The Preston O Gauge Group has been in existence for over ten years. It was originally an offshoot of the Preston Model Railway Society. A permanent layout was built in a large room above a car workshop, a change of venue was enforced in 2003 when the original premises were scheduled for demolition. A new, and much better home was found in palatial surroundings in what is known as The Old Brewery because, presumably that's what it once was. There is plenty of space for a good gathering of modellers, an all important toilet, and a cafe/refreshment area complete with kettle, microwave and sink.

The principal attraction is the club's permanent layout, Hawksbridge. This is a four track main line with a large station, complete with bays and island platforms. There are a handful of inner loop lines used mainly for storing freight trains, and a goods yard. The layout is signalled, many of the signals being interlocked with points. Most of the signals are semaphore but there are a few colour lights in evidence. The Signalling Department is very much Mick Sutcliffe's brainchild. It is possible to run a train from the outer main line to the inner using a series of diamond crossings, holding up proceedings on all main lines into the bargain. To watch a train cross the main lines in this manner is very satisfying, if a little hairy at times. Both inner and outer pairs of fast and slow lines are connected with facing and trailing crossovers.

To reach the inner circuit controllers it is necessary to duck under the layout to access the inner area. Some of the group's older and / or less agile members seem reluctant to do this. The inner Down Slow is perhaps the thinking man's line. A driver, perhaps with a little help from a signalman, can build up a goods train in the yard, run out on the goods avoiding lines (choice of two), do a complete circuit then go round via the station platform loop line, and so on.

Scenery has evolved over the years, although there remains quite a lot to do. The first scenery to appear, in the dim and distant past, was the embankment at the far end. A very clever German idea was employed here; bits of green, grass-length nylon were shaken vigorously in a pepperpot-type container until a good charge of static had built up. This was then sprinkled onto a sticky PVA coated surface. Lo and behold, the blades of grass all point skywards and a well-maintained grassy embankment appeared; no weeds, no trees. The track was ballasted by conventional methods. As well as signals, there are signal boxes and telegraph poles.

Running outside the layout, but linked to it, is an end-to-end branchline. One end of this is known as Hawksbridge Marine and features a fine overhead overhead signal box. The other end, which is known as Brewery Lane, is detachable and attends exhibitions, the most prestigious of which was Guildex 2007.

Also attached to the layout, and again on the outside, is a loco shed complete with coaling tower, turntable and four road covered shed. Known as Grantham, this part of the layout was built and donated to the group by the late Barry Murphy, a major figure in the history of the group. This area of the layout is useful for testing locos a little bit away from the general gaze, and also makes a superb backdrop for photography.

The monthly Open Days attract visitors from far and wide; even people on holiday in the area have been known to drop in. Any modeller with or without stock, is welcome to attend any of these Open Days (dates to be found in the usual place). There are always several rakes of coaches and wagons for you to try your prized loco or locos on. And yes, we've all had failures so sympathy and respect are available in equal measures. The final and most important ingredient of all is the warm welcome you will receive.

(Right) Rebuilt Patriot 45512 Bunsen stands
beneath the coaling tower in Grantham MPD.