‘More exhibitors, traders and visitors’ than ever before - popular exhibition is hailed a success

Dalek advance party at the Lowestoft model engineering and model making exhibition. Photo: Julie Williams. (Image: Archant)

The fifth annual Lowestoft model engineering and model making exhibition was held at Ormiston Denes Academy over the weekend, with a diverse range of exhibits inspiring people of all ages.

The exhibition, organised by the Halesworth & District Model Engineering Society (HDMES), attracted 'large crowds.'

Collection of Stationary steam engines made by Terry Fleet at the Lowestoft model engineering and model making exhibition. Photo: Julie Williams. (Image: Archant)

HDMES exhibition committee chairman, Kevin Rackham, said: 'The exhibition, in its fifth year, was a roaring success.

'Large crowds of all ages admired the displays of skill and craftsmanship. Growing each year, the exhibition attracted more exhibitors, traders and visitors than ever this year.'

Persperious and Faithful Valve hound at the Lowestoft model engineering and model making exhibition. Photo: Julie Williams. (Image: Archant)

The exhibition took over two large halls, and at least eight classrooms, with displays ranging from traditional model engineering in all its guises to boats, aircraft, model railways, dolls houses and steampunk as well as live steamers and other displays outside.

With model locomotives, traction engines, cars, lorries, model railway layouts, working stationary engines, model boats, radio controlled trucks, fixed wing aircraft together with clocks, automata, Lego and much more all on display, something for everyone was on offer.

Bentley Radial Engine BR2 as used in the Sopwith Snipe from the First World War, made by Dennis Snaith, Lowestoft model engineering and model making exhibition. Photo: Brian Sinfield. (Image: Archant)

Mr Rackham said: 'Exhibitors and attendees came from across East Anglia and Lincolnshire to attend the event. In the steampunk room a hot-air engine powered tea stirring machine caused some amusement along with Persperious and his faithful Swedish Valve hound.

'It was nice to see the nans and grandads going around explaining to their grandchildren how things worked from their era – then going into the Nexus Engineering room with the robots, as the children explained to the grandparents how they worked.'

The Lowestoft Thursday Club take a well-earned break from serving in the canteen to enjoy the Lowestoft model engineering and model making exhibition. Photo Gary Edwards. (Image: Archant)

Among the large-scale model aircraft on display was a model of Bleriot's plane, which was the first to fly over the English Channel, along with tethered line aircraft flying outside.

Stationary steam engines, traction engines and steam lorries ran around the grounds outside while a blacksmith displayd his art as a pair of Daleks made an appearance.

The main beneficiary from the family friendly event was Special Objectives for the Local Disabled (SOLD) – a charity based on the South Lowestoft Industrial Estate, which is run by and for disabled people and aims to give them access back into a workshop environment.