Chichester’s annual model railway exhibition on track

CHICHESTER Lions Club is on track for another successful model railway exhibition.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Oct 2015, 11:00 BST
A busy scene at Aldingbourne Central, where young members of the public drive the trains provided by Bognor Regis Model Railway ClubA busy scene at Aldingbourne Central, where young members of the public drive the trains provided by Bognor Regis Model Railway Club
A busy scene at Aldingbourne Central, where young members of the public drive the trains provided by Bognor Regis Model Railway Club

The annual event at Chichester High School for Boys, in Kingsham Road, will be open from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday.

The model railway exhibition, organised by Chichester Lions Club, will be officially opened at 10.30am by Chichester deputy mayor Trevor Tupper.

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There will be 18 working layouts in scales from N-gauge, through TT, 00, and 0-gauge to 16mm scale. On five of the 19 layouts, visitors will be able to drive the trains themselves.

David Siggs, last year's Chichester deputy mayor, escorted by Lion president Tony Harrison as they ride with driver Alan Edwards from Chichester and District Model EngineersDavid Siggs, last year's Chichester deputy mayor, escorted by Lion president Tony Harrison as they ride with driver Alan Edwards from Chichester and District Model Engineers
David Siggs, last year's Chichester deputy mayor, escorted by Lion president Tony Harrison as they ride with driver Alan Edwards from Chichester and District Model Engineers

Six trade stands will provide comprehensive support for visitors’ modelling needs and they will find new and pre-owned items for layouts.

Chichester Model Engineers will have their bigger trains on display and will offer outdoor rides on their portable railway.

Information from a local miniature railway society will also be available.

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Christopher Cheney, from Chichester Lions Club, said: “Information about the dangers on the railway – and how to avoid them – will again be on offer from Network Rail’s orange exhibition truck.

Bob Leggetts well-stocked trade standBob Leggetts well-stocked trade stand
Bob Leggetts well-stocked trade stand

“The Lions Club have secured their attendance because of the continuing dangers posed at the large number of single barrier level crossings in the area, but the advice will also relate to other items of railway safety.”

Games with prizes include an I-Spy on the Layouts children’s competition and cryptic clues to London Underground stations.

Mr Cheney added: “If you have any old toys hiding amongst the rafters in your roof, why not bring them along to be valued by specialist toy auctioneer, Mr Chris Gale, from Toovey’s Auctioneers of Washington? He will arrange to sell your items if you wish.”

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Refreshments will be available throughout the day at The Junction Café.

On-site car parking is free, and there is easy access ) for disabled people. Admission is £5 adults, £4 seniors, £2 under-12s, or £12 family.

All proceeds go to charities supported by the lions club.

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