South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | February | 3
From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Feb 2006.
IT was full steam ahead for members of Sodbury Vale Model Railway Club at their annual exhibition in Yate on Saturday.
The group's 12 enthusiasts put on a dazzling display of trains, stations and all things model railway at Yate Community Centre, attracting both pensioners and youngsters alike.
Between 400 and 500 people are estimated to have got on track and visited the club's 23rd event, which takes place each year on the appropriately-named Station Road.
There was plenty to keep families interested, with the club's exhibition pieces which members had worked on for months plus specialist traders selling DVDs on model railways and old trains plus other paraphernalia.
Club member Ian Jones said: "It was very well attended and although we were slightly down on the numbers last year, we were very pleased with the turnout.
"We got the number of people through the doors we wanted and it was good to see so many children. The club wants to keep them interested because if we do not there is no future in model railways."
The club used to run a youth section but due to strict regulations the branch had to close.
Mr Jones added: "Our exhibition is how we get people interested and it is a nice opportunity for us to show off our models. Besides, it keeps people off the streets so to speak and us out of the pub!"
© Newsquest Media Group 2008