U3A Bentleigh wants to create a Model Train Group to attract new members and to engage with existing members who share a passion for this hobby, which provides both physical and mental creativity in the following areas: – Designing of model railway layouts and scenes – Building moveable, modular baseboards – Engineering and setting out ...
U3A Bentleigh Inc
U3A Bentleigh Model Train Group

GOAL
$4,000
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- General population
- Seniors (65+)

U3A like Bentleigh are voluntary Seniors' Groups that provide educational, recreational and social programs. Each U3A is organised by and for people who can best be described as being active in retirement or semi-retirement - the "third age" of our lives.
Our Mission is to provide opportunities for seniors to learn, teach, share and to give mutual support to each other in a friendly and warm environment, regardless of ethnicity, religion, ability or disability.
Our courses and activities cover a wide range of interest areas, from academic to physical and artistic activities. Members enjoy both the intellectual engagement and the social aspect of what we offer.
U3A Bentleigh provides social interaction, mental and physical activities for the over 55 community, at the lowest cost to our members (membership fee $65 per annum), remembering that most of them are on pensions and coping with a rising cost of living crisis.
Of particular demand are programs that ensure the digital inclusion of our members, and which build confidence in the use of technologies - for example, smartphones, tablets, computers, emailing, and how to spot scams and steps to staying safe online.
We encourage our members to participate in and volunteer to assist with projects in and around our community.
Project Summary
U3A Bentleigh wants to create a Model Train Group to attract new members and to engage with existing members who share a passion for this hobby, which provides both physical and mental creativity in the following areas:
– Designing of model railway layouts and scenes
– Building moveable, modular baseboards
– Engineering and setting out the layout
– Designing and building scenery
– Wiring, control electronics and lighting
– Plus many other skills working cooperatively.
A survey of our 600 members has revealed 13 in particular with interest in and skills relevant to this hobby, wanting to join the group.
In addition, two external individuals have offered to mentor the group and provide both expertise and material assistance with locomotives, rolling stock and accessories. The local Community Mens Shed has offered its assistance with carpentry skills.
What we now need is some financial assistance to purchase timber, baseboard material, wiring, minor tools and soldering station, scenery material and accessories allowing this project to proceed.
Project Outcomes
The project is expected to appeal to both men and women who will work together on a multi-faceted project aimed at creating a fully-functioning model railway, covering various sections of Australian railways and industries, and which will be able to be displayed to the general public as a major achievement and drawcard for mU3A Bentleigh. Most importantly, it will have taught a wide range of skills to diverse folks all coming together with a single purpose - the creation of the U3A Bentleigh Railway Group.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $5,000
FUNDING
Funding source | Amount |
---|---|
U3A Bentleigh Inc (unconfirmed) | $1,000 |
Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $4,000 |
EXPENSES
Expense item | Amount |
---|---|
Timber material | $1,500 |
Trackwork & accessories | $2,500 |
Minor tools & soldering station | $500 |
Scenery, paints, etc | $500 |
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