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Aberdeen University student and railway enthusiast to compete in major television competition

Ewan Forsyth is part of the Aberdeen Model Railway Club team.
Ewan Forsyth is part of the Aberdeen Model Railway Club team.

An Aberdeen student and railway enthusiast hopes to steam to glory in a major new television competition.

The Great Model Railway Challenge will see teams of the nation’s most talented modellers compete to create jaw dropping miniature masterpieces against the clock.

Ewan Forsyth and his team mates will have just 24 hours to assemble a fully working layout with operating trains, animations and scenery.

They will face-off against two equally talented teams as they battle to see who will progress to the grand finale.

Mr Forsyth, who is studying towards a PhD in chemistry at Aberdeen University, said: “It was a wonderful experience to be part of the Aberdeen team.

“I have been interested in trains since my parents bought my first model set when I was five.


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“The show celebrates the diversity within the model rail community and it would be great if the show encourages more people to take up the hobby.”

Originally from Perth, Mr Forsyth joined the Aberdeen Model Railway Club when he arrived in the city, joining-in its activities alongside his studies.

The television show will be judged by Steve Flint, the editor of the UK’s leading railway magazine, Railway Modeller, and renowned master modeller and internationally acknowledged modelling vlogger, Kathy Millatt.

Ms Millatt, who’s been compared to the Mary Berry of model train making, said: “It’s been stressful for the teams as creating a working model railway in 24 hours is a big ask, even without being on TV.

“They’ve all done really well, had some really innovative ideas and produced some amazing work in the time.”

James Richardson, best known for the World’s Strongest Man, cult show Car SOS, and Football Italia, will be presenting the show.

Even celebrities have been getting involved in the niche hobby, with Rod Stewart, Jools Holland and Roger Daltry among the UK’s model train enthusiasts.

Stewart made the cover of Model Railroader in October 2007 with his impressive replica of New York’s Grand Central Station, complete with 100ft of track, buildings and figures in 1940s period dress.

At the time, he said it meant more to him than the cover of the Rolling stone magazine.

The Great Railway Challenge will air on October 5 at 8pm on Channel Five.