DO THE LOCOMOTION
Model train event just the ticket for rail enthusiasts
It was hard to tell if it was the older generation or the children having the most fun at the Palmerston North Model Engineering Club’s annual Locomotion event.
More than 450 people went to the Marriner Reserve Railway at the weekend with a host of out-oftown trains and steam engines adding to the local club’s displays and barbecue.
For many of the older attendees, it was a chance to show off their labours of love.
And there was a constant queue of children waiting for rides on the trains. Money from ride tickets went to supporting the club.
Palmerston North Model Engineering Club’s Richard Lockett said the event attracted plenty of people from outside of the region.
‘‘We have got guys from New Plymouth, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Hawke’s Bay and Ka¯piti Coast,’’ he said.
‘‘Most of the guys who operate and build these things generally have an engineering background, which helps.’’
Grant Alexander travelled from Cambridge with his train, a live steam mogul.
‘‘It is a model of a locomotive out of the 1880s out of west America,’’ he said.
‘‘It weighs about a quarter of a tonne and on a nice day can pull about six cars.’’
He said he loved taking part in events like Locomotion.
‘‘I enjoy these weekends as I get to meet the enthusiasts. This is a hobby for me, and the enjoyment is both here and in the shed. I enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people.’’
Awapuni’s Bruce Geange was also there with his steam traction engine that took him three years to build.
‘‘It is based on a single-cylinder agricultural engine with about six horsepower, built in 1905,’’ he said.
At any one time there were up to eight different trains on the track.
Lockett said the club was in good stead and had recently had a group of younger members sign up.