Levin Model Railway Club

by henryphillips

Model railway ready to roll in the school holidays

By KELVIN TEIXEIRA – Horowhenua Mail 27/9/2012

Levin Model Railway Club's display is returning in the upcoming school holi­days.
On Monday to Friday next week a modified and enlarged Wilcox Memorial Layout will be on show.

Club president John Morrison said the model railway display is always popular with children.
"But not so popular with parents when their kids don't want to leave," he said.
However weekly open days at the club-rooms, in the old courthouse at Levin's rose gardens, are held every Saturday and Sunday and public holidays from 1pm till4pm, he said.
There they would be able to see the club's new model replicating the railway line between Levin and Shannon.
After 18 months of work Mr. Morrison said it was "really going ahead" and likely to be completed by the end of the year.

"We've exercised a bit of creative licence and taken a few liberties here and there, including a large bridge over the Manawatu Rive rwhich isn't quite the same," he said. "But we will be keeping it real, by running NZ Rail rolling stock, including locomotives and carriages."
Mr. Morrison said one the challenges was compressing the line between the towns into a model about eight metres long by 2.5m wide.
"But we have some very smart people in our club who can do some amazing things."
Mr. Morrison said this included making buildings using pizza boxes and matches, and miniature trees from plant cuttings.
While this was nothing new, incorpor­ating a state-of-the-art digital operating system from the United States was a first for the club.
"This is all well beyond toy trains. It is real scale models worth thousands of dol­lars - and I wouldn’t like to think how many hours of work." he said.
"But it's something we all like to do and it keeps us off the streets."

Train time: Levin Model Railway Club members Bev and Trevor Parrant and President John Morrison


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Stephen Phillips The 1000 th Visitor to the Levin Model Railway club on their open day in the old Court House 12/01/2011

by henryphillips

A History of the Levin Model Railway Club

As a result of informal talking among a group of model railway enthusiasts a decision was made to investigate the possibility of forming a club.
Our first informal meeting was held on the 4^th June 2008 with 8 members attending. By the 18^th June 2008 a constitution had been adopted and a committee elected.
The first public display to announce our presence was held in the Levin Mall in July. Although quite basic, this was very successful in attracting new members and attracting interest from the general public. We have since had more of these displays to keep up the interest of the hobby.
In August, news of the shifting of the old courthouse led the Club to approach the Mayor and other councilors to express our interest in utilizing this building. We were not successful in our application but it was a worthwhile exercise going through the process.
At a meeting in October it was decided to start collecting information on Levin as a railway town and to find people with memories to share on the early days. This activity is progressing slowly.
A major decision also made hi November was to adopt the railway layout formerly in the Southward museum as a Club project with a view to making it the basis of a public display. This layout had been bought by a local couple who were happy to make it available as a Club operation. This project has recently been put on hold until a suitable building can be found to house it as it is currently in three sections in different locations.
November saw the second Mall display and was also the month the Club affiliated to theNew Zealand Association of Model Railway Clubs.
In February 2009 the Club was gifted a smaller layout which will be refurbished as a transportable exhibition piece to take to shows and displays. This will now become the first project.
Also early this year the Incorporation process was completed as another step in the development of the
Levin Model Railway Club. The current number of paid up members is over 40 and we have others interested. Members ages range from 8 to 86.
Club outings have also been organized to Foxton, Raumati and more locally to view the layouts and learn more about the 'World's Greatest Hobby'. More layout visits are planned.

Levin Model Railway Club
No 1 - July - August 2OO9

Welcome to your first newsletter, I hope you enjoy and I am able to help and inform with snippets of local and maybe not so local items of interest to all tabletoppers.
It is with regret we report the death of Charles Wilcox on9 June 2009. Deepest sympathy goes out to Charles's family. He will be greatly missed.

