On the (16mm) track

Far from just being the preserve of small boys, model trains have an at-track-tion all of their own, discovers Caroline Lindsay

As model railway enthusiasts will tell you, it’s not just a hobby, it’s a way of life.

Ahandsome green steam engine chugs through the scenery, smoke billowing from its funnel. With its spotless livery, smartas-paint carriages and attention to detail, it’s a perfect example of the golden age of steam – except it only stands a few inches from the ground and the “landscape” is Peter Kinnear’s garden.

Peter, a member of the 16mm Association of Narrow Gauge Modellers East of Scotland, has inherited his father’s love of model railways and, along with more than a dozen other local members, he has found a happy home for his hobby at the Invergowrie Men’s Shed.

Here, they can potter to their hearts’ content, building stock and working on the portable layout they take to exhibitions and other events.

“The Men’s Shed offered us friendship, storage space and the use of tools, and other 16mm members often come in as guests, too,” explains Peter.

“We build rolling stock (any vehicles that move on a railway), either from scratch or from kits,” he says.

Attention to detail is as authentic as possible so steam engines use real steam, fired by butane gas, and diesels are battery-powered. Almost all are radio-controlled.

“Most of us have one or two steam locos, several diesels and an assortment of rolling stock,” says Peter. “Anything of value is kept at home.”

The locomotives, constructed from steel, brass and wood, are built to a scale of 1/19 and 16mm to the foot.

“I know that seems an odd measure, mixing metric and imperial, but that’s a historic anomaly which applies to most British model railways,” Peter explains.

The team are often in demand and delight in taking the portable layout to local model railway exhibitions and the Dundee Museum of Transport’s Model Steam Day.

Always eager to welcome new members, Peter stresses that no special skills are needed apart from a bit of basic DIY know-how.

“We all help each other, so the more experienced folk help the newer members,” he smiles.

Back in his garden, it’s full steam ahead for Peter’s pastime.

“I really enjoy landscaping the garden. It should be a garden that happens to have a train pass through – not a railway with the odd bush at the side,” he stresses.

But occasionally nature conspires against him when assorted creatures take a fancy to his layout and end up on the wrong side of the tracks.

The Men’s Shed offered us friendship, storage space and the use of tools, and other 16mm members often come in, too

“Urban foxes and pheasants can be a bit of a pest,” he says ruefully. “And then there’s the challenge of getting something you’ve made to work properly... Luckily, most things work out.

“And when you’re at an exhibition, nothing can beat the pleasure of seeing a train running realistically and sharing it with everyone else.” For more information, visit carseofgowriemensshed. webs.com and www.16mm.org.uk