, I would suggest getting a little folding stool to take with you. Then he will be taller to see the displays. We took one round for years and it definitely saved my arms as he got older! Some places do have ones you can borrow, but I used to take my cheap one incase!

Some of the exhibitors will let children have a go; it helps if they show that they aren’t trying to touch everything and can be careful with the layouts 😊

Hope you both enjoy it if you do go!

That’s super helpful, will definitely go given all your reviews. Thanks a lot, v much appreciated.

We took ours to these since they were about 18months and they loved them. DP always had his own layouts which the kids could 'play' with while supervised but they loved just watching other peoples layouts at expo's. Take your DS - he will love it!

I agree with the PPs - he will love it. There is usually a lot of detail for kids to look at. If you have a small step it might be worth taking it if you are in the car. Some of the bigger shows may have them to use but if the show is a small one they might not.

If its not far and not expensive (round here £5 for adults, kids go free) I'd definitely give it a go. DS has been enjoying them since he was about 3, we look round for 20 minutes, stop for a snack, another 20 minutes, off we go.

We take our plastic toilet training step which is well worth the slight embarrasment of carting it about.

No idea where you live but very close to Heathrow is http://www.harlingtonlocomotivesociety.org.uk/?PublicOpenn_Days%26nbsp%3B
It's been running for years. My now adult children loved going.

Thanks everyone. Will definitely pack a stool.
@Catswillbecats we are in Scotland but do come to London often (by train of course!) so will definitely look into this. Much appreciated.