Model railway 'saved' dad from depression

This model railway starts at Parkend and finishes at Cannop Calliery

The son of a model railway enthusiast says the hobby "saved" his father from depression.

When Robert Terrance Smith found himself lacking motivation and drive to continue with everyday life after retirement, his son, Bob Smith, suggested that he recreate his childhood memories to give him something to do.

Mr Smith created an intricate set mirroring a branch line in the Forest of Dean 10 years ago.

The model starts at Cannop Colliery and finishes in Parkend.

Robert Smith's son bought him the first instalment of the model railway and it snowballed from there

'It took over his life'

Unfortunately, Mr Smith was unable to completely finish the project, but it is still on display at his widow's house in Coleford.

The model railway is so large, there were discussions in the family to extend it through a wall into another section of the house.

Mr Smith had limited modelling abilities when he started but was determined to keep the layout faithful to the Forest.

Bob Smith said: "It took over his life, he suddenly dedicated all his spare time left to working on this railway.

"The difference it made to Dad was colossal.

"He was only alive another five, six or seven years after starting the system and it made a huge difference. It can't be quantified, really."

Robert was passionate about keeping the layout faithful to the Forest of Dean