Model railway exhibition stays on track

LITTLE trains managed to pull big crowds in Warrnambool over the weekend.

More than 2000 people visited the annual Warrnambool Model Railway Club exhibition at the Archie Graham Centre over the weekend, proving true the old saying that good things come in small packages. 

Club treasurer Kevin McSween said 1500 people filed through the doors on Saturday, and he estimated another 1000 had paid a visit yesterday. 

“It’s been a very busy weekend,” Mr McSween told The Standard. 

“Today (Sunday) has been family day. 

“We have had plenty of families coming in to have a look, and the kids just love seeing the trains working and all the detail in the layouts. 

“Saturday we had a lot of blokes coming in for a look, either on their own or with their children or grandchildren.

“People have been saying this year’s exhibition is better than last year’s, which is really a pat on the back for us, because I thought last year’s was exceptional.”

This year’s exhibition attracted layouts from as far away as Murray Bridge and Sunbury, as well as designs from local members. 

Mr McSween said the most intricate and impressive display was a triple deck layout that ran on live over-head gantries.  

He said an exhibition layout could take anywhere between two and five years to construct and have fully operational. 

“It’s a bit of a labour of love. It’s good fun. A good clean hobby,” he said.

“One of our life members has done four exhibition layouts and is developing his fourth now.”

Mr McSween said there also featured stalls from speciality manufacturers. 

“We have seen people leaving with a few items and even a few people picking up their first kit to go home and construct, which was great to see,” he said. 

jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au