IT was full steam ahead for enthusiasts of all things rail.

The Furness Model Railway Club celebrated its 60th anniversary as it held its annual exhibition this weekend at Barrow Sixth Form College.

More than 2,000 people turned up to enjoy the two-day celebration.

Russ Peters, 55, the chairman of the club, said: "This is our 54th show since the club was formed in 1956 and this is our 60th anniversary year.

"I joined the club in 1977, I've held a few positions and I've been chairman since 1996."

Spread across the entire building, the exhibition has grown since its early days to become a two-day celebration of not just trains, but of all things transport.

As well as more than 10 railway layouts on show for members of the public, there were also displays showcasing model aircraft, boats, and working scale working replicas of steam trains.

Mr Peters said: "It's more of a transport exhibition. We've got to try and bring in as wide an audience as we can.

"Railways are the primary attraction but we have a lot of other attractions."

One of the layouts on show was a replica of the mineral railway in Flintshire, north Wales.

Its owner, Ken Gibbons, 55, had come from Hull to show his collection.

He said: "I like history and I've always lived near railways. They say this is the nearest thing you can get to a time machine."

Mr Gibbons spoke about the importance of preserving the history of Britain's railways through shows like this.

He said: "These railways built modern Britain. There wouldn't be a modern world without them."

A group of men had travelled from the south of England to exhibit their collection of American models.

Ian Lampkin, 53, from Surrey, said: "We've come here probably a dozen times. We display anything, from British to American. We have an eclectic mix."

Model collectors across the show said that one of the highlights was to meet members of the public, and also to catch up with their friends in the modelling community.

Ray O'Neil, 59, of Workington, said: "The social side of it is a great part of it. You sit round a table and catch up about last year. It's a very social event."

The Furness Model Railway Club has about 50 members, around half of whom contribute to the club on a regular basis.

Mr Peters is proud of the number of women who are involved in the club.

He said: "It's very pleasing to see a good mix of people. I think it's something that is very special for us."

One thing that he would like to see more of is younger people in the club.

Mr Peters said there are many young enthusiasts whose enthusiasm tails off due to lack of time and money, only to come back to the hobby in later life.

He said: "We don't have many youngsters. We would love to be able to attract teenagers and young adults."

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