Train enthusiasts – young to not-so-young – are urged to mark January 17-18 as ‘busy’ as Tauranga Model Railway Club (TRC) hosts its 34th Model Train Show at boys’ college gymnasium.

Inside the venue, from 10am-4pm daily, visitors will be whisked into a world of recreated railway models in what is the Bay of Plenty’s only annual exhibition of its type.

It’s a place where grown men can be brought to their knees, witnessing the beauty of hand-built railways scenes from the past.

TMRC committee member and show organiser Trevor Gardiner said he expects more than 1000 people to flow through the doors to glimpse railways crafted by his fellow club members and visiting enthusiasts from across New Zealand.

Old Katikati station

“Our club’s main layout we put in the show each year is based on the old Katikati station,” said Gardiner.

It’s a 1:64 scale version of the Katikati railway yards of 70 years ago, right down to the faithfully replicated trees, bushes, paths, walkways, vehicles and sheds, when steam ruled, before the station burned down, before the tracks were dug up and developers drove their life-size bulldozers on to the site on the northern fringes of town. “This is very popular every year because while it’s long-gone, people like to see what it used to look like.”

Gardiner said his club would have at least three layouts – and visiting displays would make up the rest.

“New to the show is a layout that will be coming from Masterton,” said Gardiner. “This will depict an old bush tramway scene from somewhere in New Zealand.”

Not all model trains are the same – which would be evident at the show, Gardiner said.

“The layouts – from our club and elsewhere – generally cover New Zealand, English, European and American railways.” So there will be something to keep everyone agog? “Yep!”

Great for youngsters

In the thick of the school holidays, Gardiner said the show was a great outing for youngsters. On top of the displays, for children would be a Thomas the Tank Engine layout and free, hands-on activities.

For adults, trade stands will be present plus displays including Tauranga Model Marine & Engineering Club, which owns and operates the Miniature Railway for the public every Sunday at Memorial Park.

“The show’s two mornings are always busy – so if you want a quieter time to come along, try the afternoons.”

Tauranga Railway Club’s 34th Model Train Show is 10am-4pm on January 17-18 at Tauranga Boys’ College gymnasium. Main entry is off Devonport Rd. Entry is adults $10 and under-13s $5.

Trevor said the show’s proceeds would go towards TMRC’s operational expenses, which include clubroom rent, building new train layouts and upgrading existing displays.