Museum models hope to put young on right track for technical careers

But staff at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York are highlighting the pleasures of playing with more traditional toys – with the chance to learn about science.

The museum's annual Cab It event will teach youngsters some basic scientific principles through activities utilising large model train layouts and miniature railway rides built by the Leeds Society of Model and Experimental Engineers.

Visitors over 16 will also have the chance to drive a full-size locomotive for only 5 and a display of Meccano from the Meccano Guild of Sheffield will demonstrate how engineering toys first started.

Community programmes team leader, Jon Pridmore, said: "Playing with trains or any engineering toy gives a child the tools to explore scientific and engineering problems.

"I think this year's Cab-It event will demonstrate how playing with trains helps to develop our appetite for understanding scientific principles.

"If we influence just one person to have a career in science and engineering, then I feel we have done our job."

The Cab-It event will take place at the NRM on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21.