More than 400 people attended the Modellers of Ballarat Club 13th annual Ballarat Regional Scale Model Exhibition at FedUni yesterday.

Dennis Spriggs sat proudly behind his masterpiece, the sailing ship Amerigo Vespucci, at 1:66 scale, which took him eight years to put together. 

“It was over 2000 work hours. I did it three and a half hours a day, any more and I’d go bonkers,” Mr Spriggs said.

Mr Spriggs was among several model-makers and hobbyists displaying more than 700 models.

Modellers of Ballarat club president Gary Zimmer said model-making had recently gained popularity in Ballarat.

“There’s two (modellers’) clubs in Ballarat. We are the tip of the iceberg, certainly not the majority,” Mr Zimmer said.

“We started out very small at the club rooms, but over the years with word of mouth it’s got around. People from Melbourne, Geelong and Werribee have come to visit.

“We get together once a month and talk nonsense, then hold this event once a year. 

“I think we have an interest in history, or if you can’t buy a Ferrari or have enough garage space you can have one in scale.” 

Mr Zimmer had 70 of his models on display from a collection of more than 1200 pieces. 

The exhibition predominantly displayed military vehicles, airplanes and exotic cars. Mr Zimmer said a science-fiction model enthusiast was yet to join the club.

All proceeds of the event were donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au