It was model mania as radio-controlled cars raced and intricate dolls' houses, trains and movie heroes were on display at the weekend. More than 1000 models were on show at the bi-annual Napier Boys' High Model Expo. Model-makers and enthusiasts inspected static and radio controlled cars and boats, aircraft, trains, doll houses.And the brave relived a war-time battle on a make-believe beach in Normandy with their models. Organiser Rob Arrell said more than 1000 people, some of whom had come from Auckland, attended the expo. But it was a local lad who took top honours. Tim Denby, 14, of Napier Boys' High won the Display Gold medal and school section for his Lord of the Rings models. "With him its attention to detail and understanding the use of colours. The colours reflect realism," Mr Arrell said. And he believed modelling was rising in popularity as enthusiasts emulated Peter Jackson and his Weta Workshop fantasy characters. The expo raised $4425 towards a Napier Boys High school trip to Japan in 2008.
