Whistle blows ready for model railway anniversary

The Bundaberg Model Railway Club has a group of dedicated members who welcome sharing their passion for model railways with visitors. (Supplied)

Bringing visitors that are both young and old to their doors wanting the chance to glimpse details model railway layouts, the Bundaberg Model Railway Club open days continue to be a local favourite.

As the club celebrates their 50th anniversary with their annual open day on Saturday 10 August, they will remember how as a club that started in mid-1974 from an advertisement in the local newspaper when five model railway enthusiasts replied, it is incredible to see how far the Bundaberg Model Railway Club has come.

Club promotions officer, John Bonnett said there will be five club layouts and two very small-scale private layouts running on the day with club members on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions.

“We have found over the years that children as young as two years old thoroughly enjoy watching trains go by, as do their parents and grandparents, this is truly an open day for all ages,” Mr Bonnett said.

“We always welcome as many visitors as possible on the day because we love nothing more than sharing our hobby and just what is involved in making these layouts possible.

“The new N scale DCC layout under construction, has developed further since our last open day and visitors are invited to talk to club members regarding future plans for it.”

Bundaberg Model Railway Club is the second oldest model railway organisation in Queensland and visitors to previous open days have been in awe of how the model railway layouts include such intricate details of known landscapes and often take months of hard work and dedication to construct.

The open day is free admission from 9am to 3pm with onsite parking available as well as a sausage sizzle and cold drinks for sale.

Visitors are encouraged to use the Kensington street entrance (50 metres from Walker street) Old Showgrounds, Bundaberg.

There will even be a colouring in competition with prizes donated by Bundaberg Toyworld and some lucky door prizes.

Entry forms for the colouring in competition are available from Bundaberg Toyworld.