The annual Auckland Marklin Club’s Model Trains, Boats and Planes Show has proved to be a success with young and old, since it was first held in Whangaparaoa three years ago.
Around 1000 people are expected to visit the two-day show, in Whangaparaoa Hall, to see trains speed around tracks through carefully made layouts, as well as scale model boats and planes.
Thomas the Tank Engine is back this year, as is the huge one-gauge Marklin train.
A new layout features a tram, as well as trains, running the whole length of the hall. There will be a Royal Bavarian train from 1911 running on the main layout and the club’s classic electric, diesel and steam locomotives will speed by, hauling passenger trains, a coal train or mixed freight wagons – demonstrating how trains have been used for more than 100 years.
Model warships such as HMS Exeter from the Battle of the River Plate, HMS Repulse and the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal will be on display. These are 2-3 metres long. Modeller Graham Beeson will be there to talk about his latest project and show a warship under construction.
Members of the Hibiscus Coast Radio Flyers will also be on hand to show visitors their radio controlled planes.
Philip Wrigley of the Auckland Marklin Club says the show goes from strength to strength and is followed by a spike in interest in the club, which is now based in Silverdale. Philip says the club relocated to industrial Silverdale last year, which makes it easier for locals who enjoy the show to take up the addictive hobby of modelling.
Info: www.marklin.org.nz/
Trains, Boats and Planes is on July 7 and 8 at Whangaparaoa Hall. For more information, see What’s On.
