Making Trains Fun Goes To New Zealand

 

On Feb. 4, 2026, Steve and Malinda, had the opportunity to attend the 15th New Zealand Garden Railway Convention.  Mr. Bill Stanley, Convention Convenor, asked us to give a brief presentation on Making Trains Fun at their banquet on Friday evening.  We were very honored to be the guest speakers.  The attendees of the convention were delighted to see the youth activities being held to encourage children to become involved and grow their interest in the hobby.  As in the United States, New Zealand is also working diligently to get youth involved to keep the garden railway hobby going for many years to come. 

On behalf of Mr. Charles Ro, USA Trains and Making Trains Fun, we presented Mr. Bill Stanley and his wife Maggie, with some Making Trains Fun flat cars and some items for building loads to help them with their endeavors to get youth involved in the hobby. 

The next day, we were asked to hold a youth clinic at Bill and Maggie Stanley’s “Pirfic Station” open house on Sunday afternoon.  We had 3 youth in the clinic and they were thrilled to receive a flat car and build a load. 

Thank you, Bill, and the New Zealand Garden Railway Convention for having “Making Trains Fun” a part of your convention.   We received a very warm welcome from everyone!!  A wonderful experience and one we will always remember.