ONE of the organisers of the annual two-day Kendal model railway exhibition says it is on track to welcome more than 1,500 enthusiasts this weekend.

Held at Kendal Leisure Centre for the 13th year in a row, the exhibition sees some of the nation’s top model train enthusiasts bring their extravagant miniature railway designs for show.

Ian Conway, from Kendal Model Railway Club, said they were expecting at least 1,600 to file through the doors today and tomorrow for the 52nd annual event.

This morning (Saturday), Ian said: "It's a family-friendly event where the parents know about trains from years ago and the children recognise more recent models like Thomas the Tank Engine so there is something for everyone."

He said there were layouts built from people from Scarborough, Skipton, Warton, Burnley and Selby - while there are also four exhibitons from Kendal Model Railway Club.

David Carter, 69, from Burnley, Lancashire, was showing an exhibition which he has been adding to for the last seven years.

"I've always enjoyed railways," he said. "It is a great way to relax. My wife complains I'm not in this world when making my models. It makes it all worthwhile coming to events like this and having people ask questions and looking at your work."

Brian Caton, 62, from Selby, Yorkshire, was modelling his live steam locomotives for the fourth year in Kendal. 

He described his relationship with trains as 'fanatical' and an 'addiction' and said his intricate models take around 150 hours of work to build from scratch.

"It isn't Christmas unless I get a train set," he said. "I enjoy talking to people with similar interests. I suppose I got my hobby from my father and still haven't grown out of playing with trains."

There are also dozens of stands from across the country where enthusiasts can speak to experts and buy new train parts and materials.

The event runs until 5pm today and reopens at 10am tomorrow until 5pm.