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[Victoria Watcher]

All aboard for the Model Railway Show on Sunday

 

Bend down, cock your head to one side and you might hear the “All Aboard!” announcement by the miniature railroad station master as the rolling stock gets moving at the Victoria Model Railway Show, Sunday at the Mary Winspear Centre.

 

This is the 31st anniversary of the show, put on by members of the Victoria Model Railway Club.

 

Members will be bringing examples of different scale (sized) trains — HO, Lionel O and Garden-scale — with HO making up 65 per cent of hobby trains.

 

Up to four trains and up to 20 box cars will constantly be on the move during the show, running on a 40 by 60-foot highly-detailed model railroad diorama at the centre of the room.

 

You will see a CNR freight train, a logging train with a Shay locomotive or a GE 44-ton switcher (a diesel-electric locomotive built between 1940 and 1956 typically used for light switching duties) at the show.

“There has been an increase in the number of people to the hobby, thanks to COVID-19,” said Ted Alexis, a member of the Victoria Model Railway Club. “During the pandemic people were looking for things to do and discovered, or rediscovered, the hobby.”

 

He said that the two main demographics are seniors and youth.

 

But younger children are not forgotten, with a “fabulous” Lego layout planned, said Alexis

 

Visitors wanting to add to their collection can buy or swap a large array of new or used model train-related items found on more than 50 tables.

 

The show, which organizers expect to draw up to 1,300 visitors, supports the Times Colonist Christmas Fund and C-FAX’s Santa’s Anonymous.

 

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 youth and National Model Railroad Association members, $16 family and free for children eight and under if accompanied by an adult. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney.

 

 

 

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