Family brings Star Wars to life at Port Macquarie Scale Model Expo

THIS year’s Port Macquarie Scale Model Expo was a galactic success, drawing a crowd of 1484 visitors to admire 88 exhibitors’ intricate creations – from military miniatures to sci-fi icons like Star Wars and Astro Boy.

Among the standout displays was a striking 3D-printed AT-AT Walker from Star Wars, crafted and exhibited by the Brown family.

A true team effort, the Browns brought two generations together to design, print, assemble and paint the towering Imperial walker.

Expo organiser Craig Anderson of the Port Macquarie Scale Modellers Club said this kind of family involvement is exactly what the event is all about.

“Originally, it was just a boat show.

“Over the years, it sort of morphed into the whole scale model thing.

“So…. armour, planes, figurines, trains, all that sort of thing.”

Held at Panthers on 12-13 July, the expo attracted clubs and vendors from all over the state, including groups from Western Sydney, Wollongong and Ballina.

While many exhibits paid tribute to history, engineering and craftsmanship, the rise of pop culture models added a fresh dimension.

Since 2016, the Port Macquarie Scale Modellers Club has hosted the event and seen strong growth in local interest with over 100 registered members.

“We’ve gone from, probably three years ago, getting maybe 10 or 12 members to a meeting, to exceeding 35 members now.

“We meet every second Tuesday of the month between 7pm and 9pm here [at] Panthers.”

Thanks to annual funding through the Clubs NSW grants program, the group receives support to stage the two-day expo.

Open to all ages, the club spans generations.

“Our youngest club member, up until this show, was 12-years-old… we [now] have a young chap who is eight-years-old displaying for his first time this year.

“Our oldest member would be 86/87.”

By Sis HIGGINS