Get on board with annual train show

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This article was published 14/10/2014 (4098 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Did you know you can operate a model train with your cell phone?

That’s just one of the many things you can learn to do at the National Model Railroad Association of Canada’s (NMRA) Annual Train Show.

On Nov. 1 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. drop by Whyte Ridge Baptist Church (201 Scurfield Blvd.) to view the largest modular train layout in Manitoba and participate in model railroading clinics.

“They can learn how to build a house from just getting sticks and little pieces of lumber, and putting together a box car from the hobby store,” Dennis Rietze, president and superintendent of No. 1 Northern Division of the NMRA, Thousand Lakes Division, said.

“We’ll be demonstrating how to do it,” he said, noting participants don’t need to bring any supplies with them.

For Rietze, model railroading is more than just a hobby.

“Its actually an art if you think about it,” the North Kildonan resident said. “If you were to see my layout in the basement it’s more of an art form.”

And a bit of science as well. Model railroads are sized according to scales expressed as either a numeric ratio or as a letter defined in rail transport modelling standards. The ratio represents the scale of the model to its real-world counterpart.

Rietze said there will be a number of model trains on display at the show.

“The smallest train is a ratio of 1:160 on the scale name N, as in Norman,” he said. “The main one we’re going to operate is HO (half of O gauge) at 1:87. It’s going to be the biggest display we have that weekend.”

Model railroads in the HO category tend to be the most popular among collectors.

The show, which is in its fourth year, is hosted by the No. 1 Northern Division of the NMRA, Thousand Lakes Division. The No. 1 Northern Division is independent of the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club.

This is the first time this show will be open to the general public.

“We’re hoping to get at least 300 people,” Rietze said. “Normally we would only have 100 to 150. We only have about 60 members in Manitoba.”

According to Rietze, the No. 1 Northern Division is about camaraderie.

“We have fellowship of people who enjoy the hobby,” Rietze said. “We have a good time together.”

The NMRA has about 18,000 members, Rietze said.

Admission to the show is on a donation basis with portion of the proceeds going to St.Amant. Parking is free and the venue is handicap accessible.

Visit http://pullrich.wix.com/numberonenorthern for more information and to get involved.

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