VISITORS can explore the world of rail in a single day at this year’s Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Show.

Hundreds are expected to make tracks to the event at Harman’s Cross Village Hall from 10am to 5pm Saturday, August 17, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, August 18.

Enthusiasts from across the country are expected to be in attendance, showing off their detailed designs and layouts in all their glory.

The exhibition is well supported by clubs and modellers from around the south. Layouts include San Maria Gandia, a Spanish layout set near Valencia in the 1960s, Over The Top, a First World War layout set in Belgium during the Great War, Inglaterra, a Cuban layout set in Cuba of a sugar mill loco shed and Ambleton Vale, an English layout set in the rolling countryside somewhere in central England around 1965.

Event organiser Dakota Dibben said: “There is something about model railways that retains a fascination for those of all ages from five to 90 and probably beyond.

“Despite the attractions of other hi-tech pastimes, many people always find time to enjoy model trains in action and there will be plenty for visitors to see.

“The exhibition will be an opportunity for people to enjoy nostalgia in miniature, for others to learn about a potential pastime or simply appreciate the care taken to create a model railway. We are extremely grateful to all the exhibitors who are taking part in the exhibition, some of whom are travelling long distances to attend. Some of the layouts have never been seen in our county of Dorset before.”

The exhibition takes place in the village hall in Haycraft’s Lane next to Harman’s Cross station on the Swanage Railway.