N Gauge Show 2026

Taken from the ModelRail PodZene, October 2026 edition:

The N Gauge Show was once again a huge success, taking place in Halls 1-5 in the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. The major manufacturers were out in force showing their latest wares:

Hornby
Hornby were showing off their Lyddle End "Nano-Folk", 1:148 scale robotic folk who can be programmed to perform simple tasks such as getting in and off trains, waiting impatiently on the platforms and going shopping. We are assured that the problems encountered with earlier Chinese-built "Nano-Folk" will not be repeated and they will not form a Democratic Republic on your layout.
The scenery range now includes virtual backscenes, with real time images of the following: Highland Mountains, Cotswold Hills, Hackney Grot and Margate seafront.

Dapol
Pre-production samples of the new LNER Garrett were on display, featuring working smoke generators, firebox glow, surround sound and, by popular demand, will work on old-style 12v.
Work is also progressing on the Class 750 Maglev units, which have recently entered service on the Marylebone-Edinburgh "TransRapidLink" but there are delays in the manufacture of the track system due to shortages of superconducting magnets.
Like the prototype, Dapol’s Maglev units will feature virtual paintwork that changes with the surrounding scenery.

Graham Farish
The new Bulleid coaches were on sale for the first time, having been freighted in from China a couple of hours earlier by Hypersonic transport. These coaches are works of art, with doors that open when the train stops in a platform, operating lights and digital clanging sounds.
Sales of the Live Steam range have disappointed, so the planned GWR Castle and Southern Terrier models have been dropped.
There is still no firm release date for the Class 101 DMU

More to follow…