It must be one of the most popular and longest-lasting window displays in the city.
It has hosted a miniature York Pride as well as its own music festival.
Over the years, thousands of people aged from six to sixty have pressed their noses against the window, entranced by the sight.
But now, after approximately 561,000 circuits, the Monk Bar Model Shop model railway layout has been retired.
Shop owner Andy Masheder explained that, like much of the country’s railways, its upgrade had suffered from delays.
Originally timetabled for last autumn, the new layout wasn’t ready in time before the busy Christmas period.
It was finally ready to launch just as the country locked-down.
The new layout, designed and built by Martin Baistow, Michael Bassett and Andy Gibbs, has now been unveiled at the perfect moment to signal the reopening of Britain’s shops.
And the detail is fantastic. The double running track features working signals for the first time, as well as more lights and a Royal Mail delivery depot.
It’s not quite finished, as the Monk Bar piggies have yet to make an appearance, but rest assured they tiny trotters are on their way.
Monk Bar Model Shop re-opened yesterday (15 June) with amended hours of 10am-4pm.
