A LACK of real trains hit the model railway exhibition held in Corsham this weekend.

Organiser Geoff Endacott said that ironically there were no trains to Chippenham due to engineering works, which resulted in a drop in numbers attending the show.

The annual Trainwest Model Railway Exhibition was held at the Springfield Community Campus, Corsham on Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14.

“We had a shuttle bus from the station,” he said, “but it was only half full as there were no trains to Chippenham as they are continuing with the electrification of the line.

“It’s a shame as people come from all over the country to visit the show, with exhibitors from Yorkshire and Newcastle.”

He said he hoped that next year the engineering work would be complete so trains could run over the weekend and allow enthusiasts to visit once again.

Overall he said the visitors were very impressed with the stands as the layouts are of exceptional quality.

The public were engrossed by models depicting the railway at Amiens during World War One to those showing less troubled scenes in town and countryside.

Layouts ranged from those showing golden age of steam to those with diesel locomotives and electric trains.

The next Trainwest Model Railway Exhibition takes place on April 18-19, 2020, with many stands already booked by exhibitors. Mr Endacott is proud that with some have booking stands as far ahead as 2024.

GWR said they provided a replacement bus service during the engineering works at the weekend, while Network Rail said they apologised for the inconvenience.

The Trainwest group was founded when its members were at school in the 1970s and has now become a major national event in the world of model railways.

One of the displays featured at the weekend was of Battle of Amiens layout set during The Great War while others showed the golden age of steam with layouts depicting diesel locomotives and electric trains.