Full steam ahead for model expo

IT’S all aboard for the Bendigo Model Railroaders Club’s Easter model exhibition, finally returning after two years of cancellations.

This year’s event will take place at the Bendigo Baptist Church Convention Centre in Junortoun, featuring two model train trading shops, 10 operational layouts and a U Drive tram for kids.

Club vice-president Peter Whitaker said they usually plan for a bi-annual exhibition and while their major fundraising activity will go ahead this Easter Saturday and Sunday, there are concerns the Junortoun location will impact visitor numbers.

“Previously we’ve been in the city, where people could walk up to it as they walk around the street,” he said.

“They won’t be in the street this year, they’ll have to make the conscious effort to do the 10-minute drive, so we’re a bit concerned about that. We had no option because we couldn’t get any other suitable venue.”

Club secretary Wayne Emmins said they have been relying on Bunnings sausage sizzles to cover the costs of the venue during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the club is one of two in Victoria that owns a building to store layouts.

Bendigo Model Railroaders aim to display something different each exhibition and with two years in the making, Mr Whitaker said there will be plenty to see this year.

“We’ve got one member who’s built two layouts and he’s got a brand new one, the Taradale line with the Taradale Viaduct in full scale,” he said.

“He’s done all the iron work in brass etching; it really is fantastic. It’s the first time it’ll be at this exhibition.”

The exhibition will be open from 10am on Saturday, 16 April and Sunday, 17 April. Tickets cost $25 for a family, $12 for an adult and $4 for a child.