One man is going full steam ahead with his ambitious projects in the world of model trains.
Laurie Calvert has switched tracks to create his own weird and wonderful displays which are turning heads at conventions.
His imaginative builds combine traditional model railways with sci-fi themes to create new worlds - a far cry from your average idyllic countryside diorama.
Mr Calvert, 64, said: "I have always done things differently.
"Model railway shows have been going for decades but normally people make English countryside layouts - my approach is quite different.
"I did not get into model railways until I was 50. I have always made models and been interested in science fiction and I mixed the two.
"Nobody has really done that before. Nobody dares to be different.
"I did not get into the trains at first just going around and around and so I made it more interesting.
"My first one was an underground missile cavern and I have also made a steampunk dock yard."
Mr Calvert, who lives in Bradwell near Great Yarmouth, is a retired civil servant - but before that he worked in special effects.
When Mr Calvert first started making his imaginative models, he did not know if he would be accepted by other more conservative hobbyists.
He said: "I did not know if people in the model railway community would be offended and push me out.
"But people love it, even traditionalists . I have done 104 shows in the country and only ever have one person dislike it.
"Every model railway has effects like gates that open, but I have things on fire, or a robot that dances.
"I am taking Hornby models into another universe. Nothing like that is found on a model railway.
"Hornby was aware of what I was doing and asked me to design some trains, wagons and coaches.
"I do it because I like to entertain people. Hobbies should be fun and I am pushing it to its extreme.
Mr Calvert attends events with his girlfriend Carol Ovenden, also aged 64 and invested in his "niche" hobby.
"My girlfriend is really supportive," he added. "She has done 30 shows. She really likes my weird hobbies. She likes anything weird and wonderful and that includes me.
"We stand and present it and give out badges. We do not have barriers like some others do and there are no 'do not touch' signs. We invite people in.
"I would like to thank the organisers at Norwich Model Railway Club for letting us have the opportunity to display our model."
He recently won best layout at the Norwich Model Railway Club Show at Hellesdon for his latest creation called Rampage.
The model is of a futuristic robot charging station, where a robot named Rampage moves around while charging and four trains carrying missiles shuttle around protecting him.
The scene also has spacecraft with steam flowing from their pads getting ready to launch and flashing lights and Warhammer troops are involved too.
There are also audience buttons enabling people to interact with the display.
Mr Calvert' s next display is in Stalham at the Poppy Centre, on May 24 and is organised by Broadland Model Railway Club.
Mr Calvert added: "I would love people to come and see us there as my own railway club hosts this one."
Share