On Saturday 8th November 2025, the Railway Studies Collection, located within Newton Abbot library, will be holding a Railway Studies and Modellers Show. The aim of the Show is to increase awareness of this fascinating Collection, the second largest in the UK. Doors open at 10am and whilst we are not charging an entry fee, all donations will be gratefully received and will go towards the upkeep and continued development of the Railway Studies Collection.
We are keen to promote local businesses, and all trade stands will be free to attend, though donations to the collection would be appreciated. In addition, we will have a number of n, 00, HO and garden rail exhibitors in attendance.
The show will be open from 10am to 4pm, there is an excellent café within the library and easy access to the show on the first floor via a lift or stairs. We are 15 mins walk from Newton Abbot railway station; 5 min walk from the bus station and there is ample paid parking nearby.
ABOUT US
The Railway Studies Collection is located on the first floor of the impressive Passmore Edwards Centre, built in 1904 as a Science, Art and Technical School. The building now is home to Newton Abbot Library, run by the charity Libraries Unlimited (charity number 1170092).
The Railway Studies Collection is a vast collection of books, documents and photographs. The development of the Collection, over 20 years ago, was instigated by David St. John Thomas of David and Charles Publishers, and believed to be one of the largest collections of its type outside of the National Railway Museum at York. We are in the continued process of cataloguing and archiving the vast collection, which includes 100’000 photographs and many original blueprint documents, maps, timetables etc. The Railway Studies Collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in today’s railways, railway history and modelling, and, with the aid of donations and bequests, continues to grow and develop.