The European Railways Association

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Welcome

Welcome to the website of the European Railways Association
- a society open to everyone interested in the railways of Europe.

Founded in Autumn 2013, this new association is for everyone interested in European railways, whether in full size or model. The ERA is solely web based although you may encounter our promotional stands at UK railway and model railway events. We welcome all prototype enthusiasts and modellers across the Continent irrespective of country, scale, gauge and make. Although occasional technical terms will appear in their native languages, our website is fully English language based.

The objectives of the Association are as follows:

To promote the active study and modelling of European railways.
To do this through the establishment of local groups and the development of an internet website.
To organise lectures, slide shows and other gatherings to promote the Association's interests on the widest possible basis.
To promote and hold an annual exhibition.
To have fun together and enjoy our hobby.

Members are entitled:

To receive our internet newsletters
To attend any local or national ERA meetings
To vote in general Meetings

Getting Started in Model Railways

UK, US or Continental Trains
Which Gauge to choose?
Building a Layout

Posters

Click on the posters to download further information or a printable copy, if available.

The European Railways Association 2018 Model Railway Show

The European Railways Association Model Railway Exhibition
29th September 2018

The H Suite, 100 Icknield Port Road,
Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 0AA

Venue Information

How to get there by road:

From M5: Leave at junction 3 and head towards Birmingham on the A456 (Hagley Road) for about 4 miles until you reach Five Ways island. Take the first exit onto A4540 (Ladywood Middleway). At the next roundabout take the second exit onto B4126 (Icknield Port Road) and The Venue is 1/2 mile on the left.

From M6 North & South: Leave at junction 6 (Spaghetti Junction) taking the A38(M) Aston Expressway towards the city. Leave at Middle Ring Road A4540. Take the third exit on the island. At the fourth island take the third exit onto B4126 (Icknield Port Road) and The Venue is 1/2 mile on the left. N.B. Do not continue into the city centre on the A38(M) because there is ongoing major reconstruction of the Paradise Circus area with many diversions.

There is parking for around 200 cars.

How to get there by rail and bus:

From Birmingham New Street Station, use ST. MARTINS QUEENSWAY bus stop on the south side of the station. No. 80 buses pass the H Suite door. Ask for and get off at Wiggin Street which is opposite the venue. Depending on the time of day there is a 15 or 20 minute service and the journey takes about 20 minutes. The one way fare is currently £2.40 and an all day ticket is £4.60. Group tickets are also available.

Disabled access and facilities:

The whole venue is on ground level so there are no problems for disabled persons.

Refreshments:

Drinks and snacks will be available to the public in the adjacent Westbury Room and simple menu lunches will also be available at reasonable charges.

An interesting video on snow clearance on the RhB Bernina line made in 2009 showing various machines including Xrot 9213, a steam-powered rotary unit. At around 6:35 minutes the Beilhack machine featured in the February edition of Eurorail (No. 2) can be seen running before its sale to the MG Bahn.	Three more videos (one above and two below) featuring both day and night snow clearance on the RhB Bernina line. Here, Steam-Powered rotary machines Xrot 9213 and 95403 are shown working.

Les Petits Trains de Seilhac

Detailed video about Les Petits Trains de Seilhac featured in the July Edition of Eurorail
(In French with English subtitles)

Narrow Gauge Railway Videos

760 mm narrow gauge railway - Bulgaria. Winter tale. January 2012	Bulgaria: The Rhodope Mountain scenic 760mm narrow gauge railway (Septemvri to Bansko & Dobrinishte)
The rejuvenated Zillertalbahn in 2012	Rumanian Narrow Gauge in 2009