The owner of an impressive model railway layout is trying to find it a new home.  

Michael Jarvis, 81, says the 6ft by 5ft military-themed set up has brought him hours of enjoyment over the years.  

The Hunts Post: The layout is being offered for free to a new home.The layout is being offered for free to a new home. (Image: Jarvis family)

He is offering the layout for free because he is downsizing into sheltered accommodation and there will not be enough room for the equipment.  

But if a new owner isn’t found, Mr Jarvis says it would be a “tragedy” to break up the layout given the workmanship that went into building it. 

The Hunts Post: The layout is 6ft by 5ft in size.The layout is 6ft by 5ft in size. (Image: Jarvis family)

Mr Jarvis, of St Ives, said: “It’s a beautiful piece of kit; it would be heartbreaking if it had to be destroyed. 

“I hope the layout can offer someone else the same enjoyment it has given me over the years. 

“I don’t want any money for it – I just want it to go to a good home.”

The Hunts Post: The layout's controls can theoretically run up to 28 engines at once.The layout's controls can theoretically run up to 28 engines at once. (Image: Jarvis family)

The scene depicts a World War II scenario and a community built around a factory producing tanks.  

Materials are being transported to the factory and built tanks shipped away.  

It also has an airfield with model aircraft including a spitfire, a railway station, a hotel and a church. 

The controls can theoretically run up to 28 engines at once. 

The Hunts Post: There is even an airfield with model aircraft, including a spitfire.There is even an airfield with model aircraft, including a spitfire. (Image: Jarvis family)

Mr Jarvis has approached model railway clubs in the area and a specialist shop in Peterborough – but nobody is able to accept his generous offer.  

"It’s a real work of art and has been well looked after,” he added, “surely someone would like it.” 

The Hunts Post: Mr Jarvis has already offered the set to model railway clubs and a specialist shop - but none have been able to accept his kind offer.Mr Jarvis has already offered the set to model railway clubs and a specialist shop - but none have been able to accept his kind offer. (Image: Jarvis family)

Famous fans of model railways include the hit singer-songwriter, Rod Stewart who is known to take his  on tour with him to work on during his down time.  

The Hunts Post: Singer songwriter Rod Stewart is famously known to also enjoy model railways as a hobby.Singer songwriter Rod Stewart is famously known to also enjoy model railways as a hobby. (Image: Suzan Moore/PA Archive/PA Images)

The hobby also had a revival before the Covid pandemic, thanks to the Channel 5 show the Great Model Railway Challenge. 

If you can offer this model railway a new home, please contact reporter Louise Hepburn on louise.hepburn@newsquest.co.uk or 07501 500 359.

Your details will be passed to Mr Jarvis.  

The Hunts Post: The layout also has a hotel, a church and a railway station for passengers.The layout also has a hotel, a church and a railway station for passengers. (Image: Jarvis family)

The Hunts Post: The layout is being offered for free to a new home.The layout is being offered for free to a new home. (Image: Jarvis family)

The Hunts Post: Mr Javis says the layout has brought him hours of enjoyment over the years.Mr Javis says the layout has brought him hours of enjoyment over the years. (Image: Jarvis family)

The Hunts Post: The World War II themed model railway depicts a community built around a factory building tanks.The World War II themed model railway depicts a community built around a factory building tanks. (Image: Jarvis family)