Whether you’re into planes, trains or automobiles, the Benalla Model and Hobby Expo will have something to interest you.
Held in the old NEA building at 211 Bridge St, the expo is being organised by Benalla’s Roly Gaumann in association with the Wangaratta Aero Modellers.
Mr Gaumann said the idea was simply to spark an interest in people new to the world of modelling, or revive a dormant one in those who may have enjoyed those hobbies in the past.
Three local hobby and model clubs will be hosting displays in the hope of attracting new members.
Those are the Wangaratta Aero Modellers, Goulburn Valley Model Railway Club and North East Radio Control Car Club.
“The idea of the expo is to drum up some interest in modelling and hobbies in general,” Mr Gaumann said.
The Goulburn Valley Model Railway Club will have a display of miniature railways, including a Thomas the Tank Engine set that children can operate.
“We are all struggling with membership at the moment and we hope to pique the interest of local people.
“What I always find is that people come up and say, ‘I used to do that’.
“Or ‘I knew someone who did that’, and they’re always interested in getting involved.
“Many people might not know we have these clubs in the region, so hopefully the expo will bring what we do into the public’s mind.
“We’ll have two hobby shops from Wangaratta and Albury who will bring some kits down to show people what is available.
“Those won’t be for sale at the event. They are there to give people an idea of what is out there.
“They will include some beginner’s kits, so people starting out can get an idea of price, and what is involved.”
The expo will feature a range of models and activities to suit all ages.
The Goulburn Valley Model Railway Club will have a display of miniature railways, including a Thomas the Tank Engine set that children can operate.
The North East Radio Control Car Club will be bringing a collection of vehicles, and the Wangaratta Aero Modellers will have everything from simple decorative models right up to miniature, to-scale, remote control aircraft.
The expo is taking place during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
It will be open:
- Friday, June 10 from 5pm to 8pm;
- Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 from 10am to 5pm; and
- Monday, June 13 from 10am to 2pm.
Entry is $2 with under-10s free.
For more information call Roly Gaumann on 0411 550 481.