The 4th New England Model Railway Convention took place at the Armidale City Bowling Club over the weekend. Attendance again surpassed expectations, with well over 130 enthusiasts making tracks to Armidale from as far afield as Sydney and Biloela in Central Queensland.
The Convention was organised and hosted by the New England Model Railway Club Inc, which draws its membership from throughout the region. Club President and Convention Registrar, Warren Herbert of Glen Innes, said that model railways are considered to be the second most popular hobby in the world (behind stamp collecting).
Convention attendees heard from specialist speakers and learnt new techniques through practical workshop displays that demonstrated the art of making detailed, miniature scenery such as trees and buildings, even how to give engines and cars that weathered, aged look. There were trade stalls and plenty of camaraderie between the like-minded model railway enthusiasts.
“We are holding our conventions every second year. We are proud of their success. The event’s reputation is now widespread and is considered to be better than the one-day event in Sydney,” Mr Herbert said. “It was a convention where people could come along and listen to experts, talking about particular subjects relating to the hobby, whether it be electronics, scenery making or how to build oil depots. There were also some display layouts exhibited.”
The Convention sought to quench model railway enthusiasts’ thirst for tips, tricks and know-how in relation to their much loved recreational pursuit.
Armidale enthusiast, Don Tydd explained that part of the appeal for him is that he is preserving the rail heritage of regional NSW, in his own miniaturised way.
“I’ve always been passionate about our rich rail heritage. Most of it is gone now. Through our model railway layouts, we can recreate them,” he said.
Many at the Convention were senior men, yet a younger generational presence demonstrated that the hobby has a strong future.
“We had a 14-year-old member of our Club come along,” Mr Herbert said.
Model trains range from yester-year rail to the Countrylink Explorer and the Ghan. They can be industrial transports, laden with model coal cars of varying lengths.
For many enthusiasts, the biggest cost is time. However, locomotives can cost upwards of $3000.
Mr. Herbert said regionally, interest in model railways is strong. “We cover the whole New England North West area. We have over 65 members, from four to 89 years of age. We meet bi-monthly at different members’ homes and hold activities and workshops, such as model building and layout construction.”
Story: Gary Fry
