All aboard for a day of model railway magic in Omagh

THERE’S excitement building on the tracks in Omagh as the Erne Model Railway Club prepares to roll into town with a special open-day exhibition later this week - and everyone is invited to climb aboard.

The event will take place this coming Saturday, March 21 in Omagh Methodist Church Hall, offering families, railway enthusiasts and curious newcomers the chance to discover the fascinating world of model railways.

The club itself has a long and proud history, having first formed in the 1970s - a golden era when train sets were among the most popular birthday and Christmas presents. What began as a small gathering of enthusiasts from the Enniskillen area, meeting in the home of founder member Alan Cooper, soon gathered steam.

As their passion grew, so too did their connections with other model railway clubs across Ireland. Members began attending exhibitions around the country before eventually launching one of their own.

Today, the Erne Model Railway Show is a well-established annual event, traditionally held on the third Saturday in September at the Cathedral Halls in Enniskillen. Over the years, it has grown into a major attraction, drawing exhibitors and traders from right across the island.

Now, with the club continuing to expand and welcoming new members from Fermanagh and the wider Tyrone area, organisers have decided to make a special stop in Omagh. The upcoming open day is designed to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of club members - and hopefully attract a few more passengers for the journey. Plans are also being laid to eventually recreate models of local stations including Omagh and Fivemiletown.

Visitors will be able to view a range of detailed model railway layouts created entirely by club members, who will also be on hand throughout the day to chat about their hobby and explain how their miniature railways come to life.

The event feels particularly fitting for Omagh, a town with a long and proud association with the railway. In many ways, this exhibition marks the return of the train to Omagh - albeit in miniature - and organisers hope it will help rekindle that historic connection.

Club members say they are especially keen to welcome young people and families who might be discovering the hobby for the first time.

“This open day is all about sharing what we do and showing how enjoyable model railways can be,” a club spokesperson explained. “Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or someone who just remembers a train set from childhood, there’s something for everyone.”

The exhibition will run from 10am until 4pm, and visitors can drop in at any time during the day.

Admission is £5 for adults and £1 for children under 14, with proceeds helping to cover the costs of the event. The club has also expressed its appreciation for the support of Whites Toymaster on Bridge Street in Omagh and Dickson’s Insurance.

With plenty to see and friendly experts ready to talk trains, the organisers hope the event will be a real crowd-pleaser.

So if you fancy seeing some impressive miniature railways - and perhaps even starting a new hobby - why not make your way to Omagh Methodist Church Hall and hop aboard for a day where the only thing better than the journey is the company along the line. If you are not able to make it you might like to know the club meets twice a month in the old Railway Station in Brookeborough on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings.