Trafford News
Brian's on track to inspire youngsters
10:40am Sunday 5th February 2012
A MODEL train enthusiast from Sale inspired crowds of children and adults with a train set to rival all others.
Brian Chawner, aged 69, spent two years building the layout in his garage, with trains above and below ground, working lights and a country setting.
His landscaped set includes a river with canoeist, a road, complete with a Little Chef restaurant and Shell garage, and a church with a miniature wedding.
The former trainspotter brought the display to Kendal’s Model Railway Exhibition at Lakes Leisure last weekend.
Mr Chawner said it had been a passion which had turned his wife into a ‘railway widow’.
“I loved trains when I was a teenager –- I used to go out spotting – but I got married and forgot all about it,” he said.
“My son asked if he could have a Thomas the Tank Engine, and we bought him a set and it gradually expanded.
“Now I work with a group, and my wife helps decorate the scenery.
“We will keep this layout running almost every weekend at different events around the country.
“Then, five years after we first put it on display, we will scrap it and start again to keep things interesting.
“I don’t think of this as being an anorak activity. Children are fascinated, and grown-ups end up being just as interested.
“The designs change every year, and getting involved is lots of fun.”