Newcastle 1899

For one weekend only, Newcastle Museum will be hosting one of Australia's best model railways in the city that inspired it.

For over a decade, noted modeler Ross Balderson and a small group of fellow enthusiasts have worked together to create a stunning representation of the Newcastle Railway station precinct in 1899. This miniature work of art built to N scale (1:160) is complete with a bustling harbor filled with historically accurate ships and steam trams chugging their way up and down Scott Street.

The model is a superb reflection of the complex and varied skills that contribute to model-making. Newcastle 1899 is a combination of artistic flair, precision accuracy, and detailed research. Ross has drawn from historical photographs, measured existing buildings, and hand-painted backdrops to develop a breathtaking record of Newcastle in the age of sail and steam.  Newcastle Museum is proud to be able to display the model for the first time in Newcastle.

Newcastle 1899  will also be joined by Hexham-ish, a model railway built by Steve Curry based on the J & A Brown railway that operated for over 130 years between Hexham and Minmi. Steve has been responsible for scratch-building highly detailed models of the J & A Brown locomotive fleet, including a representation of The Buck, which is on permanent display at Newcastle Museum.

Entry to this pop-up exhibition is free, with both railways operating throughout the museum opening hours from the 7 - 9 July.