MONEY raised by Grampian Model Railroaders' 16th annual model railway exhibition will set wheels in motion for a proposed museum.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Railroaders president David Burkhill said the model train club had plans to restore the old Stawell railway goods shed.
"We are hoping to turn it into a museum," he said.
The proposed museum would have a distinct railway theme.
"We got that as a project off VicTrack," Mr Burkhill said.
Plans are before Northern Grampians Shire Council.
Mr Burkhill said money from the two-day exhibition at the weekend would help pay for the project.
Final attendance figures have yet to be calculated, but Mr Burkhill estimated more than 1000 people visited Stawell SES Hall for the event.
"The positive comments we received were that the displays were really top-quality," he said.
"We received quite a lot of comments saying 'you wouldn't get a better show anywhere'."
He said this year's show featured many new layouts.
"You see it every year, the same people coming back," he said.
"But each time they want to see something different."
He said clubs from throughout South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales applied every year to be involved in the display.
"We're already half-full for next year," he said.
"We have to knock back people because we have become so popular."
Mr Burkhill said people liked the novelty of the model trains, especially children.
"It was very well received, and we just hope to improve every year," he said.
Grampian Model Railroaders has about 30 active members.
The club formed in 1996.
For Mr Burkhill, model trains are a connection to his past.
"I used to be in the railways in England before we came to Australia," he said.
