An impressive World War II-themed model railway layout has been transferred to its new home.  

More than 100 people across the country responded to an appeal for someone to take on the 5ft by 6ft set up.  

Michael Jarvis, 81, from St Ives, was offering the layout for free because he is moving into sheltered accommodation.  

Community groups, model railway clubs, social media influencers, families and enthusiasts were among those who expressed an interest.  

The Hunts Post: The scene depicts a community built around a factory producing tanks. The scene depicts a community built around a factory producing tanks. (Image: Courtesy of ITV News Anglia)

Mr Jarvis even appeared on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and on ITV News Anglia to talk about the hours of enjoyment the model railway has brought him.  

After a lot of deliberation, he decided to donate it to The Ramsey 1940s Camp, which hosts the annual 1940s weekend and other events.  

It has been agreed that Mr Jarvis will retain ownership and can visit the layout with his family whenever he wishes.  

The Hunts Post: The World War II-themed model railway layout even has an airfield with a model spitfire.The World War II-themed model railway layout even has an airfield with a model spitfire. (Image: Courtesy of ITV News Anglia)

Jo Gysin, the group’s chair, said: “We are so honoured to be taking care of this extraordinary model railway for Mr Jarvis.  

“Photographs of the layout do not do it justice. Every time I look at it, I spot a new detail which I never noticed before.  

“For example, the village comes to life when you plug it in. The church lights up, the station lights up and there’s even a little furnace that flickers.  

“It really is amazing and we are unbelievably grateful to Mr Jarvis for handing this treasured item to us.” 

The Hunts Post: The Ramsey 1940s Camp also has a museum where the model railway layout will be on display. Pictured is the Ramsey 1940s Weekend.The Ramsey 1940s Camp also has a museum where the model railway layout will be on display. Pictured is the Ramsey 1940s Weekend. (Image: The Ramsey 1940s Camp)

The layout will be part of a new set of exhibits planned for one of the museum’s shops from the era.  

Meanwhile, Mr Jarvis said the level of interest in the layout has been “overwhelming” considering he previously struggled to find someone to take it on. 

The Hunts Post: Michael Jarvis was looking for a new home for the World War II layout because he is downsizing.Michael Jarvis was looking for a new home for the World War II layout because he is downsizing. (Image: Courtesy of ITV News Anglia)

He said: “It is wonderful to see so many people still interested in model railways.  

“This hobby has given me so much enjoyment over the years – and I encourage anyone who is also interested to join their local model railway club.” 

The Hunts Post: More than 100 people expressed an interest in the layout after it was featured in this publication.More than 100 people expressed an interest in the layout after it was featured in this publication. (Image: Courtesy of ITV News Anglia)

The Hunts Post: The model railway had to be transported to its new home on a flat bed lorry.The model railway had to be transported to its new home on a flat bed lorry. (Image: The Ramsey 1940s Camp)

  • Tomorrow (September 11), The Ramsey 1940s Camp will be hosting the Vintage Hot Rod Association between 9am and 2pm. Then the Flatlanders Scooter Rally 2023 will take place between Friday 15 and September 17.  
  • The next 1940s weekend will take place August 17-18, 2024.