MORE than 1,000 visitors crowded into Eggar’s School for the annual Alton Model Railway Group’s FEBEX 2016 show, with 13 spectacular layouts brought by modellers from all over the country.

Last weekend’s two-day event was opened by Steve Flint, editor of Railway Modeller, who congratulated the group on the show and judged the winner of the Railway Modellers’ Shield. It was won by Craig Handyside, from Farnham, with his Watercress Line layout.

As well as a terrific selection of trains and layouts – the oldest was of the now defunct Hayling Island to Portsmouth line – there were trade stalls and a special feature put on by members called ‘setting the scene’ where they demonstrated how to make the scenery and furniture for stations and tracks.

There were also demonstrations of rolling stock and tree building and the organisers even laid on a free bus service from Alton railway station for visitors to the exhibition.

Four Marks Scouts were in charge of refreshments and served up a selection of hot meals cooked in the school kitchen.

Group spokesman Allan Rose said it was one of the most successful shows it has held and they were pleased at how many visitors they had and how enthusiastic everyone was about the variety of layouts.

Alton Model Railway Group always welcome new members and anyone interested can join their weekly meetings on Mondays from 8pm-10.30pm at Alton Scout Hut in Anstey Park.

The group is hosting an open day on February 28 at its headquarters, from 10am-4pm.