Tens of thousands of pounds of model railway exhibits were destroyed by vandals who targeted a major show at the weekend.
Years of work was lost as displays were ransacked at the show in Stamford in England, with dismayed organisers saying “a hurricane would have done less damage”.
Police confirmed yesterday that four youths had been arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage.
A “devastated” spokesman for Market Deeping Model Railway Club said almost everything had been “totally ruined”.
Models had been laid out on Friday night ahead of opening the following morning, with hours spent on the preparation and set-up.
However, arriving on Saturday morning, the organisers were met with a heart-breaking scene of destruction.
Overnight, vandals had entered the venue at the town’s Welland Academy, knocked over tables and apparently stamped on many of the models – including trains and stations.
An alarm activated in the school alerted police, who were also called by residents at about 3.50am.
Hundreds of people were expected to visit the exhibition.
An online fundraising page was set up yesterday with the aim of raising £500 to help members get back on their feet. Last night more than £15,000 had been donated – a sum described as “overwhelming”.
Messages of support also came in from around the country, including one from Aberdeen Model Railway Club.
A spokesman said: “This is awful to hear. It is such a shock that anyone would cause so much destruction.
“Our thoughts and sympathy go out to all involved.”
Market Deeping Model Railway Club chairman Brian Norris said: “Months of planning goes into the show and years of work goes into building the layout.
“Imagine our horror and grief when we were greeted by this scene of absolute devastation.
“Some of the models on display are irreplaceable and money cannot possibly replace the hours of painstaking effort that has been so wantonly destroyed.”
The exact monetary value of the loss is unknown, but one rare model train engine destroyed is estimated to have been worth about £8,500 alone.
