AN “UNBELIEVABLY detailed” replica model railway of Dolgellau’s station in the 1950s has been bought by local collectors.

The set is being bought by local community group Dolgellau Partnership for “the good of the town”.

The 30-foot trainset was built by the Liverpool Model Railway Club, which kept it in perfect running order for many years.

It has been on display in Dolgellau on two previous occasions and is always well received when it visits the town.

When the Dolgellau Partnership heard the railway club in Liverpool was looking to sell the Dolgellau set in order to clear some space for new projects, they jumped at the chance to bring the unique construction to the Meirionnydd town.

Colin White, a member of the Dolgellau Partnership, is delighted with the town’s new addition.

“I’ve been and seen it before and it’s a wonderful thing, the detail is unbelievable with all of the trees, peoples and signs,” he told the Cambrian News.

“The Liverpool Model Railway Club contacted us when they decided to sell the model because they thought it should go to a worthy home. We’re very grateful for their support.

“The set cost approximately £700 and our bid has been accepted. We’re hoping for delivery sometime around Christmas.

“It’s very exciting for everybody involved. A lot of organisations and individuals have donated their time and money to make this happen.”

However, Colin - who fondly remembers riding on the actual railway - suggests that purchasing the model railway is just the start of the project.

“We still need extra funds before we can set the railway up properly, we need to buy rolling stock - engines and carriages etc - and a few other bits and pieces,” he said.

“Any further donations would be very welcome.

“We’re also looking for somewhere to set up the railway so people can see it in action, maybe one of the chapels in town.

“If the magistrates court was to close, which I hope it doesn’t of course, I’d love to see some sort of Dolgellau Museum set up in the grade-one listed building.

“I think the railway would make a wonderful centrepiece if that were to happen.”