ORGANISERS of a Tweeddale Railway Exhibition have hailed it a success after an increase in visitor numbers on the previous event.

The Railway and Model Layout Exhibition by Tweeddale Railway Society was held on Saturday and Sunday, March 18 and 19 at the Newlands Centre near West Linton.

The two-day event saw some of the finest model rail layouts in Scotland descend on Romanno Bridge for the second year with a 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers on the inaugural event.

Train enthusiasts from across the region and beyond were greeted at the car parking entrance by the sight of ‘Christine’, a formerly dilapidated peat workings diesel locomotive, welcoming them in her repainted livery.

The theme of this year’s exhibition was ‘Industrial Light Railways’, specifically how essential they were to the development and longevity of a wide variety of industries across Upper Tweeddale & South Midlothian.

A small number of hand-picked traders set up stalls at the exhibition, offering a quality range of goods such as refurbished models, historical & current railway books, literature and DVDs and even a renowned author of illustrated children’s railway books.

Event manager Neil Clunie told the Peeblesshire News: “After last year’s inaugural exhibition and the fact it proved to be an instant hit with the local public, coming up with something to match that was always going to take a lot of hard work and imagination.

“An over 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers with a corresponding overwhelming approval rating completely vindicates the time, creativity and sheer hard work put in by the Tweeddale Railway Society and the team at the Newlands Centre to deliver this event. Indeed some exhibitors, veterans of many much larger events, suggested that the organisation, atmosphere and friendliness of our exhibition easily puts the efforts of much larger venues to shame. That’s an accolade we’re very happy to accept.

“Finally, a big ‘thank you’ must go to all the exhibitors for attending our event and to the traders and sponsors for their faith in supporting our programme.”

The Tweeddale Railway Society is a group of model enthusiasts whose interest covers the historical and current railway scene at home and abroad as well as the construction and operation of model railways.

Meetings are held at the Newlands Centre, Romano Bridge, West Linton, EH46 7BZ on the first Monday of each month at 7.30pm.

For more information, Visit: www.newlandscentre.org.uk.