Model railways galore at Rotorua club's open days

People can admire model layouts at the open days. Photo/Supplied

Families can take a ride into the past this weekend by checking out some of the layouts at model railway open days, including one from the 1950s.

The Rotorua Model Railway Club is holding open days for the public tomorrowand Sunday.

The open days run from 10am to 4pm at the Pererika St Clubrooms.

Barry Jenkins says the club holds these open days once or twice a year.

"It's a bit of a get-together for club members to play with trains for two days, and let the public see what we do, while at the same time raising a bit of money for the club."

Layouts that will be on show this weekend include large American railways, Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, vintage British Hornby Dublo from the 1950s, and logging and bush railways.

Model trains and railways will be on display. Photo/Supplied

Barry says he started collecting Hornby Dublo about 1957, and he still has his first set.

He says he is looking forward to meeting people who come through the doors this weekend, and having a chat with them about trains.

He will have a competition available for the children to get involved in, he says.

"I think it's a lot of fun, especially with Thomas the Tank Engine. It's probably the most popular layout we have for the children."

The open days are great for families and reasonably priced, he says.

Entry is $5 for families, $3 for adults and $1 for children - "You can't get it cheaper".