The Tauranga Model Railway Club's annual show on January 16-17 is chugging along as planned, with plenty to see and do for the whole family.

"What we try and do is get a variety of model train layouts to the show every year," says Tauranga Model Railway Club's Andy Ralph.

"As the show organizer, I try to mix them up and get two or three different layouts that haven't been seen for a while."

There's something for everyone, from the kids to the 'kids-at-heart'.

"One layout is 'drive a train' which means the kids get a chance to drive their own trains. That's always very popular as you can imagine and the kids get an engine driving certificate at the end of their driving.

"This year we will have Thomas the Tank Engine chugging along that one, which as you can imagine is an extra bonus."

And for those who take their model engines more seriously, Andy says there will be a few more realistic setups.

"We've got our main club layout which is based on Katikati Station, and on the other side of that we have a big English layout based on English scenery.

"We have someone coming along with a Swiss mountain layout this year, too. It's very good.

"We've got another quite big layout coming from Hamilton based on a coastal wharf scene on the south coast of England. And, a lovely American-based layout from Napier.”

For those looking to either start their collection or expand it, there will be a travelling model shop coming from Whanganui, as well as a modelling tools retail outlet showing their wares.

"The show is absolutely suitable serious modeller's and for the whole family – we see lots of people come out of the woodwork for model trains!"

So make sure you head to Mount College Hall on Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17 from 10am-4.30pm daily.

For more information on the Tauranga Model Railway Club, visit: www.taurangamodelrailwayclub.co.nz