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Video: Leeds hosts model railway exhibition
The train set has always been a favourite toy for young children – but for members of the Leeds Model Railway Society, the passion has not faded with age.
This weekend, enthusiasts from across the country showed off their lovingly-crafted designs at the society's annual Model Railway Exhibition in Alwoodley.
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The event, held at The Grammar School at Leeds, featured hundreds of trains operating on 18 landscapes, from old-fashioned steam engines puffing through the countryside to British Rail passenger trains
stopping at busy stations.
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Guest exhibitor Kevin Pimley is one of three enthusiasts involved with the Jesmond River Railroad, which features wagon trains operating in an American canyon setting.
Mr Pimley, of Keighley, said: "It's a passion which goes back to when I was a little boy.
"I got involved with model railways again two or three years ago because I was bored and looking for something to do. It's great seeing the looks on people's faces, although the exhibitions can be quite stressful when the trains break down."
Mike Smith operates the Pilsworth OO and received a visit from former owner Steve Crawshaw, who passed the layout onto Mr Smith 18 months ago.
Mr Crawshaw is a regular exhibitor at the two-day event and, although he is taking a break this year, he plans to return with a new model in 2011.
He said: "I'm really impressed with the changes he (Mr Smith] has made to the Pilsworth. It's a new era and it's more industrial.
"It feels very strange not to be exhibiting and it's not as much fun,
but I'll be back next year."
Brothers Joshua and Daniel Brown were enraptured by the displays, which can cost thousands of pounds and take hundreds of hours to put together.
The pair, who were accompanied by dad Paul, were amazed at how realistic the sets were – right down to the steam coming from the engines.
Daniel, six, said: "I think they're brilliant because they have loads of moving stuff, and smoke and lights. It smells real and it looks real."
Joshua, nine, added: "They make real noises as well. One of the trains made me jump."
John Aldrick, treasurer of the Leeds Model Railway Society, said he hoped the exhibition would attract young enthusiasts, ensuring the hobby is kept alive for future generations.
He said: "We do try to encourage modellers, although I think there are lots of distractions these days, like electronic games and such like.
"I don't think young people are quite so keen on the novelty of running trains and making models, but we would definitely welcome their interest."
Members of the society, which formed in 1947, are looking for buildings where members can store their model railways. For more information or to help, visit www.lmrs.co.uk.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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