Tiny trains to prove massive attraction at Llanberis

Feb 9 2010 by Eryl Crump, Daily Post

RAILWAY enthusiasts will be going loco next week as it’s full steam ahead for a popular four-day exhibition.

The 18th annual Welsh Slate Museum Model Railway Show opens, next Thursday, February 18.

It features numerous working and static displays, including substantial layouts by well known local railway clubs such as Colwyn Bay, South Caernarfonshire and Wrexham.

Museum Keeper Dr Dafydd Roberts said: “The Model Railway Show has grown to become a really popular part of the North Wales events calendar and we look forward to it every year.

“The National Slate Museum has a lively interest in rail heritage, after all, narrow gauge railways were fundamental to slate quarrying operations and our own collections include the quarry steam engine Una.”

Once again the children’s train table or ‘test track’ will feature in the events which give children a chance to run their own engines on a layout track.

Another star of the show will be a battery powered engine built in the First World War.

Mr Roberts added: “This engine was used in a Mustard Gas factory during the First World War because they were a cleaner type of locomotive compared to the steam coal powered locos.

“After the war they were sold to other industries and this loco ended up at the Votty and Bowydd Quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Last year it became part of our collection and so we decided on a programme of restoration to try and get it working again.”

The Model Railway Show runs from February 18 to February 21 between 10am and 4pm. Entry is free.