Locomotive enthusiasts are building up a head of steam ahead of a major model railway exhibition.

The Workington Model Railway Exhibition will bring at least 12 layouts to Energus at Lillyhall on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, for enthusiasts to get up close and personal.

Derwent Railway Society, which is based at Phoenix Court in Cleator Moor and has 81 members from all over West Cumbria, will be showing off its latest O gauge layout, Derwent Sidings, for the first time.

The fictional layout is inspired by Workington’s industrial heritage and features a pair of tunnels and road bridges as well as a signal box.

Chairman Allan Beck, 55, of Pica, has been with the society since it started in 1979 and worked as a signalman at Whitehaven for 30 years.

He said railways are in his blood and is excited for the chance to show off 18 months of work on the new display.

“It brings together all the local groups and societies from all over Cumbria and further afield,” he added.

“You meet people and the atmosphere is nice. There’s a big buzz about it all.”

The exhibition is now in its sixth year under Solrail, a not-for-profit team of enthusiasts and volunteers.

Several of the layouts which will be on display at the event have featured in national model railway magazines.

Visitors will be able to control a train on layouts including one based on Thomas the Tank Engine.

Steam train rides will also be offered on the Saturday, weather permitting.

The displays will range from classic clockwork pieces to modern digital command control systems, with some even incorporating authentic sounds.

Trade stands will be available to provide anything the modeller needs, while demonstrators will also be on hand to help people get the most from their models, from making finescale track and building authentic looking trees to weathering models and building kits or models from scratch.

The exhibition will run from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday.

Admission is £5 with accompanied children getting in free. A free programme will be provided.