Every 2 years a model engineering convention is held somewhere in New Zealand.

Modelling interests encompass a wide range of subjects. These include but are not limited to:

Locomotives

Traction engines

Steam road vehicles

Stationary Steam engines

Clocks

Tools

Radio control model yachts

Radio control tugs, ships etc

Radio control model aircraft (which cannot be flown from our site as we are under an aircraft flightpath)

Easter 1975 was the very first mini-rally, held at Nelson. All others since then have been held in early January.

1978 - Nelson - The first National Model Steam Rally. 208 people registered. 39 locomotives on the track.

1981 - Nelson "Fun in the Sun 81". 234 people registered. 47 locomotives on the track plus 2 traction engines.

1983 - New Plymouth

1985

1987 - Blenheim . 244 people registered. 58 locomtives and 2 traction engines.

1990 - Auckland Manukau Live Steamers

1992 - Nelson - "Steam and Cinders". Recorded as the 6th National Rally. I am guessing at the dates above that are without locations. Total registrations not recorded, but there were 7 people from Australia and 2 from America. 62 locomotives plus 1 crane.

1994 - Havelock North

1996 - Dunedin

1998 - Tauranga

2000 - Blenheim

2002 - Palmerston North

2004 - Hamilton

2006 - Christchurch

2008 - Auckland Manukau Live Steamers attended by 250 people, including 50 from overseas.

2010 - Nelson

2012 - Whangarei

2014 - Dunedin

Steam & Cinders 2010

Wednesday 6th - Sunday 10th of January 2010

Location
Click here to see a map of the site. It centres on the word 'Lake' in the middle of the picture.

Programme
Tuesday 5th - arrivals, no formal programme.
Wednesday 6th though Sunday 10th - main programme. Details here
Monday 11th - departures and cleanup, no formal programme.

Thinking of attending?
Register on this form

Accommodation
January is high season for accommodation in Nelson. If you are intending to come to the convention you will need to book early.

Motels, lodges and the camping ground are listed here.

Check out these accommodation and tourism sites:
Latitude Nelson - i-Site
New Zealand Tourism Online
Nelson Tourism Services
Nelson Escapes
Best of NZ - Nelson Region

Other Activities
Nelson is known as an arts and crafts centre with many practicing artists, potters and cabinetmakers in the area.
There is a very good market every Saturday morning in Montgomery Square, selling jewellery and crafts as well as food and produce.
Tahunanui Beach is an excellent swimming beach.

Galleries Paintings, Jewellery, Pottery, Furniture, Textiles, Photography
Restaurants and yet more Restaurants
Wineries in the wider Tasman district.
Potteries
Hoglund art glass studio.
World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars

Adventure tourism such as:
Giant flying fox
Sky Diving
Helicopters
etc.

Abel Tasman National Park - golden beaches, kayak trips, boat trips, etc.
Many things in Golden Bay. Worth a couple of extra days at least.