It is full steam ahead for the Hills Model Railway Society Inc (HRMS) as the group returns for its most-awaited weekend exhibition of model trains at the Hawkesbury Race Club in Clarendon, now bigger than ever.
Rolling through May 30 (Saturday) and 31 (Sunday), 2026, the weekend event will feature detailed model train layouts in motion, trade stands full of models, parts and accessories, and its “Bring & Buy Sale”, where enthusiasts can find bargains on pre-loved trains.
In 2025, the exhibition saw a turnout of more than 1,200 attendees and 105 hobby shop traders and club exhibitors. Now, the club aims to reach close to 2,000 ticket sales.
This year, the HRMS exhibition will feature larger layouts such as Darling Harbour from the Epping Model Railway Club and Germunden, a European-style layout from the Marklyn Model Railway Club.
The event is suitable for everyone, with food and refreshments available on-site. Model trains now come with a variety of control options, including computer control, remote hand-held devices, and even phone and tablet operation, making it enjoyable for children and avid enthusiasts alike.
Bruce Roberts, the group’s secretary, said there is so much to see.
“In 2026, we will have three function rooms with traders, and local and interstate club train layouts on display, including two larger layouts not seen last year,” he told the Hills to Hawkesbury Community News.
“Attendees last year asked, ‘Where is the second-hand train sale?’ This year, a fourth function room at the Hawkesbury Race Club is planned to include many items presented to our club for sale and offered at ‘not-to-be-missed’ prices.”
“Train enthusiasts flock to these Bring-and-Buy sales to add to their own layouts and in the hope of gaining spare parts for their rolling stock repairs.”
Returning layouts and traders include the Electric Car Sheds, Peate Shunting Puzzle, Traintasia, Omega and Bubble & Squeak, among others.
Building on last year’s momentum, the club has more in store for future exhibitions.
“Four layouts, whose owners are willing to exhibit, have been held over for 2027 as, by word of mouth, the train enthusiasts’ interest and venue facilities have been well reported.
“This is our 42nd exhibition since the club’s inaugural meeting in July 1983, and we wish to continue in a similar manner into the future.”
Interested attendees can buy tickets at the venue or pre-purchase them online via trybooking.com/events/landing/1472289. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for concessions, and $8 for children (5–16 years old), with a promo for families.
Raffle tickets can be purchased after entry, with a chance to win the first prize: a Heljan BRCW Class 104 Diesel-Mechanical Railcar valued at $749 from Woodpecker. The other seven prizes can be viewed on the club’s Facebook page, Hills Model Railway Society Inc.
To learn more about the HRMS, visit www.hmrs.org.au. For inquiries, email Bruce Roberts at [email protected].
