For model lovers, it's a dream come choo. 2,000 miniature locomotives, ships and aircraft arrive at Ally Pally in January — as the London Model Engineering Exhibition steams into town for its 24th year.
Nimble-fingered individuals, clubs and societies from across the UK will be showing off their models — and putting many of them into action — at the north London event, running from 17-19 January.
Among exhibits at Alexandra Palace's Great Hall will be a rideable 5" gauge steam loco; 750(!) tiny 1:1200 scale models of iconic ships; a James Bond exhibition; and remote control hydroplane and boat demos.
Kids are well catered for, with oodles of hands-on model building activities and a huge Lego mosaic they can help to create.
In a special tribute this year, over 500 emergency services and armed forces models will be on show.
In all, over 45 clubs and societies are taking part in the three-day event.
If your child has seen this article, you're basically already going.
London Model Engineering Exhibition, Alexandra Palace, 17-19 January, online tickets £11.50 adults, £4 children. They're marginally pricier on the door.
