Mirfield is set see an influx of railways enthusiasts as the Model Railway Exhibition rolls into the Yorkshire town later in the month.
The 4th annual Mirfield Model Railway Exhibition is expected to draw in hundreds of train lovers from all over the region when its takes place at St Mary's Parish Church on May 18th. Visitors will be treated to 15 different layouts and showcasing some of the very best products from the miniature railway world. Organiser Peter Dransfield is already gearing up for the event and explained to the Huddersfield Examiner that the "place will be buzzing and the interest and enthusiasm in this hobby is amazing".
It once again reinforces the popularity of the pastime which many people will have first picked up when they were a child playing with their train sets. The north-east is a hive of activity for steam train enthusiasts, with lines such as the Scarborough Express being in high demand.
The East Lancashire Railway, from Heywood to Rawtenstall, sees steam engines run every weekend and even puts on special events such as Thomas as the Tank Engine weekend and ale trails throughout the year. Yorkshire is also home to the National Railway Museum in York, which incorporates an impressive model railway display that stretches half the length of the main hall.
Mirfield's event is set to feature exhibitors from the region and further afield but the centrepiece of the entire day will no doubt be the built-from-scratch model of the Snaefell Mountain Railway on the Isle of Man from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Visitors will get the first glimpse of the impressive layout before it goes on display at the Manx Transport Heritage Festival.
"In the past we’ve had people queuing outside for us to open and we have visitors from around Britain. Such is the pulling power of this hobby I know of one man who comes from Spain just to buy his stock," Mr Dransfield explained to the news provider.
The event will run from 10:00 BST to 16:00 BST, with admission being £3 adults and £1.50 for accompanied children.