Many new friendships were launched when the Sydney Model Shipbuilders Club held their 7th annual Expo last weekend.
More than 500 people attended the expo which was held at the Georges River 16 ft Sailing Club.
Expo convenor Michael Bennett said people travelled from as far away as Newcastle and Canberra for the event.
"More than 120 boats were on show with one of the most popular being a model of the Sydney ferry Emerald.
"The most popular was the radio-controlled WWII cruiser, Michael said.
"It was about two-and-a-half metres long and took five years to build. It is an absolutely astonishing model.
"The Leon Griffiths Award is presented each year to an individual for their contribution to the club and to modelling in general.
"This year the award was presented to Richard Keys. He was one of our original members and so it was a popular choice."
Six clubs exhibited at the expo: the Sydney Model Shipbuilders Club, Canberra Model Ship Club, Carrs Park Radio Yacht Club, Maritime Model Club Of NSW, Australian Plastic Modellers Association, and Taskforce 72.
"What we were most pleased about was the enormous number of cross-club conversations," Michael said.
"At least half the people exhibiting commented that ship modelling has really given meaning to their lives.
"After being widowed, separated or feeling lonely as they grow older, they said that model shipbuilding has given them meaning.
"It's becoming a growing community of support.
"It makes it feel really worthwhile."
Details of the Sydney Model Shipbuilders Club are at www.smsc.org.au or contact Michael Bennett at 0411 545 770.