Presidents Report:

by henryphillips

Hello Tabbletoppers and welcome to the first newsletter of the Levin Model Railway Club. From the humble beginnings of 4 model railway nuts the club has grown to just over 40 paid up members, all under 12 months. It is really gratifying to be involved with such a committed group. Your 1 committee has been working hard to achieve the milestones of having club shirts printed and holding displays in the mall during school holidays, including the current display which is providing a lot of interest. Thanks to mall management for allowing us to have an empty shop at no cost. Committee are also in the process of finding club rooms. There are a number of members who are in the proces of building their own layouts that we can visit at some time in the future.
Happy modelling. Trevor Parrent.

The official Opening of the Levin Model Railway Club in the old Court House building in the Rose Gardens, Cambridge Street, Levin 14th August 2010.

by henryphillips

ON TRACK: After the official handover of the key to the old courthouse
to the Levin Model Railway Club, president Trevor Parrant, left, explained the work involved in building a set up like the one on display to Labour MP Darren Hughes and Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy, right.

1 Club President - Trevor Parrent, 2 MP - Darreen Hughes,
3 Levin Mayor - Brendan Duffy.

IN front of a full courthouse, Horowhenua District Mayor Brendan Duffy handed over the ceremonial key to the front door to Levin Model Train Club president Trevor Parrant.
Mr Duffy said he was pleased to see a group like the model train club make use of the building and the opportunity it opened for the club to grow.
Mr Duffy said trains of all sizes have had a fasciation for boys from a young age to a not so young-age.
He also thanked the Rose Society for the ongoing work they were doing around the building, planting and maintaining an extensive array of roses. "I hope they see the benefit of the building and utilise it for meetings and storage.
"The society have done, and continue to do a fabulous job," he said.
Labour MP Darren Hughes said Levin has a real connection with rail, the town was named after one of the directors of the railway company.
And to see a detailed set up like this on public display in one of the town's classic buildings alongside the railway line was "just fantas­tic".
Mr Parrant said the club were over the moon when the decision was made to allow them to move into the old building. "I believe this will be as good for the club as it will for the town," he said.
On the first open day hundreds of people streamed through the building asking questions about the set up on display and about the club in general. Mr Parrant was pleased with both events — the official opening and handing over of the key, and the open day.
"It has given the club a lot of exposure, and that is what we need to have if we are going to grow," he said.

Visitors, Dignitories, Club members, at the opening ceremony of the new club rooms 14th August 2010

"After all the town was named after one of the directors of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company," he said.
Mr Parrant said there is so much more available to enthusiasts now, just walking into a model shop is like having Christmas all over again.
He said Ken Gurney of Sports World has been a godsend for the club — nothing is too much trouble and he constantly gets updated catalogues and chases around searching out suppliers for them.

Mr Parrant said the Levin club has members as young as nine and some that are 80-plus, but the important thing is that everyone has a real love for trains.
Club member and publicity officer Sue Wilks said she has been brought up with trains. Her father worked on them and as a child he would take her on the train, sitting in the guards van playing cards or just watching the countryside roll by.
His passion for the steel-wheeled monsters rubbed off on Ms Wilks. "Dad was a train chaser, every time he heard one we would be off looking for it.
"Sometimes we would travel for miles, it was great fun," she said. Mr Parrant said what the club need now is younger members who have computer skills that the older generation don't have.
"Technology has finally caught up with us, even model trains now have computer chips and run on a DCC system," he said.
Mr Parrant said what they want to do is be in a position where the older members can pass on the practical knowledge they have to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the club, joining a great bunch of people and having some fun contact Trevor Parrant on telephone 368-5204 or talk to Sue Wilks at Sports World Levin.

Railroad draws a crowd

by henryphillips

Young and old: Levin Model Railway Club member James Parrant, 15, drives the trains at Levin Mall, with Bernard Carmody, left, and grandfather Trevor Parrant looking on.

When the club is estab­lished in its new premises it will set up a "big town Levin" display, with Levin station and yards on one side and possibly a portrayal ofShan­nonon the back, said James.

