When David Luketic was 16, he picked up some work experience at a hobby shop, which sparked a lifelong interest in building models.
This aligned perfectly with one of Luketic’s other major passions – trains.
“From a young age, I was fascinated by trains,” he said. “I wanted to learn a hobby that incorporated my passion and allowed me to create something that I could collect.”
Luketic now boasts an impressive array of Metro Melbourne and Australian train models, which serve as a miniature history of rail transport.
With painstaking attention to detail, from the livery and body shell to the bogies and couplers, each locomotive or car can take from four to six months to create.
The first step is to design the model train in 3D using computer software.
“I use various diagrams and photos for the design,” Luketic explained. “I learnt how to do it from my grandfather, who was an engineer.”
Next, Luketic prints a 3D master, then makes a mould from the master and casts the body and the floor of the train. Once he has all the casted components, the bodies are cleaned and prepared for painting.
“After the painting process is complete, I place the decals, making sure that they are positioned correctly,” Luketic added. “The floors are then painted, and the motors are attached, along with external components like windows, pantographs, boogies, couplers and hoses.”
Accuracy is very important to the Melbourne native, who leaves no stone unturned.
“I spend a lot of my time looking at various diagrams and photos online or researching where certain trains are located so I can go there and physically take photos from all angles.
“I travel to various Australian cities several times a year to take photos of trains. Sometimes it can be challenging due to restricted access, but I have been very lucky so far.”
For Luketic, trains aren’t just a hobby but a career.
From the age of 18, he worked in various roles, which included track work, and he’s now employed by Metro Trains as Springvale’s station manager.
“I was originally hoping for employment in the rolling stock department, but then I saw an opportunity to work as a station officer, which was with Connex at the time,” he said.
“My station officer role has given me great access to trains, which has helped with my models too. I am always on the lookout for an opportunity where I can work up close with trains.
“I have a keen eye for detail and a load of self-taught experience with design and re-creation of what I see.”
When it comes to choosing what model to make next, Luketic first checks whether any of the major model companies have already produced it.
“If they haven’t, and if it is a train of interest which I myself would like to have for my collection, I will look at creating a model of it,” he said.
“I have some friends with model train layouts and many of them have asked me to create train models for them as they have been hard to come by.
“As there is such a diverse variety of trains around Australia, I’m always looking for different trains or wagons where I can be one of the first to create a model version of it and know that the models I make are unique.”
Luketic also has a keen interest in freight trains, especially those on the Melbourne to Adelaide Line.
“For the past few years, I’ve been trying various avenues to get plans to create a model layout for myself of the UGL Spotswood site, due to it being a maintenance depot where they work on locomotives.
“My goal is to replicate these locomotives in model form as a workshop scene.”
As for the most challenging model he’s created so far, he said it was a Comeng.
“The Comeng gave me a few headaches while designing it, due to the modifications that were made with previous operators,” he said.
“I learnt that even though it is the same train, it is always wise to cross-reference various sources available, to make sure that all the information is accurate.
“When I create a model, I want to make sure that all the details are exactly the same as the real train, as my reputation as a model builder means a lot to me.”
Luketic sometimes sells his models to collectors. When asked whether it is hard to part with them after so many hours of work, he said he actually finds it quite satisfying.
“I like knowing that someone appreciates the trains as much as I do,” he said. “It’s an even better feeling knowing that they will have something in their collection that is different and unique.
“I have quite the collection myself and have come to realise that I can’t keep as many models as I want to, as there simply isn’t any room for more.
“Most of the models I create, I keep one for myself, and any extras go to collectors.”
The enthusiast’s love of trains has seen him travel on some of the world’s most iconic railways.
“I recently rode the Shinkansen in Japan in April of this year, and that was a highlight,” he shared.
“I have travelled on the Indian Pacific [between Sydney and Perth], and I will, in the near future, when the opportunity arises, do a trip on the Ghan [between Adelaide and Darwin].
“My favourite train journey would be travelling on the Kuranda Scenic Rail in Cairns. I have travelled on this train twice now, and I still find the trip to be relaxing, going through the rainforest, and very scenic with the waterfalls and wildlife.”
