Where once golfers met now lies about 150 metres of model train lines.
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A small but committed group of enthusiasts has been working for five years to create a detailed layout in a lower room of Hume Retirement Resort's main building, originally a golf club.
When finished Hume Estate Ahotu Model Railway will have built from scratch the extensive track, 61 points, 36 signals, 13 locomotives, two railmotors and 130 carriages and wagons in an L-shaped area about the size of a double garage.
Group convener John Thompson said the designs were based on 1950s trains in New Zealand.
"I had a misspent youth in New Zealand and I remember these steam locomotives," he said.
"I've always had an interest in model trains and over the years I think I collected every magazine and construction book on the subject but never did anything.
"But I decided when I retired I would exercise my dream."
The display includes an impressive mountain, large station and goods yard and lots of country scenery.
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Much of the work is done in a hobby room next door, where the group uses 3D printing and computer controlled machining as well as hand tools.
"It's a bit like a men's shed too, you come along, we poke fun at each other, have coffee and talk," Mr Thompson said.
Some members like to build trains, others prefer to make the scenery and guests have even contributed a few model trees.
With the top track and controls now in place, the group feels a grand opening is "long overdue" and hopes to rectify this in the next few weeks.
"When we get to operating, we'll have open days and encourage people to come along and bring their families and run the trains," the convener said.
"We've got sound in them, so they make chuffing noises and all that jazz."
But more rolling stock is needed - presently there are two locomotives running and four in the final stages of assembly and painting.
Mr Thompson laughed when asked how long each of the brass and pewter model kits took to complete.
"The experts say 40 hours, I'd say 40 weeks," he admitted.
"If you worked continuously at it, I'd say about 120 hours, they're fairly detailed."
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