A carefully created miniature town that takes you on a ride through the past now occupies most of their garden which, for Colin Stanford, has been a labour of love for the past few years.

“It began 3 years ago – let’s just say i’m a kid that hasn’t grown up yet,” Mr Stanford said.

He has recreated the bustling hub of Murrurundi when it was first settled as a railway town known as ‘Haydonton’ named after early explorer and settler Thomas Haydon who set out and privately owned the village.

“The first train steamed into Murrurundi on April 5 1872 – but today’s visitors can see little evidence of the railway and how it played an important part in the town’s development.” 

Situated at what was then known as the ‘Great Northern Railway’, the town became a thriving hive of activity and an important transport centre for off-loading passengers, goods, farm equipment and livestock.

Colin and Robin Stanford are dedicated members of the Murrurundi Rotary Club, and it’s through the clubs help and support that a two-day festival came to fruition – with this weekend marking the third installment.

And, Mr Stanford’s creation will be the centrepiece.

“We invite the community in to our backyard every year now to view the model trains in action but there is also a lot of other activities on at the same time,” Mr Stanford said.

The Murrurundi Model Train Festival will be held on October 22 and 23 and will feature old electric, steam and modern train displays constructed to the finest detail.

Six different sites throughout the town will showcase the displays from clubs including Newcastle, Sydney, and the Hunter region.

Trains and tracks of all shapes and sizes will be on display at the Bowling Club, Information Centre, RSL Hall,  CWA Rooms, and Polding Street.

There will also be rides on a miniature steam engine available, remote control cars and helicopter flights for the whole family to enjoy.

A year of research into the towns’ early railway history and the Rotary Club has compiled a short book titled ‘The Beginning of the Railway in Murrurundi 1872’ which will also be available for sale this weekend at Murrurundi Bowling Club for $10.

“We hope the research will provide some light and help to restore the railway’s place of importance in the village’s early beginnings,” Mrs Stanford said.

Mrs Stanford said it was all part of giving back to the community.

“We love being Rotarians and love the joy of giving - there’s nothing stronger than the heart of a true volunteer,” she said.

“A big thanks also goes to the Upper Hunter Shire Council, without them the event wouldn’t be possible.”

The festival will start at Murrurundi Bowling Club with the annual Rose Show from 9am. Contact Mr Stanford on 0438078563 for more information.