Artist’s Valley

Artist’s Valley is a popular attraction at model exhibitions, widely recognised by modellers following its display debut at the Warley 2023 NEC show, and operational showcases since at Cardiff, Ashford International, Swansea. I am pro-actively seeking opportunities to display Artist’s Valley going forward – as well as my 009 Slate Quarry layout, Penorwic – at a variety of Model Shows, and welcome contacts from exhibition managers. Below follows some information that may be useful for show planners:

‘Artist’s Valley’ – Info for Exhibitions

Display Footprint of minimal 4m frontage x 4m rear, to allow for layout 2.5mx1.25m + operator table and space behind and to sides. Additional 1-2m frontage public facing space can accommodate 2x glass display cabinets for finescale loco displays, as an optional extra (see ‘Model Railway Museum’ in leaflet download below, P3).
Electrical Connections – sufficient plugs to power 7 mains devices (2 controllers, fiddle yard, layout lighting rig, display lights, sound rig, computer screen display)
Security Barriers to be provided approx 0.5-1m in front of layout to safeguard against damages, children poking, overenthusiastic photographers etc. Exhibibition organisers should also have appropriate insurance in place to reimburse any damages incurred in their public event.
Provision for food and overnight accommodation beyond 50 miles of Hereford, and mileage / fuel for van + 1 operator to load up and transport Artist’s Valley, it’s display stand, rolling stock and equipment from Herefordshire to venue and return

Trackplan

High Resolution images for use by event promoters can be viewed and / downloaded from Flickr at : https://www.flickr.com/gp/modelrailwaymuseum/00S0C4b8A5 (this album is also embedded below, users can select RH / LH arrows to click through the photo stream).

Photo Credits – Craig Owen.

Slideshow – Flickr Photostream (view albums here and collections here)

Video Clips

We were surprised and delighted to discover Artist’s Valley featured on Model Railway Quest as one of the ‘Top 10 Model Railway Layouts of 2025’ – with huge thanks to channel presenter Dawn Quest, who visited us at Swansea Model Show in September. Watch below (featured from 08.43):