Train enthusiasts, collectors and families are expected to descend on Clarendon this weekend as one of New South Wales' largest model railway exhibitions rolls into the Hawkesbury.
The 42nd Annual Hills Model Railway Society Exhibition will be held at Hawkesbury Race Club on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, bringing together model railway clubs, traders and hobbyists from across the state and beyond.
The exhibition has become a fixture on the model railway calendar and is expected to attract close to 2,000 visitors over the two-day event.
Visitors will be treated to a wide variety of operating layouts, from detailed Australian railway scenes to intricate international displays, showcasing the craftsmanship, engineering and creativity that have made model railways a beloved hobby for generations.
Among the highlights will be large-scale layouts featuring realistic train operations, station precincts, industrial sidings and country landscapes, many painstakingly constructed over years by dedicated enthusiasts.
The event will also feature trade stands selling model trains, track, scenery, electronics and railway memorabilia, as well as a popular "Bring and Buy" section where collectors can hunt for rare and second-hand items.
For many visitors, the exhibition is as much about nostalgia as it is about trains.
Model railways have long captured the imagination of Australians, recreating everything from bustling city stations and historic steam operations to modern freight networks and suburban commuter services.
The hobby combines engineering, electronics, carpentry, history and artistic design, attracting participants of all ages.
Families are expected to be a major part of the weekend crowd, with many layouts designed to engage younger visitors and inspire the next generation of railway enthusiasts.
The exhibition also provides an opportunity to learn about advances in digital train control systems, automation technology and the increasingly sophisticated techniques used by modern model railway builders.
Held at the Hawkesbury Race Club's function facilities, the exhibition has become an important community event, drawing visitors from across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and regional New South Wales.
Admission prices are:
- Adults: $15
- Concessions: $10
- Children (5–16 years): $8
- Family passes are also available.
Tickets can be purchased online prior to the event or at the door, subject to availability.
With trains running, miniature landscapes on display and plenty of opportunities to talk with experienced modellers, organisers say the event offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Australia's most enduring hobbies.
The 42nd Hills Model Railway Society Exhibition will be held at Hawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon, on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May.
For train lovers, history buffs and families looking for a unique day out, it promises to be a weekend where imagination, engineering and nostalgia come together on a miniature scale.
