The show, organised by the International Model Railway Group, featured a number of locomotive-themed stalls and attracted more than 1,450 visitors.

Nobby Clarke, who has been organising the show for the last 10 years, said: "It was brilliant. There were stalls from Northampton Boat Club and Northampton Lamport Railway; all the groups in Northampton stick together and it makes it all worthwhile."

The exhibition featured 27 layouts and 14 traders. Mr Clarke said it was no surprise the show was so successful, as he thought model railways were the best hobby anyone could have.

He said: "It has so many aspects to it, and can be enjoyed by artists, historians and electricians.

"Since the internet became so big it has become really useful for research as well.

"I specialise in North American railways and I have been able to get in touch with people I never could have before to find things out."

Anyone with an interest in North American railways who would like to meet to discuss them, or find out more about the railway group, can contact Mr Clarke by calling Northampton 415020.