Ms Thomas said her mother recalls her throwing a tantrum in KMart when she was four because she couldn’t have a train set.
"I did get one later. It was an American Santa-Fe set with a figure eight track and a tunnel. I soon lost interest, probably because it wasn’t very realistic.’’
The 26-year-old who works for an online distributor is keen on all things mechanical.
For two years, she has been building a Di class diesel-electric locomotive to haul a train of ballast wagons. It will include a 30-ft wooden guard’s van carriage with a ballast spreader underneath.
"I have talked to people who knew the Di class locos. That’s been pretty cool really,’ she said.
Anna Thomas is a keen rail modeller, skilfully creating New Zealand prototypes.
Ms Thomas said her mother recalls her throwing a tantrum in Kmart when she was four because she couldn’t have a train set.
“I did get one later. It was an American Santa-Fe set with a figure-eight track and a tunnel. I soon lost interest, probably because it wasn’t very realistic.’’
The 26-year-old who works for an online distributor is keen on all things mechanical.
For two years, she has been building a Di class diesel-electric locomotive to haul a train of ballast wagons.
It will include a 9m wooden guard’s van carriage with a ballast spreader underneath.
“I have talked to people who knew the Di class locos. That’s been pretty cool really,’ she said.
The guard’s van will feature at the Big Model Train Show at Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre on Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am until 5pm.
Ms Thomas’ train modelling is realistic. She is working with white metal kits.
She is excited to be involved this year’s show.
The show will feature model train clubs and individuals from throughout the South Island.
Those presenting New Zealand prototypes are always popular. Last year a winning layout represented the Kaikoura Coast.
The train show is an event for anyone thinking about getting involved with the hobby.
•Entry to the Big Model Train Show is $5 for children, $10 for adults and $15 for an adult weekend pass.
