Behind an unmarked Market Place storefront, Bolton Model Railway Society is a train lover's paradise.

Hulking models crowd the room, with tiny trains going past quarries, forests and tunnels. Members work quietly, setting rails. 

The stations, called layouts, are imagined.

One, called Carol’s Lock, passes a tavern, a Greggs and a Bargain Booze. A member made it in honour of his late wife. Another, Henbane Valley, is inspired by X-Box.

Members range from 12 to 94.

Shawn Hague stands by the Henbane Valley model railwayShawn Hague stands by the Henbane Valley model railway (Image: Newsquest)

Society secretary David Morley, 80, works on ‘Pennington St. James’. Treasurer Andy Turner’s son Shawn Hague, 31, works on Henbane Valley.

Andy said: “Shawn was interested in trains since before he was three. I think it might be genetic”.

Society secretary David Morley works on his model, the 'Pennington St. James'Society secretary David Morley works on his model, the 'Pennington St. James' (Image: Newsquest)

Bolton Model Railway Society is four years old and its first year wasn't easy.

Andy said: “We formed about a week before the first lockdown, which meant we couldn’t come into the premises.

Carol's Lock, dedicated to a member's late wifeCarol's Lock, dedicated to a member's late wife (Image: Newsquest)

“As soon as lockdown was lifted, we were allowed back in but with social distancing, so we only had about three or four layouts just dotted around.

An Arizona-inspired model railway layoutAn Arizona-inspired model railway layout (Image: Newsquest)

“From then on, we’ve gone from strength to strength, membership has been growing, we have about 20 active members and 40 on the books”.

To visit or join Bolton Railway Society, check https://www.boltonmodelrailwaysociety.uk/