RAILWAY enthusiasts have been given the chance to share their skills as part of a new Bolton society.

The Bolton Model Railway Club is believed to be the only local community group dedicated to the building of model railways.

In April, the club began meeting once weekly at Bolton train station’s Community Room.

Chairman Mark Foster said: “When I set up the club, I was initially sceptical about where it would go but we have been going from strength to strength. We have had quite a lot of interest and I’m very pleased with how it is progressing. We would welcome any new members.”

The team of about 10 regular members have been hard at work for 10 weeks, collating ideas, sharing knowledge and putting their skills into practice to produce their first model.

Members of the public had the chance to see the finished layout for the first time at Bolton train station over the weekend.

It was showcased as part of the ‘fringe’ Food and Drink Festival event, organised by Bolton Station Community Development Partnership.

“When we first started the club we did not envisage showing off our work so soon”, Mr Foster said. “But as soon as we heard about the event, it was something to work towards. It was all hands to the pump.

“We decided not to make our first layout about a specific place or era. The idea was to show the public, and particularly children, what you can do with a layout; it is about using your imagination. You can design with anything.”

The display featured both steam and diesel trains. One of the locomotives running on the tracks, which included an in-built sound system, cost about £210 when it was purchased six years ago.

One of the members said: “You can hear the brakes being applied and the horns. It makes the whole thing more realistic. It brings it to life.”

The club’s next major project will see them build a model railway through the centre of the proposed new train station garden.

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