Young and old fascinated by small-scale train tracks, steam engines at Rondebosch exhibition

Many young and old spectators were fascinated by small-scale train tracks, steam engines and all things model engineering over the weekend’s Cape Town Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (CTSMEE) exhibition in Rondebosch.

With a huff and a puff, many young and old spectators were fascinated by small-scale train tracks, steam engines and all things model engineering over the weekend’s Cape Town Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (CTSMEE) exhibition in Rondebosch.

The society’s chair Geoffrey de Vartek told People’s Post the CTSMEE, located in Croquet Lane, celebrates its 116th year of operation and hosted this exhibition of wonderful machines, contraptions, and vehicles for the viewing pleasure of the entire family.

“We had a big crowd coming through the exhibit, especially reaching our goal to attract more youngsters to the club. We changed our angle a bit, obviously focussing on the model engineering side for the adults, but also to make it more fun for the kids to come through and understand – through play – a bit of the design engineering and science.”

De Vartek said their homebuilt excavator/digger-loader stationed in a sand pit worked hard on Saturday and Sunday (25 and 26 November), in addition to a tiny replica steam engine that took the kids for a short ride on a track next to the entrance.

This engine huffed and puffed all day for spectators, big and small, to experience the power generated to drive a real-life locomotive.

The big slotcar race track was a favourite attraction at the CTSMEE’s Exhibit over the weekend.

Here is the steam track gang of the Society of Model and Experimental Engineers gearing up the replica steam engine to take the little ones all aboard the choo-choo train on Sunday.

The rest of the exhibit included a big slotcar racetrack; shocking fun with their Van der Graaf generator; stationary engines; Ken Irwin’s display of oddity engines; 60 years of Model Making by Brian Franklin; model trains, cars and ships on show.

One of their newest members Michelle Boshoff added her voice by saying that steam engines and trains have always been her thing: “I was five when my fascination for trains and models started and it took me so long to finally find the CTSMEE club and actually live out this passion of mine.

“I wish to put it out there, this is not just a men’s game… growing up with Thomas and Friends I just quickly knew I love engines and I am finally at a place where I can share this interest with like-minded and skilled folks,” Boshoff beamed.

A fellow member, 36-year-old Matt Raubenheimer, said he’s been a part of the society for the past six years. “It’s a lot of fun to be involved in. It’s especially good for people who never grow up since the members of this club are the kind of people who love to play with things their entire lives.”

For details visit www.ctsmee.co.za or call De Vartek on 072 787 6709.