PASSENGERS wait on the platform and workmen can be seen maintaining the tracks – but there are no trains today.

The clock hands have stopped at 12.25pm and the once-proud miniature railway and village built in a North Hykeham garden is now a tatty mess.

But the three-bedroom property that houses the handmade model village, described as a "train enthusiasts' paradise", will be going under the hammer from 3pm on Wednesday, September 29.

Lincoln estate agent JH Walter has given the property an estimated auction value of £105,000 ahead of the sale at the Bentley Hotel in South Hykeham.

JH Walter agency manager James Mulhall said the new buyer could revive the railway.

He said: "As you go through the side gate, the whole back garden is taken up with this model railway. It's clearly a devoted person that has spent many months, if not years, building this.

"There's another railway in the double garage and one in the loft so there are three parts. I suspect it's a train enthusiasts' paradise.

"In the past I've never seen a model railway in any property, let alone one like this. It's a first in that sense. The house will appeal to some and not to others."

The miniature village was the work of train collector Mo Reynolds, who previously lived at the property. It is believed there is 1,000ft of track. Train and tram stations populate the area with a pond in the centre.

Mr Mulhall said the semi-detached house could be a bargain at auction.

He said: "It's very reasonably priced. At the location, houses are often priced about the £140,000 mark. This house has got some scope for renovation and potential for someone to take it back to the market and make a profit or take it on and keep the railway running.

"It's either going to be a dream for someone to take on or something to be renovated and maybe sold off."

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Mr Reynolds used to spend hours in his garden. He also used to have some big koi carp.

"The house has been empty since about June.

"There is an extension of the train track that goes round into the garage. In the loft, his son told us there was a track that was too big to get down. From what he says, the track more or less covers the loft."