A group of model train enthusiasts are making tracks to a national TV competition final – after their design in honour one of Aberdeen’s most enthusiastic railway stalwarts beat competition from across the UK.
The Aberdeen Model Railway Club triumphed against two other teams on Channel Five’s The Great Model Railway Challenge with their north-east inspired model called Clucas Bay.
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David Clucas, 72, from the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust, died suddenly in May.
His death came around the time the group had been celebrating the installation of a new £86,000 turntable in the city.
To honour his work, the model railway club decided to enter the competition and had just 24 hours to build a model on the theme of “waterworld”.
The massive Clucas Bay set featured scenic elements common to the north-east including a lighthouse and the North Sea.
They impressed judges with their realistic water features and moving animations, and are now in the final which will be aired on Friday at 8pm.
Last night team member Ewan Forsyth, who is studying towards a PHD in Chemistry at Aberdeen University, said the final was likely to prove an even tougher challenge.
He said: “I think that you can see by the shock on our faces that we weren’t expecting to do so well.
“The other teams were really talented and we knew it would be tough competition so we are really pleased to have won.
“We know that the theme next time is ‘a journey through time’ and the idea of the final is that all the heat winners design a layout so that all five will fit and work togethwer in one 50ft layout.
“We wanted to try and put Scotland and the north-east on the map on national TV.”
Torry and Ferryhill councillor Catriona Mackenzie said: “It is incredibly moving that they made their model in honour of David Clucas, and that they continue to enrich Aberdren’s rail enthusiasm in his memory.
“I hope this recognition will encourage more folk to get involved with this lovely group, as it is a credit to Aberdeen.”
Anyone interesting in joining the club should e-mail info@aberdeenmrc.co.uk
