The weekend of October 4th & 5th sees the launch of an exciting new event, the Festival of Models at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum. Featuring a variety of the very best models on show, models to make and buy, as well as competitions with prizes for children.

A great family day out, with free entry for children under 16, the event will showcase models of all shapes and sizes divided into two zones including boats, fairground and traction engines, and stationary steam engines. The show will offer visitors, in particular families, an enjoyable experience with exhibits both old and new on display, including a model boating pool with demonstrations and ‘have-a-go’ sessions.

Model boats on show will include:

• 9ft model of HMS Anson
• G3 battlecruiser
• HMS Vanguard
• Medway Queen and other paddlers
• Medway Queen in Meccano and the have-a-go sessions on the pool
• Review of the Fleet in 1/1200 scale

Visitors, both new and experienced, wishing to further their interest in modelling of all kinds can indulge their hobby or interest further and be able to discuss tricks of the trade with resident experts. There will be a variety of stalls supplying the modeller with all the necessary materials for purchase, including a wide range of models, kits, drawings, photographs, specialist books and magazines and other steam related merchandise. 

Come along and marvel at man’s ability to harness the primeval force of steam, both full size and in miniature. Look closely and appreciate the skill of the modelers who have built working steam engines at a fraction of the size of the real thing. The immense power of steam under pressure can only really be appreciated when seen live.

The museum houses a truly amazing collection of steam pumping machinery including giant Cornish beam engines, rotative beam engines and both vertical and horizontal steam machinery. These engines are demonstrated at weekends according to a schedule and a visit is always worthwhile, but if you visit this October you will find the spaces between these giants of the industrial age packed with extra exhibits and miniature imitations that look and sound just like the real thing; but on a much smaller scale.

Also available:

• Railway making free trips around the grounds
• Visitor operated model of the Boulton & Watt engine
• Water For Life Gallery
• Giant beam and rotative engines in steam at the weekends
• Museum café and shop
• Education facilities and group visits
• Partial wheelchair access and wheelchair accessible toilet
• Free Car park with extensive parking facilities