Model railways are sure to wow
Takeatripbackintimewithgreatshow
Model railway enthusiasts from around Perthshire and beyond are to be given a rare glimpse of an impressive layout later this month.
The Model Railway Exhibition in Perth is set to feature the return of one of the country’s favourite layouts - Blair Atholl towards Drumochter.
Lovingly created more than 30 years ago by Ian McCreadie and his father, the lifelike reconstructions are always a big draw.
It will be one of more than 40 model railway layouts on display on June 24 and 25 at the Dewars Centre in Perth.
The exhibition is recognised as one of the best shows in the UK and sees thousands of visitors and exhibitors drawn from all over the country.
“Blair Atholl towards Drumochter” involves an outstanding layout featuring the Highland village in all its glory, with hand built station buildings, houses, hotel, caravan park and the recognisable bridge across the River Tilt.
The layout has not been seen in public for more than 15 years and its return this year is eagerly anticipated.
Since being created it has gone through major reconstruction, with sections being rewired and with the addition of the hydro intake on the River Garry along with the isolated and lonely Dalanraoch signal box. Two other Scottish layouts will be among the displays – Laurencekirk from the 1960s, which will be the host club’s layout, and the highly regarded Alloa also set in the 1960s.
The doors open for the exhibition at 10am on both days.
Exhibition manager Stan Moug said “Our aim is to promote the hobby, educate, entertain and inspire our visitors as well as provide a great family day out, whether you are interested in railways or not, you can not fail to be amazed at the realism and work which has gone into the layouts.
“When people see photos of the Blair
A model train on the Highland Main Line’s layout Atholl towards Drumochter layout they sometimes have to look twice to see it is a model and not the real thing.”
The group is offering three family tickets to visit the exhibition. To be in with the chance of winning one correctly answer the question: Where is the highest place on the main line railway in the United Kingdom?
A) Slochd Summit, B) Drumochter Pass, or C) Beatock Summit?
Email your answer by to: news@ perthshireadvertiser.co.uk, or post your answer to Perthshire Advertiser, 58 Watergate, Perth, PH1 5TF, by June 7 along with your contact details. The A9’s snow gates are closed at the Highland border in this section. Pictures: Ian McCreadie