Max's Meat Works module on N Central

The COMS has a train layout which it takes to model train displays in the lower South Island. We also host a model train show in Cromwell every two years coinciding with Otago Anniversary weekend in March. The show is held on the Saturday and Sunday of that long weekend, and is held on odd-numbered years. We alternate show displays with the Nelson Model Train Show which is held on even-numbered years sometime in March to suit their needs.

N Central

The club models its railway in N Scale which is 1:148 in the UK and 1:160 in the USA. Both scales are acceptable and run on our N Gauge track which is (N)ine mm between rails. We call our layout 'N Central' - which identifies our N Gauge/Scale and Central Otago aspects, as well as sounding grand.

N Central is built in sections called 'modules' which bolt together. Club members can build their own modules at home, then bring them along to a meeting or public display and join them in to a big layout. We mix and match whatever modules we choose depending on the floor space available, so it is not often that our full layout looks the same. Our module standards are loosely based on the US NTrack module system, though we define our own standards.

Member Layouts

Members model in their own scales of interest, ranging from plastic Thomas the Tank Engine layouts, the popular HO/OO scale, tiny Z Gauge and even historic metal Marklin track. The club provides guidance to members on all aspects of building, laying track, scenic development and train control to support their model train activities.