Rotorua's model railways big hit with youngsters

Kids of all ages always enjoy the Rotorua Model Railway Club's annual open day, in fact the club members enjoy it so much they want to do it more often.

Rotorua Model Railway Club president Mike Swain said about 200 people visited the club's Pererika St headquarters over the weekend which had lots of different options to keep them entertained.

Trains of all sizes, from the smallest N and Z gauge displays to the larger O gauge trains were chugging around the tracks, with detailed scenery adding to the realism.

A replica Thomas the Tank Engine also made an appearance and was a big hit with children.

"We were hoping for a few more, but there was a lot of competition in town with different events going on," Mr Swain said.

"But, it's not about making money, the kids love the layouts and we get to have some fun, open up the doors and let people through to have a look."

Mr Swain said he had a train set as a child, but took the hobby back up again seriously about 10 years ago.

"It's a great hobby and there are a lot of facets to it. There's artwork, engineering, woodwork and electrics.

"The most time-consuming part is making the layouts and scenery, like making bridges out of coffee stirrers."

He said it was also a good opportunity to show off to other club members who spend many hours working on their layouts trying to get them as realistic as possible.

"We're thinking of doing this two or three times each year, not just once, we all have a lot of fun."

If you'd like to see what goes on at the club, find them on Facebook, or call 021 606 095.