LES Thomas can fix pretty much anything.
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The long-serving fix-it-man of the Tamworth and District Model Engineers has just been handed life membership to the club.
He not only helped build and fit the Loco Cafe, made the diamond points for the miniature railway and helped rebuild entire steam locomotives - he had a long career in avionics.
"My father was very good at adapting himself to most things," Mr Thomas said.
"He had machines and lathes and various things and I hung around that, I did electronics and avionics but I had a hobby in the mechanical side.
"I enjoy doing it and the club has been great because there's a lot of like-minded people there."
Mr Thomas worked for BAE as an aircraft engineer and retired in December when the Australian Defence Force contract wrapped up.
At 73, he said it was time to pull the pin and enjoy retirement.
"I did a lot of airframe work and the electromechanical side of things, early in my working career I was a motor mechanic," he said.
"By the time I was in my early 20's I ended up working as a mechanic for a very successful motorcycle racing man in Sydney."
Eventually Mr Thomas moved to Tamworth where he worked out at the airport until now.
Mr Thomas has been vice-president at the Tamworth and District Model Engineers club for about 10 years and was presented the award by president David Scott.
"I was surprised and it was much appreciated, I put a lot of time and effort into the club but I don't do it expecting a reward," Mr Thomas said.
"Since I've been with the club I've had a great time, I've restored a number of trains, a steam train that had been in a workshop for 20-odd years that I brought back into service."
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The jewel of the club is the miniature railway near the Botanic Gardens, which runs once a month and can be booked for birthday parties.
The 1.5 kilometres of track and sleepers are all restored and managed by the voluntary members who love to see families enjoy a ride for $2.
Mr Thomas said the club is always looking for members, aiming to improve the track and make it a tourist attraction. "Plus, the members can play with trains - literally," he said.