Whanganui's model train expo draws hundreds

Whanganui's train model exhibition proved to be a hoot with more than 1000 tickets sold over the weekend.

For more than six years the event has been the Whanganui Model Railway and Engineering Society's major fundraiser and has run biannually.

From 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday crowds gathered at Whanganui City College school hall to exhibit displays from model railway clubs all over the north island.

Whanganui Model Railway and Engineering Society president, Paul Mallett, said clubs had come from Hamilton, Napier, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Levin and New Plymouth.

"The Manawatu European Motor Club seem to come every time which is great but we also have a lot of fresh first-timers too which has been really cool," Mr Mallett said.

He said on Saturday about 600 tickets sold and the hall was packed with people and Sunday it was nearly the same.

Model Train Expo at Whanganui City College Hall draws in people of all ages. Photo/ Bevan Conley

"Every display seems to be getting a fair share of attention... we even had guys bringing traction engines over which have been parked outside which is a drawcard," Mr Mallet said.

Steve McClune from the Feilding Steam Traction Society parked his engine outside to help pull the crowd in.

"They support us so it's only fair we support them and it seems to be going really well...people are always so fascinated by it," Mr McClune said.

Mr Mallett said they needed $3500 to cover the yearly costs and usually the club seemed to scrape through.

"It has been great to see the community get behind it and local businesses have been great."