nbmrc.org

re: The weekend model train show:
Living in this area has few disadvantages, but the one that is really hard to live with is the lack of a local model railroad hobby shop - a GOOD one, I mean.
And call me old fashioned, but as good as new items look on the 'net or as described in our magazines, I want to see them up close and personal before I lay my cash down on the counter. And model railroad shows are the best way for getting the most out of a visit to purchase, see or just enjoy the hobby.
CMT (Canadian Model Trains) had some great deals there - True Line CNR cabooses and freight cars at half price. And they had Atlas RS3's in CPR Script and Block for $80.00 (where the heck were these guys before I bought mine?). Modellers' Choice out of Hamilton were some of the better price bargains (CPR Branchline coaches at $30.00 with fabulous detail) and had some great looking TH&B GP9's (401 & 402 beautifully decorated).
And the layouts were always a joy to watch, although it was the older operators at one layout were very entertaining to watch as they tried to master their new DCC system. One gent had his controller unplugged and couldn't stop his train - he was running around behind it warning all those operating that he had a "runaway train" until someone advised him to plug his throttle back in. And another fella was so busy talking to someone that he nearly tail-ended the train ahead of him until a quick-thinking junior member racing along behind tilted the engine to break contact with the rails. He was some time standing there trying to get the attention of the operator; at that point I had to leave before my lips failed to hold back my thoughts.
In all, a great time and a great day spent with friends travelling and enjoying a common interest; perhaps the reason our interest is so special is because it's not so common, eh?
Dave Lowther