I’ve just returned from a model railway exhibition. Up until now, I’d never attended one before. Mainly because I didn’t really know that model railway exhibitions existed until recently. I knew that model railways existed, just not the exhibitions.
Model railways, in my head, was the hobby taken up by nice older gentlemen called Malcolm who lovingly pour great amounts of their time into creating and tinkering with railway layouts in the privacy of their own sheds and attics, on the pretence of “building something for the grandchildren to enjoy”. Which, as we all know, is just a massive excuse to play with miniature trains all day long. And perhaps, on the odd occasion, when no one is listening, make chuffing and tooting noises when the locos start running.
However, after attending a model railway exhibition, I can confirm that model railways is indeed a hobby largely taken up by nice older gentlemen called Malcolm who lovingly create and tinker with their railway layouts in their own sheds and attics, but without the need for any pretence whatsoever. They also do not need any excuse to make chuffing and tooting noises, and will gladly make chuffing and tooting noises in front of anybody and everybody.
And do you know what? I’m so glad that they do, as I have discovered that model railways is a fantastic interest to pursue, and should be celebrated as a worthwhile activity. It brings joy and entertainment to the creators, the users and the viewers, and that is certainly not a bad thing.
Anthony Phillips 