More than 30 long-time model builders are teaming up to spark an interest in younger participants this weekend.
International Railway Modellers Group Nelson will open up their model railroad layout in Waimea West on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February an invite young people between 10 and 18-years-old to come and chat with the team.
They say the hobby is good for anyone who likes making stuff, using your hand tools to build what you want, and having a picture in your mind of what the finished item is meant to look like.
“We have model railways from around the world and are concerned that the knowledge and skills connected to this activity are likely to be lost without new blood entering our hobby,” a spokesperson for the group says.
If it turns out to be your type of thing, a series of six-plus half-day workshops will be held over the summer/autumn period to try firsthand what its like to put together a model railway.
“We are aware of the financial constraints in most households, and the costs related to these workshops will be minimal using donated materials.”
You can book a time slot to meet the group and view the extensive layout on the open afternoons where one-on-one time can be spent with those interested and their parents.
The group can be contacted on facebook.com/groups/irmgn or by emailing irmgnelson@gmail.com
