About 130 hobbyists attended the New England Railway Club Convention last weekend where they learnt from a series of seminars.

Club president Warren Herbert said with advances in technology it was particularly important for older members to stay up to date.

“Particularly in the digital age that can be a little bit daunting,” he said.

“[This way] they can continue to grow their hobby.”

Seminars and displays included information on tracklaying, model construction and the use of electronics.

The club also puts on exhibitions for the public but this year decided to go with the convention instead.

While Mr Herbert said the exhibitions were meant for the public to see what they do the exhibitions were aimed solely at those already interested in model trains.

Besides the intellectual stimulation Mr Herbert said the convention this year had been a good opportunity to “catch up with old friends and meet new ones”.

About 130 men attended with 50 bringing their wives

Mr Herbert said while there were some female train model hobbyists it was predominantly a male dominated activity.

The convention was held last weekend over two days.