We're delighted to announce that ACI Model Railways will be exhibiting at the National Festival of Railway Modelling 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 21–22 November 2026.
You'll find us at Stand 13, where we'll be demonstrating DCC-EX in action, introducing some exciting additions to our product range and, most importantly, meeting fellow railway modellers.
Come and See DCC-EX in Action
Rather than simply displaying products on a table, we're bringing a fully working demonstration layout to show what DCC-EX can achieve in a real model railway environment.
Our demonstration will feature the ACI CSB1 DCC-EX Command Station controlling both DC and DCC locomotives simultaneously, alongside automated train movements, working signals and accessory control.
Visitors will be able to see:
- DC and DCC locomotives operating on separate sections of the same demonstration layout.
- Automatic train movements and route control.
- Working signals and servo-operated accessories.
- Train detection and occupancy monitoring.
- Layout automation without requiring a separate computer.
And the best part? All of this will be controlled by DCC-EX, without needing a separate computer connected to the layout.
Whether you're considering your first DCC system, already using DCC-EX or interested in automating your railway, we'll be happy to explain how everything works.
Introducing the Next Additions to the ACI Range
The exhibition will also provide an opportunity to introduce two new products we've been developing to expand the possibilities of DCC-EX.
ACI-CD16 — 16-Channel Current Detector
The ACI-CD16 is a 16-channel current detection board designed to monitor track occupancy. By detecting when locomotives or suitably equipped rolling stock occupy a section of track, it can provide valuable feedback for automated railway operation.
It's particularly useful for applications such as block occupancy detection, automatic route control and train movements.
If you'd like to learn more about the thinking behind its development, read our article: Why ACI Built a Model Railway Current Detector .
ACI-S16 — 16-Channel Servo Decoder
The ACI-S16 is a 16-channel servo decoder designed to operate points and other servo-driven railway accessories.
Supporting DCC accessory commands and automation, it offers another way to bring signals, points and other moving features into a coordinated layout control system.
Both products are part of our continuing work to make DCC-EX more accessible and practical for model railway enthusiasts.
More Than Just Track Power
DCC-EX is much more than a way to control locomotives. It provides the foundation for a flexible model railway control system that can grow alongside your layout.
From operating a single locomotive using a phone or tablet to managing automatic train movements, signals and accessories, there's a great deal that can be achieved without investing in an expensive proprietary control system.
Our demonstration layout is designed to make these possibilities easy to understand, with real trains, working accessories and practical examples rather than complicated technical explanations.
Come and Meet ACI Model Railways
One of the things we're most looking forward to is meeting customers, DCC-EX users and fellow railway modellers in person.
If you've purchased equipment from us, we'd love to hear how you're getting on. If you're new to DCC-EX, please come along, ask questions and see whether it could be the right solution for your railway.
Whether you're building a small shunting layout or planning something more ambitious, everyone is welcome.
Exhibition Details
Event:
National Festival of Railway Modelling 2026
Dates:
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026
Venue:
NEC Birmingham
Exhibitor:
ACI Model Railways
Stand: 13
Visiting the NEC? Make sure you stop by Stand 13. Whether you're completely new to DCC-EX or already using one of our command stations, we'd love to meet you.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Gary
ACI Model Railways