Meanwhile, setting up the club's "Wilcock memorial lay­out" - a fictitious small Amer­ican town running three trains on different levels and in two directions - had put the club on-track for the upcoming Rail X 2010 event in Palmerston North, he said.

Rail X 2010 runs on July 17 and 18 at Barber Hall in Arena Manawatu, 10am till 4pm. Inquiries: Trevor Parrant 06 368 5204.

Model railway club on track

He hopes the club -can support new young members by giving out some locomotives and rolling stock, "so all they have to do is buy some track and controls".

Mr Duffy thanked Labour MP Darren Hughes for his part in arranging for the old courthouse to be given free and relocated at no cost to the council. He said the model railway club was chosen from a long list of potential occupants because it offered an attraction for the greatest number of people, of all ages. "This club has the oppor­tunity to display our history," he said.

About 300 people visited the displays on the opening day. Opening hours: weekends1pm to 4pm, school holidays,10amtill4pm, gold coin donation.

Levin Model Railway Club has found a new home as the first tenant in the refurbished Levin courthouse.
In an announcement last Friday, Mayor Brendan Duffy said the club planned-to use the main area to display model trains within their "detailed miniature settings" and will fea­ture a display replicating early rail in Levin as one of the scenes.

"This is an exciting initiative to provide yet another opportunity for young and old to enjoy this age-old interest," he said.
Levin Model Railway Club chair Trevor Parrant said the display would be officially opened on August 14, by invi­tation only.

It would incorporate one main change highlighted at recent exhibitions in the Levin Mall and at RAIL-X in Palmerston North - the need to lower the layout by about 15 centimetres to accommodate younger people and those in wheelchairs.

The club plans to open to the public from1pm till 4pmin the weekends and during the school holidays.
"Now that we have a home we are aiming for the younger generation."
It has already received invitations to display in Whanganui and Masterton next year.
The Rose Society will also util­ise the building, and historical photos will be on display as a reminder of the town's heritage.

Club Members at the club rooms opening ceremoney 14th August 2010

Levin model railway club layout - West side

The detail in this layout is incrediable and still being developed.

by henryphillips

Levin model railway club layout East side of the layout

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Levin model railway club layout

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ARTIST HITS THE TRACKS

By KELVIN TEIXEIRA Horowhenua Mail 20 December 2012

Levin painter Ron Horne has just completed his first mural - but not on any canvas or wall.
He painted a landscape on the 16m by 3m backdrop for Levin Model Railway Club's new layout representing the line between Levin and Shannon.
The well-regarded artist admit­ted it was a new challenge, especially having to lean over the model railway tracks, buildings and trees, as well as painting a narrow vertical face of plywood.
"But I'm very pleased with the result. It's come up terrific."
While Mr Home was no stranger to painting trains, he said maritime scenes, ships and other boats were his favourite.
Mr Home, a retired shoe repairer and Horowhenua Arts Society member, completed the backdrop in about 10 hours. "That is two hours at a time over two weeks."

Levin Model Railway Club president John Morrison said members were delighted with the new painted backdrop.
"It makes such a difference to the look of the layout. It's absol­utely wonderful." I The new Levin-Shannon layout is available to view at the club's premises inside the old courthouse building at Levin's public rose gardens, every Saturday and Sunday and public holidays between 1pm and 4pm.

Levin model railway club layout East side of the

Layout

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Levin model railway club layout East side of the layout

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Levin model railway club layout Southside of the layout

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Levin model railway club layout South east side of the layout

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Levin Model Railway Club

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A Painting of a steam train by Mr. Ron Horn

Levin model railway club layout

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Levin model railway club layout A beautifully made Viaduct on the south side of the layout.

