All aboard for new exhibition

An exhibition celebrating over 26 years of collecting of model railways and memorabilia opens today at the Orkney Museum.

Steaming Eccentrics features a collection put together by Alistair Foden and includes mainly 00 gauge railways, steam engines from the 1800s up to modern-day locomotives and railways from around the world, among other memorabilia.

Tom Muir, exhibitions officer at the Orkney Museum, said: “Alistair’s enthusiasm for railways began at a very early age as you will see from some of the toys exhibited. It’s extremely impressive and even includes a model of the Orient Express.

“His interest in railways also extends to real life trains, where he works as a volunteer fireman at the Strathspey Railway in Aviemore at every opportunity.

“There will also be some red herrings for you to puzzle over — railway signage, pictures and paintings, and an explanation of how the development of railways in Scotland have affected Orkney! This is an exhibition for all ages.”

Steaming Eccentrics runs until January 31.