“All Aboard” the Agatha Christie Model Railway

We are delighted to announce that Torre Abbey will be hosting a superb Agatha Christie-inspired model railway, constructed for Channel 5’s Great Model Railway Challenge. And you can see the masterpiece itself, before the builders share the challenges they faced building it, the Christie novels that inspired them and see excerpts from the episode where it was presented to the public to such critical acclaim. In this exclusive event you will be able to enjoy:

• A presentation about the TV show filming.
• See the layout, the team and behind the scenes moments not caught on film.
• Enjoy a 15-minute viewing of the TV show.
• Watch a demonstration of all show animations.
• Followed by a Q&A session with the builders.

In the TV show, the designers (model railways experts Ray Pattinson and Richard Ransford from Wilshire) had just three days to construct the detailed model railway, inspired by the classic novels of Agatha Christie. Since then, Ray and Richard have fine-tuned their model railway and you will be able to spot:

• A reconstructed Churston Railway Station from The ABC Murders.
• A Golf Course (complete with a dead body in a bunker from Murder on the Links.
• A reconstruction of a body thrown from a train from the 4:50 from Paddington.
• A paddle steamer passing the pyramids from Death on the Nile.
• The DC3 plane flying from Croydon featured in Death in the Clouds.
• A grand finale reconstruction of the avalanche from Murder on the Orient Express.
• And new for 2024 - Greenway, also featuring The Battery and Boathouse.

For fans of Agatha Christie and railways, this is an unmissable event.

The event takes place in two locations – The Medieval Undercroft where the railway will be housed and upstairs in Torre Abbey for a fully-illustrated sit-down presentation. Numbers are strictly limited, due to limited space in the building.

Information

Getting to the venue

Torr Abbey is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station. The nearest car park is Torre Valley Torre Valley - Torbay Council

Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking (four blue badge spaces) within the grounds for disabled visitors. There are two wheelchairs available for loan free of charge within the reception area. There is space to park up to two buggies should you not wish to take this around with you. Please note, the main talk is in a room that is accessed by a step lift (see below) and is not suitable for electric wheelchairs.

The model railway itself is just inside the main entrance of Torre Abbey and accessed from the gravel driveway and over stone slabs that are fine for wheelchair users, people with mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies.

The railway is in the Medieval Undercroft, which has flat access and a stone path. Some parts of the floor are on gravel, which should still be possible to navigate with a wheelchair. There will be seats inside, so that people with limited mobility can also take a rest.

The main talk is in the Ballroom on the first floor, which can be accessed by a lift. There is also a step lift, which is only suitable for a push wheelchair and not an electric one. As explained, Torre Abbey have suitable wheelchairs that can be borrowed free of charge. If you are bringing a wheelchair, it would be useful if you could contact us at info@iacf-uk.org so we are ready to make your visit as relaxed as possible. There is also an accessible toilet on this floor, which also has baby changing facilities.

Environmental Conditions

• Torre Abbey is normally a fairly quiet environment however noise levels from visitors are not restricted.
• The main building is maintained at a temperature of between 19 and 21⁰C.
• Torre Abbey is lit with electric light, but with no fluorescent bulbs. There is space to turn a wheelchair easily in all rooms.
• The railway itself is in a room with low light and no unexpected loud noises.

Visual Guide and Access Statement

Torre Abbey have created a visual guide, as well as a 360 Digital Virtual Tour, so you can explore the house and gardens before your visit. These can viewed here To find out more about access please see their full access statement.

For any accessibility queries please speak to the venue in advance of your visit. Email: torreabbeyenquiries@torbay.gov.uk or call 01803 293593