HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country enjoyed a busy Model Weekend as visitors flocked to the Liphook attraction.

Crowds delighted in the sunshine of a late summer’s day last Saturday, and, despite steady rain falling throughout Sunday, a good number of visitors enjoyed seeing model engines of all shapes and sizes in Hollycombe’s workshops, exhibition areas and marquees.

Organiser Anthony Hooker was thrilled at how the weekend had gone.

He said: “We’ve had a fantastic two days. Modellers have attended from all over the south of England and they have put on a great show. We’ve had very positive feedback both from visitors and exhibitors, and the question on everyone’s lips was ‘Are we going to do it again next year?’ This event has grown over recent years and it’s certainly our intention to keep the Model Weekend in our programme of events for 2018.”

One of the weekend highlights was a parade of steam on the Saturday afternoon, when up to 30 miniature engines lined up alongside Hollycombe’s Railway Station, presenting a unique photo opportunity. Among the many exhibitors was Andrew Wildish, who travelled from Canterbury and attended with his four inch scale Foster Traction Engine ‘Susan’.

Regular Hollycombe visitor now turned exhibitor Ray Castle, from Bognor Regis, displayed a one-eighth scale Gallopers and brought along a model Showman’s Engine.

Anthony said: “We had a large number of families attend, and it’s always rewarding to look at the awed faces of children when they see the working models. Many first time visitors turned out for the event, and they’ll be able to come back to Hollycombe now for a full year with their unlimited use ticket.”

After a busy weekend there is no relaxing for the Hollycombe team of volunteers, who are now preparing for the much-loved fairground at night events.

Fairground at night evenings take place on September 16, 23 and 30, and October 7 and 14. Fairground at night will also take place on October 21 with a Hallowe’en theme, when the quarry railway should also be open.

On October 14 and 21, a free minibus shuttle service will operate between Hollycombe, Liphook Railway Station and Liphook Sainsbury’s, courtesy of the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership.

Admission to Hollycombe is £16 for adults, £14 for seniors and £12 for children, with family tickets available.