IT could be just the gift for the man who has everything - particularly if he was one of those little boys who always wanted to be a train driver.

And while it would never fit under a Christmas tree, it would be guaranteed to be the present to make the festive season one to remember.

For rail enthusiasts are getting the chance to bid for a full-size model of a train that is yet to go into service.

At 23 metres long, it won't fit on the mantelpiece - but seller TransPennine Express insists it still has its uses.

"It could be used as a photographic or film set, for training or recreational purposes or might appeal to a private railway memorabilia collector," said spokesman David Mallender.

The model, on display at York's National Railway Museum, has been put up for sale with on-line auction service ebay.

TransPennine Express had the model built for the public to see what its fleet of 100mph new Class 185 trains will be like when they start running in 2006.

After a six-month stay in York, it has to be moved and sold - or it may be broken up.

It was constructed in Germany and fitted to look and feel like a real train, with reclining First Class seats, carpeting and interior lighting.

Made of heavy-duty MDF and with many genuine interior fittings, dismantling and removal is likely to take a full day.

A reserve price of £5,000 has been set for the on-line auction, which ends on Friday. Details can be found by searching for Class 185 on the ebay.co.uk website.