OVER 3,500 engineering enthusiasts came together to enjoy a three-day model exhibition in Thornbury.


The 14th Bristol Model Engineering and Hobbies Exhibition attracted crowds of visitors to Thornbury Leisure Centre between Friday, August 14 and Sunday, August 16.


The event, organised by the charity, the Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineers, saw an array of models on display, from steam engines and helicopters to ships and radio controlled trucks.


Exhibition manager Steve Birch said that the bad weather didn’t put off visitors who were keen to see the range of models on display.


“We have received many comments from visitors and exhibitors that they enjoyed the exhibition very much and are looking forward to coming again next year,” he said.


“There was a good range of models on display and lots of them in motion. Several exhibitors were pleased to be provided with larger areas than the previous year but we were still able to squeeze in some new societies into the four halls of the leisure centre with their models.


“The rainy start to the event on Friday didn’t seem to put anyone off coming to the event so our visitor numbers exceeded our expectations. The improvement in the weather over the weekend allowed the visitors to enjoy our outdoor exhibits as well. We around over 3,5000 visitors altogether.


"One of our themes this year was equipment from the First World War but besides several models of railway equipment and aircraft we had on display in one of the halls a full-size wartime Halley military truck which is currently being restored in workshops at Easter Compton.

"At the other end of the time spectrum we had a trader from Oldbury-on-Severn selling their 3D Printers.”


“The Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineers are very pleased with the success of the event.”


The charity will soon be organising next year’s event which will be the 15th exhibition held in the leisure centre.


For more information visit www.bristolmodelengineers.co.uk/Exhibition.