A model group in Liss has treated villagers to an n-gaging day of fun.

There were steamy scenes in the village hall on Saturday as the Liss Model Railway Group held its first open day since the pandemic.

The venue was almost busier than Waterloo on a Wednesday morning with more than 100 visitors checking out the numerous layouts throughout the day.

Pride of place was the massive OO gauge layout which took up nearly one side of the hall and consisted of several connectable 5ft by 3ft sections.

Members typically make a looped N gauge layout on a 4ft by 2ft section which can be clipped together to make a much larger scene.

The sections can take several months or more to create, depending on the level of detail, but it’s a labour of love according to founder Tim Pay.

He said: “We started this in 2011 as I used to be caretaker here and on Friday the hall was always empty, which I thought was a waste.

“When you have railways in your blood you end up with all sorts of things. I’ve also got a garden railway at home in Andover and I try to squeeze all this in between being a church organist.”

It can be an expensive habit as the price of an OO gauge locomotive can often exceed £200 while it can be double that for a set with carriages.

Being in a club makes it more affordable and it’s become an intergenerational experience for some of the group’s 14 members.

“When I was a nipper I always had a train set, which was a wind-up one, and it just went from there and now I’ve got my son involved in it,” said Ramsdean enthusiast Ken Fell.

“We had an outhouse and it started from there. Having a 4ft base is good because you can get it in your car easily and take it home. 

“It can be quite an expensive hobby and some sets can take months, if not years, but it’s fun.”

Model railway enthusiasts can learn more about the group by popping along to their 1.30pm to 5pm meet every Friday in the village hall.

Visitors can even run their own OO or N gauge trains on the layouts. Individual sessions are £4 and it’s £20 for an annual membership. For more details call 07703 390150 or 01730 895068.