Model railway enthusiasts gathered to exhibit, learn new skills and share their passion of miniature locomotives in Ely.

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Model railway enthusiasts gathered to exhibit, learn new skills and share their passion of miniature locomotives in Ely.

It was the 41st annual exhibition for Ely and District Model Railway Club at City of Ely Community College on Saturday May 18.

Exhibitors and enthusiasts from across the UK travelled to the popular event.

Winner of the best layout was 'Bourton on the Marsh', runner up "Teign House Sidings".

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Members even sent messages of support to the Stamford Model Rail group who were the target of vandalism over the weekend.

After nearly 10 years in planning and construction, a reproduction of the 'Wickham Market' prototype station on the East Suffolk mainline was showcased.

"Railway modelling is a diverse hobby encompassing many aspects of research, construction of track, buildings, scenery, electronics and rolling stock, involving team building and comradeship," David Abbott, honorary secretary said.

Model railways experts Hornby also donated an East Express set as a special raffle prize.

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Mayor of Ely Mike Rouse was also in attendance to speak with visitors, members of the club and youngsters.

The club create railways in miniature, by helping one another to learn new skills to research, build base boards, track lay and wiring, landscaping, building buildings, signalling and operating the models.

They also have slide and video evenings, modelling competitions, visits to railway attractions, a summer event and an annual dinner.

More details of E&DMRC can be found at www.elymrc.org.uk or by contacting David Abbott on 01353 721280.

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Next years show is on Saturday May 16 2020.

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE.Visitors look on in awe at Ely and District Model Railway Club's annual exhibition. Picture: MIKE ROUSE. (Image: Archant)