Scale Model Heaven comes to Gippsland

While vehicle displays at the GVC rotate every three months, Model World will be a permanent display.

The collection of more than 3,500 scale models, described as one of the largest in Australia, came from an anonymous GVC member and consists mainly of Biante, Classic Carlectables, Apex and Trax brands.

The mix of 1:43 and 1:18 scale models is made up largely of Australian-made Fords, Holdens and Valiants, as well as a huge collection of V8 Supercars.

Fire engines, racing cars, trucks, buses, construction vehicles, motorbikes, rally cars, sports cars, vans, vintage and veteran vehicles also feature, along with a collection of Elvis memorabilia and other rare novelty pieces. While gratefully received by the GVC, the collection required some innovative thinking to figure out how the models could be best displayed.

“A significant element of the collection was that all models came complete with their boxes and the original receipts,” GVC member and display build project manager, Andrew Gallagher, said.

“That meant whatever we built had to accommodate not only 3500-plus models, but also had to allow for discreet storage of the boxes and receipts.”

Furthermore, the models needed to be kept in a climate-controlled environment, which required the installation of air conditioning, which in turn meant the display had to be separated from the main exhibition space, as the GVC building (which dates back to WWII) doesn’t lend itself to artificial heating or cooling.

The walk-in model car showroom took six weeks to build, including a façade that references Maffra’s historic motor garages. Model World Maffra is now open inside the Gippsland Vehicle Collection, which is located at 1A Sale-Maffra Rd., Maffra, Victoria. Entry is $10 for adults, $8 concession, and FREE for children under 15, but entry prices will rise from 1 April.

For more details, go to: www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au