Everything modelling attracts hundreds to Lowestoft

The talents of modellers, local artisans and clubs was hailed as hundreds of visitors turned out to enjoy the spectacle of everything modelling.

The 11th Lowestoft Model Engineering and Model Making Exhibition turned out to be "the biggest one yet" as 280 exhibitors hit town.

Organised by the Halesworth and District Model Engineering Society (HDMES), the event transformed the Energy Skills Centre and sixth form college at East Coast College in Lowestoft over the weekend.

One of the many small scale model Railway layouts by Ian Redman, this one is built in a briefcase. Image: Kevin Rackham (Image: Kevin Rackham)

Kevin Rackham, chairman of the HDMES exhibition committee, said: "We warmly welcomed all the new exhibitors this year, as well as the returning favourites."

Lowmex 2026 showcased a wide variety of models, including boats, aircraft, railways, plastic models, funfairs and radio-controlled trucks.

Detail of the Routemaster Bus Engine that can’t normally be seen, made by John Pettitt. Image: Kevin Rackham (Image: Kevin Rackham)

Modelling clubs and societies highlighted a range of different disciplines as model boats, clocks, fun fairs, dolls house, model railways, live steam engines and numerous engines running on compressed air were all showcased.

Large model aircraft, engines and other mechanical wonders filled the halls, while outdoor areas showcased radio-controlled vehicles and live steam traction engines.

The have-a-go Scalextric race layout by Andy Allen. Image: Kevin Rackham (Image: Kevin Rackham)

A new attraction was the very popular "have-a-go" Scalextric racetrack by Andy Allen, which proved popular with visitors of all ages.

Some of the 3D printing exhibits by Liam Hines and Mathew Rackham. Image: Kevin Rackham (Image: Kevin Rackham)

Crowds also gathered around 3D printing demonstrations, a nod to the growing influence of technology in the modelling community.

“The Diver” a scrappage model made by Gary Edwards watches over other models in the main hall. Image: Kevin Rackham (Image: Kevin Rackham)

The show also catered to traditional enthusiasts, with lots of interest in larger displays including an A1/A3 LNER pacific locomotive named Flying Fox.

Younger visitors enjoyed the model village and roadways for radio-controlled cars and trucks, provided by the Ipswich Model Truckers.

Also new for this year was the "superb" quarter full size tractors and combine harvesters.

Some of the ¼ full size Tractors and Combine harvesters exhibited by Michael Garnham. Image: Kevin Rackham (Image: Kevin Rackham)

The large model village and road ways for the radio-controlled cars and truck provided by the Ipswich Model Truckers again proved "very popular."

Proceeds raised will support 'brave little warrior' Tommy Gilbert, who was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy at 18-months-old - making him only "the 30th person in the world" to have this condition identified.

Brave Tommy Gilbert, seven, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of epilepsy - making him only the 30th person in the world with this diagnosis. Picture: The Gilbert family (Image: The Gilbert family)

Funds raised will go towards a heavy-duty safe play pen and an iPad with a specially adapted application to support the seven-year-old's development.

Mr Rackham encouraged visitors to "have fun and be inspired to start building something to bring to next year's event."