THE TRAINS now departing Abbotskerswell Central...are all courtesy of the South Devon Model Railway Society

The society held its ever-popular annual open day in the historic setting of Abbotskerswell’s Church House last Saturday.

Visitors were able to enjoy a selection of miniature mainline masterpieces with the society’s four large OO and O gauge layouts up and running throughout the day. 

Steam and diesel locomotives from all eras powered and rumbled their way through hill and dale, delighting train lovers of all ages.

In addition visitors were suitably chuffed at three guest layouts who were visiting for the day with a trip around the railway world courtesy of a West German depot depicting the mid-1980s and a layout featuring the railroad through the dusty deserts of America’s west coast.

As always all the proceeds from the open day went to the Church House Trustees who look after the building. 

South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
(Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day. Five year old Alex Townend is suitable enthralled over a detailed layout (Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day. Martin Gill busy lining up the next train in the fiddle yard (Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
A part of Devon that is forever a 1980s West German depot. Newton Abbot's Doug Tompkins of The German Railway Society and his compact but highly detailed layout (Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
(Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day (Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day (Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day (Steve Pope/MDA)
South Devon Model Railway Society annual open day at the Church House, Abbotskerswell
A little piece of Americana railroad slowly rumbles across the plain (Steve Pope/MDA)