Planes, trains, autos – and more – for Clonakilty model show

BY SIOBHÁN CRONIN 

A MAJOR model trains, planes and automobiles display in aid of West Cork Rapid Response, is taking place in Clonakilty on Father’s Day.

The dispay is being held – appropriately – at the Model Railway Village, and is being organised by the Garrison Model Club, which is based at Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven.

Although the club hosts a major event at the fort in Camden every August, this is the first time the Clonakilty venue has been chosen for a separate event.

‘We have usually about 2,000 people attending the Fort Meagher event every year, and this will be our third event in August,’ explained organiser Brendan Buckley.

‘I had visited the Railway Village already and thought it would be a great venue for a display like this,’ said Brendan, who added that he was delighted the day’s events would be held in aid of Dr Jason van der Velde’s West Cork Rapid Response. ‘It’s a great charity and they do wonderful work in West Cork,’ he said.

A marquee will be erected on-site, along with displays in the hall and around the grounds. There will be miniature models of trains, planes, helicopters, boats, farm equipment, military vehicles and dioramas (battle scenes).

A total of 30 stands will accommodate up to 45 exhibitors and it is hoped the event will prove to be a big day out for all the family, as well as model enthusiasts. There will also be trade strands, demonstrations, actors doing re-enactments and weapons’ displays. Stained glass artist Roy O’Donovan from Shanakiel is a special guest at the show.

Another section will be devoted to movie memorabilia, with items from Predator, Teriminator, The Chronicles of Riddick and the TV show Vikings. There is a ‘head on a spike’ prop from Vikings which always proves eerily popular, said Brendan.

‘We will also be using the pond and the model railway village because we will have remote-controlled boats and vehicles on display there,’ he added.

Brendan, from Doneraile in North Cork, set up the Garrison Model Club with Carrigaline-based Stephen Dawes after their inaugural model display in Crosshaven proved to be a massive success.

‘Our Crosshaven event is the biggest model display exhibition in Munster, but we hope to get a huge crowd through the doors of the Railway Village in Clonakilty on June 19th too,’ he said.

The usual entry fee to the Railway Village will apply on the day – with the exhibition (running from 11.30am until 5pm) an added attraction.