A model train that sped around the track, a working clock and even a battle cruiser were part of a trip down memory lane for Meccano enthusiasts who made their way to the Māpua Community Hall in the weekend.
Māpua resident David Glenday was one of three modellers who set out their models for display.
Including in the collection is his battle cruiser which was an intricate copy of HMS New Zealand, which was launched in 1911 as a gift from the New Zealand Government to the British Royal Navy.
When he saw a Meccano nickel collection from the 1920s, he knew how he wanted to build his ship. He spent a winter researching, thinking, planning and then building the model which even has a motor to propel it forwards on wheels.
His love for Meccano goes back to when he was a boy and it was reignited after he introduced his son to the construction set system which uses reusable metal strips and everything from axles to nuts and bolts.
“I started building bits and pieces for my son and I’ve been building parts ever since. “Today with Google, you can download all sorts of images and plans,” David says.
The exhibition was also a fundraiser for the Māpua Community Hall.
