A WORLD of railways in miniature entertained the crowds last weekend at the 53rd exhibition held by Kendal Model Railway Club. 

The event in Kendal Leisure Centre attracted exhibitors from South Lakeland, Yorkshire and the Midlands with a total of 11 layouts on show to visitors. 

Among them was a layout called Hospital Gates based on the Whittingham Hospital Railway, near Longridge, in Lancashire. 

It was modelled as it might have looked in the Second World War. 

The highlight of the year for many South Cumbrian enthusiasts is the model railway and transport exhibition held on October 8 and 9. 

This 54th show is being organised by Furness Model Railway and Transport Club at Barrow Sixth Form College, on Rating Lane. 

The mix of railway layouts, model engineering and stands from traders and preservation societies is open from 10am to 5pm on both days.

Another big county show is the Solrail Workington Model Railway Exhibition, which is being held at Energus, at Blackwood Road, Lillyhall, near Workington, on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20. 

Blackpool and North Fylde Model Railway Club is holding an open day from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, February 13, at Cleveleys Community Centre on Kensington Road, Cleveleys. 

Preston Model Railway Exhibition is on the weekend of March 5 and 6 in the sports hall at the Fulwood Campus of Preston College on St Vincents Road, Fulwood, Preston. 

It is open on the Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on the Sunday from 10am to 4pm and you can expect to see 19 layouts from small scale to garden railway size. 

The Scout Rail Model Railway Exhibition is being held near the railway station at Settle Primary School on Saturday, March 12, from 10am to 5pm. 

There is free entry to members of the Scout Association wearing their uniform. 

Keighley Model Railway Club holds its 41 st exhibition in the Victoria Hall, Keighley, on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13. 

It is open from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on the Sunday. 

The Merchant Taylors School at Liverpool Road, Crosby, is the venue for the Liverpool Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday, April 23, from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday, April 24, from 10am to 4.30pm. 

The Blackburn and East Lancashire Model Rail Show is from 10am to 5pm on September 3 and 4 at the Hyndburn Leisure Centre, Henry Street, Church, Accrington. 

Blackpool and North Fylde Model Railway Club has its annual exhibition with at least 20 layouts on Saturday, September 17, from 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday, September 18, from 10am to 4pm.