The Severn Valley Railway’s O Gauge Get Together returns to The Engine House at Highley over the weekend of 18 - 19 October, offering visitors the chance to combine a heritage day out with a captivating exhibition of model railways, displays, and rare locomotives.

First launched in 2020, the event has gone from strength to strength and is a highlight of the autumn calendar at the SVR.

“This show has grown from a simple idea into something we’re really proud of,” said event co-organiser Nick Willcox. “It’s not just for dedicated modellers, it’s for anyone who enjoys railways. Visitors can see some wonderful layouts, meet the people who build and run them, browse the trade stands, and of course take in the incredible real-life engines and artefacts that fill The Engine House.”

A strong line-up of model layouts includes Sherton Abbas, Brook Street, Coldharbour Lane, Exeter St George, Norman Colliery, Brixham, Worcester South Quay, Netherwood Sidings, and Halesfield TMD. The exhibition will also feature leading model railway traders such as Buzz Models, Connoisseur Models, Dapol, Ellis Clark Trains, Finney7, Joe Lock Model Railways, Moore View Models, Ragstone Models and Yellow Shed Designs, along with displays from Bridgnorth Station SVR, the Gauge O Guild and the Model Electronics Railway Group.

For families and day-trippers, the event offers much more than models. Several of the SVR’s own locomotive support groups will be on hand with sales stands and displays, giving visitors the chance to learn about restoration projects and even support the overhaul of full-size steam engines. “That’s part of the magic,” added Nick. “You can admire the miniature world in the layouts and then walk a few steps to stand in front of a locomotive that once hauled trains up and down Britain.”

Another highlight is this year’s limited-edition wagon, specially commissioned to mark the show. Based on a local prototype from Pearson of Kidderminster, once a coal and builders’ merchants at the town’s station, the wagon has been painstakingly recreated from a single photograph, with expert advice to ensure an authentic result.

As parking at Highley is very limited, visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive by SVR service train. Entry to the event in The Engine House is included in the train fare, with all services offering wheelchair accommodation.

The venue itself is fully accessible, and catering is available both at Highley and at most of the railway’s stations. Members of the Gauge O Guild can also enjoy discounted tickets over the weekend on presentation of their membership cards.

Advance booking and further information are available at svr.co.uk.