A model train layout project designed to stimulate aged care residents’ memories could become a pilot project for the nation.

The Sunshine Coast Model Railway Club spent seven months completing the twin-track layout for Estia Health Nambour with the help of a Dementia Australia grant and it was delivered last Tuesday.

“It is an incredible piece of art and will be a valuable focal point for our residents here,” said Estia Health Nambour spokesperson Wendy May. 

“This amazing team of men have done so much work for us to produce this magnificent item. We will be starting a men’s group to go with it.”

Wendy said the immersive nature of the layout would open up many lines of engagement for residents, especially since it was modelled on local scenes and history. 

“The stories that we can tell,” she said. “It will help entice people out of their rooms.  It’s going to bring back memories and encourage engagement.  One of our residents is Allan Lanham and his dad started Lanhams Timber and Hardware (now Sunshine Mitre 10) and was deeply involved with the history of Nambour. Allan’s going to love this.”  

The project was funded by a federal government Dementia Engagement Modelling Program (DEMP) for people living with dementia in residential aged care to help with isolation and loneliness.

Secretary of the Sunshine Coast Model Railway Club Paul Downes said his members worked hard on a limited budget to get the best result for the residents. “We’ve been told this might be the pilot for other model railway clubs and for other aged care homes. That would be wonderful,” Paul said.

“Wendy and I developed a brief of what she was looking for: two tracks, one elevated, one low, tunnels and bridges with crossovers.

“We wanted small focus-scenes that could be used to generate discussion and recall and assist with memory and general mental well-being for residents. Another requirement in the brief was the whole thing had to be encased and fully lockable. We had a budget of $3000.”

There’s even a replica of one of the original cane trains that worked Nambour Sugar Mill back in the day. 

“One of our members, Graeme Brooker, did all the 3D printing and the profiles of the mill buildings and the Club Hotel Nambour Central and the cane train. 

“He got the plans from the Nambour Museum and recreated from the actual plans, scaled them and 3D printed them,” said Paul.

Two HO scale trains – one freight, one passenger  – will run from 9am-3pm all day giving residents plenty of time to discover its nooks and crannies. 

“Because it was coming to Nambour the team decided outside the original brief ‘why not throw in a sugar mill,” said Paul. 

“This has been the first layout that our members have been able to get their teeth into as a whole-club project for quite a while. 

“Being able to do something for the residents here has definitely regenerated and rekindled our members’ enthusiasm which had waned somewhat during the pandemic. It brought out the best in the guys and they really went the extra mile.”

The layout includes cars and trucks, passengers and people and two trains (one freight one passenger). 

Nambourians will recognise local landmarks such as Nambour Sugar Mill, Book Exchange, the Club Hotel, Nambour Plaza and the Nambour Golf Club. 

For information about the Sunshine Coast Model Railway Club email Club President Peter Boyd boydpj@bigpond.com or Paul: apdownes@optusnet.com.au.