Key Publishing are a giant of the modelling world. Whether you’re into model making, remote control vehicles, or train layouts in their many wonderful scales, they have their hand in their. So it is perhaps surprising that it’s taken this long to host a model show!

I, and this website, are mostly designed around model making. But I do, on occasion, do other reviews too. Now trains are something I’ve always loved – but know I have neither the room or money for a nice layout. So it was an amazing opportunity to go to Key Model World Live and see all the wonderful aspects of the hobby under one roof!

I initially thought that this was just going to be trains and planes, of the scale model variety. So it was such a wonderful surprise to see a stand from scale flying club BFMA (British Flying Model Association) and Tamiykat Trucks (remote control trucks, vans, and construction vehicles). I could not believe it and it made the event even more spectacular.

The venue itself was NEC Birmingham. This giant village of exhibition halls can feel a bit confusing, but honestly the signposting and organisation were top tier. The queue to get in was huge, and yet we were in the doors by just after 9:30. More importantly, throughout the whole hall I had space the entire time.

Accessibility is something I often mention in these shows, as I’ve seen some wheel chair users that have had little manoeuvrability, or venues where those with less mobility can’t easily rest. This venue seemed to have a good mix of seating (in opposite corners), and wide aisles big enough for anyone to get through. Compared to the likes of Telford, I cannot believe how good this show was.

Modelling clubs were mostly restricted to the opposite length of the hall to the entrance. There were multiple clubs and SIGs. I’ve spoken to several clubs who said they didn’t attend due to a worry about the risk of spending a lot of money to attend an untested show. I hope this show has shown that it is remarkable. I genuinely feel that any competition to Telford Scale Model World is a good thing because it helps keep costs down for members and merchants.

The more great model shows we have, hopefully, the better each show will become. Though I won’t lie, NECs location means it has extra food venues such as Costa and Subway.

The show itself had over 100 stands between traders and displays. One of the centre pieces was Pete Waterman’s world record attempt (which may I add, was successful). This was the largest portable model railway in the world. A recreation of Milton Keynes and it’s subsequent lines. This was in the middle hall and I somehow spent nearly an hour just watching the trains go round.

I can truly say, this show had something for everyone! 2025? SIGN ME UP!