Train fans are being asked to support Chippenham^s Model Railway Show on Saturday, which is in danger of being the last one.
The fifth annual event may have reached the end of the line because of rising costs.
The Bentley Model Railway Group organises annual exhibitions in Chippenham, Calne and Melksham, but the group says it is likely it will have to axe one of them.
Even though the group is based in Chippenham, the largest of the three towns, the Calne and Melksham exhibitions are bigger and always attract more people.
Calne^s has been going for 21 years and attracted more than 1,400 visitors this year.
Treasurer Geoff Endacott said: ^Organising model railway exhibitions is an expensive business.
"Last year our three shows cost a total of ^20,000, mostly due to travelling expenses and accommodation costs for the visiting layouts. That^s a big risk to take as we have no guarantee enough people will pay at the door to cover the costs.
^Organising three shows also involves a lot of work by unpaid organisers. If we have to drop one show, it is likely to be the one which presents the greatest financial risk.
^So the challenge to the people of Chippenham is to support us and make the case for keeping a model railway show in the town.^
A total of 14 working layouts will be on display at the exhibition, at Sheldon School Sports Hall, as well as 14 trade stands and society and demonstration stands.
Rail travellers between Chippenham and Bath may recognise one of the layouts, based on Sydney Gardens on the approach to Bath.
The model, making only its second exhibition appearance, has been built by a team of five people from Wiltshire called the Park Keepers.
Other layouts include British military railway from 1950 to 1969, present day East coast of Norway and 1957 Wyoming USA, plus Thomas and friends for the children.
Doors open 10am to 5pm and there will be refreshments and free parking.
Tickets cost ^4.50 for adults, ^3 for children aged five to 17 and ^12 for a family.
Visit
www.chippenhammrs.org.uk or call exhibition manager Tim Williams on (01249) 463365.
Click on the map to explore geographics
