Trains in the Tron - 1
I
n April I was privileged to be able to speak at the Trains
in the Tron convention in Hamilton, New Zealand. The
show was underwritten by the New Zealand Association
of Model Railway Clubs, and run by the Hamilton Model
Railroaders and Hamilton American Modellers. With roughly
180 attendees, the event had the flavor of a like-sized pro-
totype modelers meet here such as Prototype Rails in Cocoa
Beach. The venue was the Te Rapa Racecourse, a horse racing
track, ideally suited for setting up the display layouts, showcas-
ing the model judging, and evening dining.
Culturally New Zealand is very similar to the U.S., with
the exception that the people are a bit more laid-back.
Anecdotally it appears the modeling participation is a bit
higher than here on a per capita basis, and enthusiasm for the
hobby runs extremely high. The quality of modeling is excep-
tional and on par with an NMRA national event. Although few
Kiwis have basements, they compensate by building high-qual-
ity outbuildings in their backyards.
The overall environment of their model railroad rooms is con-
sistently very high (much higher than is typical of the US), with
almost all layouts housed in spaces finished to a high level.
Modeling themes are an eclectic mix of American HO, 9mm, 0,
and Sn3.5. New Zealand railways are 42” gauge and modeling
in S scale allows them use HO scale flex track. Operations is
TRAINS IN THE TRON
– by Lance Mindheim
Photos by the author
1. The venue provided
space for display layouts, a
model judging room, clinic
rooms, and a dining hall.
A report on model railroading
from New Zealand ...
MRH-Jul 2014
