CLOSE to 2000 model train enthusiasts are estimated to have gathered in Stawell for the Grampians Model Railroaders 16th annual model railway exhibition.
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The two day event included more than 20 layouts from across Victoria and interstate, ten trade stands, a modelling competition, large secondhand trader and model vehicle display.
Visitors from as far away as South Australia made the journey across the border to view displays from the very small to the very large.
And Stawell is set to benefit from the success of the event with any surpluses to go towards a refurbishment of the railway goods shed and the installation of a carriage dining cart for special occasions.
Exhibition manager, Colin Konig said one man told him of the great lengths he went to, to be in Stawell for the annual event.
"We had people from across Victoria and South Australia, but one man told me about the effort he made to get here from the other side of Melbourne," Mr Konig said.
The man took a train from Pakenham in Melbourne's east into the city before having to take a bus to Ballarat, get aboard another train to Ararat and change again to a bus to arrive in Stawell.
Mr Konig said the success of this year's event has meant planning is already well underway for next year.
"There were a lot of outstanding designs which catered for all age groups," he said.
"We had toddlers, great grandparents and all the age groups in between viewing high class layouts that struck a good balance.
"From what I have been told people were impressed by the high standard of the layouts."
Several accolades were awarded to exhibitors over the duration of the weekend.
The public vote was handed to the Kangaroo and Cockatoo railway, a G gauge layout designed by Vern Cracknell of Adelaide.
The club vote was awarded to the Macedon Ranges Model Railroaders Club for its HON 30 layout titled New Ashbyrne.
Alan Beaumont's (Murray Bridge) Little River logging company HON 30 layout claimed the exhibitors vote.
Demonstrations of 3D prototyping also returned this year after a successful introduction in 2013.
Grampians Model Railroaders have held a model train exhibition each year in July since 1999.
The club, which was formed in 1996 has more than 30 members. People from anywhere are welcome to apply to join the club.
The railroaders meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in the old Powerhouse building, 42 Sloane Street, Stawell next to Cato Lake through the rear entrance.