Trio stayed on track to build Joondalup train and bus station model replica

Retirees Richard Fry, Don Hunter and Louis Puccinelli embarked on the project to build a replica model of the station in 2014.

Now that it is finished, complete with cardboard buses and trains, the trio are looking for a place to rehome the model.

Showing meticulous attention to detail, the model station includes signage, advertising billboards, escalators, people and working lights.

The men started building model boats, planes and their own houses in 2013, setting up the Modellers of Pineview Village as a way to keep busy in retirement.

Mr Fry said after building a few model planes and other small projects they were looking for something much bigger to tackle.

They contacted JCY Architects and Urban Designers, who, with the Public Transport Authority’s permission, provided plans they completed in 1992 for Joondalup station and the three model makers set about rebuilding it to scale.

Mr Fry said all three men were now in their 80s and “too old for bowls”.

He used to work for a printing company, while Mr Puccinelli was an engineer on a ship and Mr Hunter was a chartered accountant.

“There are so many tradies on the job and we were all those rolled into one,” Mr Fry said.

“We had no site arguments, no strikes, but a few sickies because we are old men.

“We came in on time and we came in under budget.”