Miniature train enthusiasts under starter's orders

Miniature train enthusiasts will be gathering in Rotorua for the Model Train Show.

Trains, planes and firemen will replace horses, jockeys and hats at Arawa Park this weekend where the Rotorua Model Train Club is having its Easter show.

Barry Jenkins, a life member of the club, collects British Hornby Dublo trains that were made in England in the 1950s.

He's been collecting since he was 18, and despite the fact that the trains don't actually go anywhere, the 75-year-old is still mesmerised by the little engines chugging around the tracks.

"I have had a life-long love of trains. I never get sick of watching them go around."

He said most members of the club also enjoyed taking train journeys in real life.

This weekend's show has miniature train enthusiasts from Hamilton, Matamata, Napier and Tauranga gathering with the local club to show a variety of train layouts.

It will take organisers more than a day to set up the collections and to squeeze the tracks into the two floors of space.

The yearly event is popular with families and Thomas the Tank Engine in particular has seen children become interested in going to the show.

As well as trains, radio control aeroplanesand doll houses will be displayed.

The Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade is also attending with an engine and members are holding a sausage sizzle to raise funds for a new station.

Details:

* What: Rotorua Model Train Show

* Where: Rotorua Racecourse

* When: Saturday, 9.30am-4pm; Sunday, 9.30am-4pm, Monday, 9.30am-2pm.

* Cost: $6 adults, $3 children, $18 family of 5.