Warrnambool Model Railway Club holds extensive exhibition of models and operational locomotives

Warrnambool Model Railway Club will hold its annual exhibition at St. Joseph's Primary School on Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

About 20 displays are expected.

Club vice-president Lindsay Bamford said it was exciting to have the show back after COVID-19 derailed the event the event last year.

"We're very excited because it's the first model train show in about a year because of COVID," Mr Bamford said.

"We've been having shows for about 25 years and last year was the first time we had to ever miss a show. It's wonderful to be back doing this."

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He said some members had spent years creating their displays.

"There'll be around 20 displays, with the biggest locomotive there weighing half a tonne," he said.

"It took the man about 10 years to build it. That is the model of the puffing billy and it's a lovely thing which can pull about 30-40 people at a time.

"There are riding carriages behind it. It's a working steam locomotive so you put coal and water in it and it blows the whistle.

"The smallest models will weigh only an ounce or two, so there's quite a variety."

Club member David McIntyre said there were misconceptions about the hobby. "Some people think they're toys but for us, it's our version of art," he said.

"A lot of us are in IT, engineering, ex-carpenters and that sort of thing. There's lots of research that goes into it, not to mention benchwork, moulding and sculpting."

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