These are just some of the models occupying the attic room at the home of Ian Wilson in Clare, Tandragee.

Next month, the models, along with numerous other intricate constructions, will be carefully transported to Enniskillen for a Meccano exhibition.

Ian, (43), is a confirmed Meccano enthusiast. He got his first set at the age of five, and has never lost the 'bug', enjoying nothing more than putting together the many strips, plates, nuts and bolts and watching them work.

Some of his Meccano dates back to the 1920s (Meccano first appeared in the shops in 1907) and he also has sets of the plastic Meccano, made for the junior system.

Ian, who runs a car repair body shop from his home, says that as a child, he always liked fixing things. "I would still be very fussy. I would take pride in fixing things better than anyone else," he said.

As a result, he also enjoys buying Meccano models which aren't running very smoothly, stripping them and fixing the defects.

Now, other people will be able to enjoy the fruits of his labours, when the exhibition opens at Enniskillen Library on Saturday, November 1 from 10-5.

Ian has got together with Enniskillen man Selwyn Johnston, a railway enthusiast, to put 75 models on display, and if it's a success they plan to bring it to other areas, including Portadown.

Ian will be exhibiting around 50 models with the remainder owned by Selwyn. Ian's forte is fairground models although, he admits, he builds "anything and everything".

His models include a carousel, Ferris wheels, a cyclone, octopus, showman's engines, vintage steam engines and Army collection models from the 70s and 80s, as well as a Meccanograph drawing machine, and much more.

Pupils from schools in the Enniskillen area will also be taking part in an Inter-Schools Challenge on the day to build a model. Meccano are donating eight sets and those successfully completing the challenge will be able to take their creations home.

Said Ian, "It will be interesting to see if children can still make Meccano. Many of the children who played with Meccano years ago became the future mechanics and bridge builders and other workers in the construction industry.

"Today, it's all Play Station and computer games."

Ian's son Mark, a pupil at Craigavon Senior High School, helps his dad build some of the models. Said Ian, "That's why I keep buying more Meccano. I intend to pass it on to my children. Anything I get, I keep. I am not a dealer."

Ian and Selwyn are looking for other model builders who would like to contribute to the exhibition. Anyone interested should contact Ian on 3831 8753 or Selwyn at his barber's shop on 6632 7488.