Model Train Show

Railshow 2009
Golden Grove Recreation and Arts Centre

17-19 April 2009

Well what do you do on a Lazy Sunday afternoon to entertain a train fanatical 3 year old, you take them to an advertised Model Train Show!

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Presented by the 'S.A. Railway Modellers Association Inc', this was a display of the hard work of some dedicated model train enthusiasts. The cost to get into the show was $15 per family with part proceeds going to St John Ambulance.

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The trains that were on display had amazing attention to detail. My favourite which was the Kangaroo and Cockatoo Railway. This display had hand carved people and really did resemble a small town and its logging operation. It was obvious that the builder of this model railway had spent many many hours working out the fine detail of the town and its features.

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Much to the delight of my 3 year old, and to many other children, that among the exhibits was more than one 'Thomas the Tank' model train sets. Each with working trains and a good selection of the Thomas characters. Courtesy of my son, I think we spent at least an hour in front of the Thomas models, and was dragged too and fro from display to display, but always back to Thomas!

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There were approximately 12 different Model Trains on display, I guess I was hoping for a little more than what there was, but it was still enough to keep a child entertained. There are a number of factors that I could think of that would keep model train owners away and that being that the Models were on display in a small venue, and the fact that the exhibitors were using their own time and risking their Models to the trust of many little (and sometimes big) enquiring hands. I think one thing lacking from the event as well was the lack of a major sponsor of the show. Perhaps if the show had sponsorship support from radio stations or television channels, this would help with advertising and promoting the event.

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I am not complaining, this was a cheap event and was a good way to spend an afternoon, but I really feel that with some more support of more of the members of the SA Railway Modellers Association that this show could be huge, and a great draw card to families with little boys (or girls) obsessed by trains and tourists within the state! If the promoters were able to secure perhaps even just 5-10 more model train displays, particularly of the same amazing attention to detail as the ones on display, it could be a show not to be missed - and could even compete on a national scale.

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The program lists that the next exhibition will be held on the June 2009 Long weekend, and then also at the Royal Adelaide Show, so keep a look out for model train displays near you.