At George Watson’s College this weekend 6-7 September, the Edinburgh and Lothians Miniature Railway Club is welcoming two local teenagers to its annual exhibition to show their displays.
Recently the club has done much to broaden its appeal and introduce new people to the hobby.
Luca Jaconelli (16) is showing his micro-layout based on a fictional train maintenance depot in the West of Scotland that he has built over the last year. This is Luca’s second layout, his first was based on Thomas the Tank engine. He said he has had a lot of fun and that he had learned a great deal.
Kirkurd Junction is primarily an industrial layout with power station cooling towers featuring prominently. The creator is Benji Wakelin-Grant (also 16) who is still adding to his layout and new features are expected at the show.
The club are keen to welcome new and experienced modellers of all ages and, in addition to their exhibition, they run regular open evenings free of charge at their clubroom in Tollcross, the next of which will be on Wednesday 10th September.
Club Chair Richard Coyle said: “We are determined to bring the excitement of Scotland’s railway heritage to a wider audience and it’s an absolute delight to welcome Benji and Luca to publicly display their amazing model layouts next weekend. Since taking over as chairman I have been determined to rejuvenate the club. We launched what has quickly become the premier railway show in the East of Scotland last year and this year the club moved to a much more welcoming premises in central Edinburgh where we meet twice a week.”
Exhibition Manager Fraser Graham said:”After a very successful show last year, we are glad to have such a wide range of exhibitors and traders coming this year, including these very exciting young modellers who are showing off their own layouts”
Edinburgh Model Railway Exhibition 2025 is at George Watson’s College on Colinton Road in Edinburgh on Saturday 6th September 10am to 5pm and Sunday 7th September 10am to 4pm. There will be 16 layouts on display, with the opportunity to drive a train, engage with enthusiasts, learn about the hobby and acquire everything you need to build your own layout. Further details of the exhibition and other events are available through the club’s web site elmrc.org.uk.
Picture Caption: Luca Jaconelli with his Train Maintenance Depot
