A MODEL railway exhibition came chuffing back after a three-year break.

More than 500 people paid a visit to the show over two days and enjoyed railway layouts of all gauges and sizes.

It was the first time since before the pandemic that Weymouth Model Railway Association was able to stage its exhibition and also the first time it was held at the new venue of Budmouth Academy.

Layouts included West Hill, a fictitious narrow-gauge railway set in the 1970s; Suffolk Street, an inner city goods yard; the four track layout of Bincombe Cutting, Swannish based on Swanage station; Myra Canyon railroad loosely based on a line in British Columbia; a 1980 station terminus of Bridehaven.

For the children - who are constantly being told they can't touch - there was a layout they could. A member of Bridport Model Railway Club brought along their Thomas and Friends layout where children are invited to control Thomas and another engine.

There were also trade stands selling books and models.

Association spokesman David Hughes said: "It was a very successful exhibition on our return after Covid. It was staged at a new venue and it proved to be a steep learning curve for us all.

"There were 23 exhibits covering a wide variety of gauges, and we also had five trade stands which all did steady business throughout the weekend.

"We were well supported by the Weymouth & District Model Engineering Society whose members provided good outdoor entertainment.

"Well over 500 visitors came over the two days with Saturday being busier than Sunday.

"Mention must be made of our new exhibitions manager Ben Moverley who put together a fine exhibition at very short notice. Thanks also to all those involved at Budmouth Academy, without whose cooperation this event could not have taken place."

Mr Hughes said the exhibition will return next year in a 'bigger and better' format.

Weymouth Model Railway Association meets on Monday evenings 7pm-10pm at the Upwey & Broadwey memorial Hall in Victoria Avenue. For more information visit https://www.weymouthmra.org.uk/