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Levin model railway club layout
Serious work going on

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Levin model railway club layout Some of the club sponsors

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Levin Model Railway club
Levin Shopping Mall Display Sept. 2013

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Levin Model Railway club September 2013

During the school holidays the LMC sets up one of their track layouts in The Levin Shopping Mall and runs it as a working demonstration.
This creates a lot of interest amongst the public and school pupils, and helps to promote club activities.

Club members are rostered to run the display over a two week period.

Levin Model Railway club
Levin Shopping Mall Display Sept. 2013

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Levin Model Railway Club
A recently refurbished layout in their club rooms

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Club working on a model of Levin and Shannon Railway yards By Peter Franklin , Levin Chronicle

Levin Model Railway Club members are on the brink of finishing a major project, a scale model of the Levin and Shannon railway yards. Club secretary Sue Wilks said all credit must go to the small group of dedicated club members who have put in a huge amount of time and effort and helped fund the project.
She said once completed the layout will give both locals and visitors to the district a "small" look at what the yards and surrounding buildings looked like during the 1950 and 60s.
Visitor numbers to the club, based in the old courthouse at the LevinRoseGardens, had been steady, however there has been a lot of interest in the new layout. Ms Wilke said it had been amazing to watch the two yards take shape over the months, each tree, house and associated building, all carefully made by hand and placed in the right position.

"A lot of research has gone into it, old photos have been studied to make sure everything is in the right place and to scale," she said.
With an eye for detail the builders have included the news stand that once stood on the platform of Levin station.
Ms Wilke said like a lot of clubs they are always on the lookout for new members, and encouraged anyone with an interest in rail to attend one of their club nights which are held each Wednesday at7.30pm.
While there is a lot happening within the club, they do get away every now and again. Club members travel to other centres to see what other clubs are working on. One annual trip that is always popular is the Taupo hobby expo.
"We try to get up to the Taupo, now that is a lot of fun and it caters for all hobbies." She said.
Again these school holidays the club will have a layout operating in the Levin Shopping Mall, club members looking after the layout during the day will be able to answer any questions.

Levin Model Railway Club
A recently refurbished layout in their club rooms

by henryphillips

Model Railway Club showcases history

A report printed in the Horowhenua Chronicle on 25th June 2014 by Peter Franklin

  At the weekend, Waikanae model Railway enthusiast David Waddilove became visitor number 6000 to the
 Levin model Railway club's display in the old courthouse.
 Club president John Morrison said Levin and Shannon were two historical railway landmarks in the lower North
 Island of New Zealand. both were named after directors in the Wellington Manawatu Railway Company founded in
 1881, William Hort Levin and George Vance Shannon.

 The Club has created models of the Railway systems based on the 1960s, the layout has become an important
 historical feature of Levin - so much so that the Horowhenua District Council has granted the Club a lease to use 
 the unique old court house, built in 1903. 
 The era was chosen so that both steam and diesel-electrics could run at the same time. 
 Authentic NZR rolling stock and locomotives are gradually being collected and members are hungrily searching
 the internet for affordable engine classes that ran through the area.
 Accurate models of the station, goods sheds and staff houses have drawn warm appreciation from visitors who
 easily recognise their authenticity.
 A small layout is available for children to operate and, of course, the club Thomas that the push of a button.
 Work has begun on on an "N" gauge line fom Manakau to Otaki, designed by former engine driver Charles Wilcox 
 - before his death he offered it to The levin Model Railway Club. Club members have a movable layout and it is 

displayed during school holidays in Levin Mall,
at the local AP&I show as well as Wanganui,
Dannevirke, Palmerston North and Taupo Rail Expos.

 Apart from the working models the club put 
 together a substantial library of railway books and
 magazine. 
 Onre project of significance the club is preparing 
relates to level crossing safety and members
 have plans to help educate children about 
dangers around crossings.
 The Levin Model Railway Clubrooms are open 
to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons,
 1pm to 4pm.

 Well worth taking the time to see this amazing 
 display.

Inserted by Henry Phillips 26-6-2014