Gainsborough: Model Railway comes alive for Fathers’ Day

Visitors will be able to see the results of well over 60 years’ effort by society members to create a model railway, the sheer scale of which often takes first-time visitors by surprise.

“Because our railway is based on the main line from London King’s Cross to Leeds Central, visiting us brings back memories for those who can remember that line in the days of steam,” said society chairman Chris Wragg.

“We can tell this from many of the comments people make as they look around.”

“It’s not only the steam locomotives and trains, but also many of the stations themselves which have changed.”

“Even those whose memories don’t go that far back may find reminders of their youth in the diesel locos on our railway, as well as steam locos they have seen on preserved railways or in museums”.

“Railway modelling is a great inter-generational hobby and joining the society has allowed me to learn useful skills like woodworking and electrics and even bricklaying and plumbing, as well as the skills to build model engines and rolling stock”.

“The railway needs 10 people to operate it at any time, and there are many other jobs to be done as well.”

Anyone interested in joining should contact Mick Clapham on 01427 615871, or come down to the club rooms on any Monday or Thursday evening from 7.30pm.

The railway, featuring a collection of over 180 engines including such famous names as Flying Scotsman and Mallard, can be seen when the club rooms on Florence Terrace are open this Saturday and Sunday (14th and 15th June) from 1.30pm to 6pm on both days.

Admission is £4 for adults and £3 for children and senior citizens. A family ticket is £10.