Model railway enthusiasts and train lovers, get ready to chug along to the Australian Model Railway Association (AMRA) Queensland Inc open day at the Zillmere Club this month.
AMRA Queensland marked 70 years of operation in May, with the Zillmere Club operating for almost three decades.
President AMRA Queensland, Bruce Meiklejohn, said the club had more than 320 members statewide, with a majority in the southeast corner.
“Our open days, of which there are three annually, are run to encourage people of all ages to take up the hobby,” Bruce said. “Secondly, to recruit new members. Third is to assist anyone who may be having problems with their home layout.”
The open day on Saturday, 20 July will showcase a variety of permanent club layouts using different control systems such as DC, DCC, Bluetooth and radio control, as well as various scales and gauges. Bruce himself uses O scale narrow gauge (1:48) model trains in his industrial and sugar farming railway setup.
“I have been interested in model trains since my childhood,” he said. “My son reignited my interest in model trains about 20 years ago.”
Themed layouts will be on display at the open day, including a Thomas U-Drive layout where kids of all ages can take the driver’s seat and experience the thrill of riding a mini train. There will also be a G Gauge funicular modelled after examples from the UK and New Zealand.
Visitors will have the opportunity to browse the ‘buy and sell’ tables offering various rolling stock, tracks, buildings and scenery items.
Bruce said the open days were a great opportunity for AMRA members to come together, bond over their mutual interests and share their passion for model railways with visitors.
“I think it is to have fun as individuals and as a group, especially when constructing a show layout,” he said.
Hamburgers, a sausage sizzle, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available at the event.
Those unable to attend can mark their calendars for the next open day on Saturday, 19 October. AMRA Queensland also hosts the annual Brisbane Model Train Show, a two-day event that brings together all clubs and hobby traders.
For more information contact amraqld1@gmail.com or call 3194 8766 or 0433 440 031.
Australian Model Railway Association Queensland Inc Open Day
- Saturday, 20 July, 8.30am-1.30pm
- AMRA Zillmere
- 20A Murphy Road, Zillmere.
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