Hundreds of railway fans made east Reading their destination for the annual Kenavon Railway Society exhibition. The event featured lots of model displays from local groups, including a selection of hands-on trains for small people to enjoy.
Displays showcased everything from Britain in the steam era to the 1980s, with trips to America and Australia too.
Visitors could also snap up train models, books and magazines so they could start recreating the display at home. Refreshments were also available, including bacon butties as well as tea and coffee.
A special area had been set aside for displays that visitors could control, with three at child’s height, one of which featured models from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. It was hugely popular, with parents having to wrench their children away.
Richard Standing, from the Kenavon Railway Society, organised the event which took place at The Warehouse in Cumberland Road, Reading on Saturday, February 21.
He was delighted with how the day went, and is looking forward to handing over the day’s proceeds to the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, a preserved former Great Western Railway branchline which operates steam trains on selected weekends and bank holidays.
“I’m really happy with the way it’s gone,” he said. “We’ll have made a reasonable amount for the railway.
“There’s been a steady flow of visitors all day and there’s been some really high quality displays to enjoy and tasty refreshments too.”
Nick Wood, from the Andover Railway Club, was exhibiting the Much Murke display that he’s been creating for a number of years.
“I’ve made everything. It never stops,” he explained. “I started in 2008 and it’s a real labour of love.”
Peter Davis, who lives in Winnersh and is a member of the Berkshire N Gauge Society, which meets at Sindlesham Baptist Church. He was part of a team exhibiting a large N Gauge display that included a carnival scene as well as stations and country towns.
He said: “It’s a modular system so we can build to any size. They’d even work with another group.”
David Mitchell from Caversham was displaying on behalf of the Kidmore N Gauge society and is addicted to building different displays.
He said: “I tend to build one every 12 months. Because I’ve got so many I do a different theme each time.
“I prefer to build: I get my pleasure out of building.”
And going from the high number of displays, it’s clear he’s not the only one.
