Model railway enthusiasts flock to Stourbridge exhibition
More than 1,500 model railway enthusiasts have flocked to an exhibition in Stourbridge which has marked its 25th anniversary.
A host of model railway layouts, including one depicting the desert plains of Iraq, were painstakingly arranged for the event.
Members of Stourbridge Railway Society organised the annual model railway exhibition inside the 18th century canalside Bonded Warehouse.
Twelve layouts, spread over three floors of the building, formed this year's exhibition attracting enthusiasts both young and old over the weekend.
Society member Chris Dyche said the group was delighted with the turnout which has helped raise more than £1,000.
Proceeds are given to Stourbridge Navigation Trust which manages the Bonded Warehouse and helps with the upkeep if the neighbouring Stourbridge Town Arm Canal. Narrowboat trips aboard The Blackcountryman were also organised to help bring in vital funds. Around £14,000 had been spent sprucing up the Bonded Warehouse, off Canal Street, ahead of the exhibition over the weekend.
Mr Dyche said: "We are very pleased with the turnout especially as there were a lot of families this year, which is encouraging new people.
"The weather was good for us because the trip boat had been unable to go out over Easter so it was nice to see it back out again."
Among those displaying was Tony Bennett, from Wheaton Aston, who took along his Iraq railway display. He was also asking for donations to the military charity Help for Heroes.
