Iconic Napier model train exhibit finds new home

From break ins, to Covid-19 and now cancer. Napier's Train World has faced challenge after challenge over the past year.

The historic attraction has been on the brink of closure with the final destination of hundreds of model trains unknown, but at the final hour enthusiasts have come to the rescue.

It’s been a labour of love for 80-year-old John Burt for the last 20 years and is now being disassembled.

It’s brought Burt and countless others, adults and children, entertainment and joy over the decades.

“It’s creative, it’s educational, but it’s fun. For me as an older man it’s also incredibly relaxing,” Burt told 1 News.

But Covid-19 has brought the exhibit to its financial knees with a lack of international tourists.

Burt also received a terminal cancer diagnosis this year and he can’t keep on caring for the 20 square metres of track and displays.

He's been struggling to find a buyer for the last year, fearing his trains could be destined for the tip.

Until Rotorua train enthusiast, Pierre Vuilleummier, heard about the sale and couldn't turn down the opportunity.

“John’s put a lot of effort into it and there are a lot of things on it that you cannot buy anymore. Those are unique pieces,” Pierre told 1 News while slowly taking apart the delicate model houses and people to be taken to their new home.

It's painstaking to dismantle.

But once rebuilt it'll take up residence at the National Timber Museum in Putaruru in the south Waikato. Taking a huge weight off for Burt.

“It’s taken a lot of pressure off me, physically and emotionally, I don’t feel worried anymore and that's thanks to him and his team.”

Not all will be heading to the new home, with a few special pieces staying behind for Burt to enjoy.

The hobby shop will also keep its doors open for a resurgence of enthusiasts.

“Lockdown in many ways has been good for me, people have got the train sets out of the loft, or the garage.”

There’s a lot of work to do to get everything reassemble but once completed, Burt has been promised free entry whenever he likes.