A hobby based on 19th Century technology has taken off in cyberspace with the launch of the world's biggest online model train shop.

Collecting slotcars, model railways and their accessories was one of the most popular passtimes for both children and adults in the last century.

Arundel-based company Gaugemaster Controls has been supplying them with engines, carriages, scenery and track since the Seventies.

The firm claims to offer the most complete range in Britain for model railways and slotcars, which it now offers via their huge online store.

Gaugemaster Controls engaged Shoreham agency Oliver and Graines to take on the enormous task of putting their entire stock of more than 20,000 products up for sale on the web.

The range, which includes everything from classic Le Mans racers to vintage steam locomotives, along with every conceivable kind of track and scenery, has already been pronounced a runaway success.

The site has proved a hit with enthusiasts around the globe, receiving orders from as far away as Canada and New Zealand.

A Gaugemaster spokesman said: "In the first five days of trading, the site had generated more than £1,500 of sales and we had not even begun to promote or advertise it at that point.

"Even people who did not want to shop online are ringing us up to order products they have seen on the site."