Some people may still think of model trains as “toys” but hundreds of people who visited Kesgrave High School on Saturday went to admire the skills of those who put so much time and effort into an exacting hobby.

The annual exhibition of the Ipswich Railway Modellers’ Association (IRMA) attracted layouts from across East Anglia to an event that has become a highlight for model-makers from across the region.

Layouts showing a number of different rail eras were on display – from reproductions of steam branch-lines to recreations of express trains in the diesel era.

There was even a layout showing the Island of Sodor featuring a certain blue tank engine with a smiling face!

They were created by members of IRMA and from other societies across the region – the show is a regular fixture that gives modellers the chance to show off their work and exchange tips on how to develop their layouts in the future.