Hundreds at Wairarapa model rail show

INTRICATE: Eight-year-olds Jordan Bowden and Madison Bowden, Masterton, are fascinated by the workings of the Meccano railway.

Hundreds of visitors tracked through the doors on both days of the Wairarapa Railway Modellers biennial show in Masterton at the weekend.

Modellers president Peter Murray said more than a thousand visitors overall attended the show at the Masterton Town Hall and the increased head count on previous years was heartening for the club.

He said several new members had also signed up for the Wairarapa club after viewing the more than 20 displays, including a popular Meccano layout, which had been brought to the show by about 30 members and modellers from as far away as Wellington, Lower Hutt, Palmerston North and Napier.

Bay Hobby Supplies and other trade stalls were also well-patronised, he said, as was the Wairarapa club refreshments stall.

"We've had a lot of people here and they've come through in waves.

"The Meccano set was a winner especially and will probably be back in two years, and the layout we put up as a raffle prize was pretty popular as well," he said.

"It's been a really good weekend for us and we picked up a few new members too, which is always a bonus for us.

"We're always looking for new members,"said Mr Murray.