The OXRAIL (model railway) exhibition was at Abingdon & Witney College today. There were 39 railway layouts; a number of trade stalls selling modelling kit; and a vintage bus giving rides outside. It was organised by the Oxford District Model Railway Club.

There was a chance to see Ealing Road, featured on the Channel 5 TV Series The Great Model Railway Challenge.

The Snake Bend Railroad was the largest model and was to be found upstairs in the college’s Art Workshop. Different modellers follow standards about how the modules join up and then create a model depending on who can bring their modules.

There were also a number of small layouts that appeared to travel in suit cases.

The models were enjoyed by children

and adults alike. People could drive the trains on some of the layouts.

A lot of painstaking effort goes into each model and I was surprised to find out how many people I know have their own model railway at home. They have gained skills in planning, engineering, woodworking, electrical circuitry and miniature painting.

Even though Abingdon has no railway station, there are conservatories, attics and spare rooms across Abingdon filled with tiny trees, scale buildings and model railways.