Model train show to reveal new era
Ararat Model Train Show will provide an opportunity for model enthusiasts to gain insight into how the hobby has evolved.
Grampians Model Railroaders are using this weekend’s show, their second in Ararat, to reveal how modern technology is expanding the pastime into a variety of directions.
They are also using the event to raise money to help fit out their headquarters in Stawell.
Club treasurer Clyde Humphries said model railways these days were much more than trains simply running around on circular tracks.
“The hobby has grown and is right up with the trends in electronic control,” he said.
“You can now control a train set with an ipad or iphone.
“Some of the engines can be valued up to $1000 and you can do just about anything, flash lights, toot the horn, all from your phone.”
Mr Humphries said people developing sets could also bring many other elements to life.
“You can have bicycles pedaling along. Forklifts, cars, you name it, we can animate it and it just brings that extra bit of magic to what can be done,” he said.
Ararat Model Train Show will be at Alexandra Oval Community Centre from 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm, Sunday.
Club members will provide layouts for operation and there will be trade stands. Adult patrons will pay $10 and children under 16 can enter free of charge.
Mr Humphries said the idea of the show was to reinvigorate the hobby in the region.
“The plan is to try to get train hobbyists out of the closet and get them along to clubs to see just how much it has changed,” he said.
“It can be technology, art, scenery making – these are skills that can go into the hobby now.”
Grampians Model Railroaders will present their 21st Stawell show in July.