Best in model trains on show at Barnsley

MODEL train fans will be making their way to a special exhibition near Barnsley which is set to attract people from far and wide.

This year’s Barnsley Model Railway Exhibition will be held over the weekend of November 10 and 11 at Hoyland Leisure Centre on West Street, Hoyland, near Barnsley.

The event, organised annually by Barnsley Model Railway Club, is always a popular draw with hundreds of people attending. Indeed, last year musician Jools Holland turned up to enjoy the event.

Club member Keith Palmer said that the exhibition was expected to have 13 layouts in various rail gauges, as well as traders selling books and videos and second-hand stalls.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 5pm each day, and admission costs £5 for adults or £4 concessions, with accompanied children aged 16 and under getting in for free.

There is free on-site parking and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Refreshments will be available.

An added bonus this year is that the admission price includes a return vintage bus journey to the Elsecar Heritage Railway.

Keith said that Barnsley Model Railway Club had a membership of around 25 people and had been running for more than 60 years.

The club meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm at 31A Highstone Road, Worsbrough Common, Barnsley, to work on layouts and talk trains.

Keith said that the exhibition usually attracted “hundreds” of people over its two days and is a popular attraction for model railway fans.

But don’t see it as people playing with toy trains - these enthusiasts use very technical gear in their hobby.

Keith said: “It is very sophisticated these days. They are no longer children’s toys.”

Keith has an N-gauge digital system and the club has developed layouts based on real-world railways with model buildings and scenery as well as trains.

It is a hobby which appeals to a great many people across the country with clubs and exhibitions throughout the UK.

If you want to find out more about the exhibition or the club, visit http://www.barnsleymrc.org.uk.

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