Spark your imagination with the hobby of miniature landscapes and trains when the Bundaberg Model Railway Club hosts its first open day for the year.
Bundaberg Model Railway Club promotions officer John Bonnett said the club holds two open days each year and they’re always well attended by train enthusiast and the wider community.
John said the Bundaberg Model Railway Club was the second oldest model railway organisation in Queensland, and it began after a cheeky advertisement in the local paper.
He said it all started when a couple moved to the Bundaberg Region, and the husband, a keen model railway maker, was looking for a club to join but when he couldn’t find one the wife intervened.
“A few days later the husband noticed an advertisement in local paper requesting anyone who wanted to join a model railway club to call a number,” John said.
“Sure enough that phone number was his number.
“But it worked, and he had interested people phone up, and that’s how the club started.”
John said although the club started decades ago it was a hobby that was still truly alive in the Bundaberg Region.
He added the model railway open day was a chance for all of the community to pop into their clubhouse and see the magnificent creations where imagination has no limit.
“We will have our five layouts on display with another member bringing along the sixth, his miniature layout, for people to look at, ask questions, and check out the hobby,” he said.
“There is a lot of skill involved in making some of the landscapes – it’s more than just watching the trains and definitely something for everyone.
“If you have the time there will be quite a bit to see.”
John said some of the landscapes and scenarios included personal touches, such as a miniature wheelie walker heading towards Walkers Point at Woodgate, and a man falling from the back of a truck, but if you want to know the story behind these it’s best to ask the creators about them.
The Bundaberg Model Railway Club open day will be held Saturday, 14 March from 9am to 3pm at the clubhouse at the old showgrounds, off Kensington Street, with free admission.
For more information phone John Bonnett on 4154 1448.
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