Model train show takes place this weekend

BY BILL BRADLEY

All aboard! Next stop...the annual Sudbury Train Show.

For some good old fashioned railway fun, head down to the show at the Howard Johnson Hotel this Saturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, 11 am-4 pm.

Sponsored by Hobby Depot and hosted by the Sudbury Modular Railroad Club, the event showcases HO scale and N scale modular layouts with all the familiar railroad icons-cabooses, locomotives, circular track layouts, and all the details that make model railroading fun.

"There will be HO tracks 25' by 10' wide and the smaller N scale tracks 20' by 15' with fully scenic landscapes, tunnels and everything people expect," said organizer Trevor Ross, an engineer at CVRD Inco.

There will also be up to 10 vendors, including some big ones like Hobby Depot, where complete model railways and accessories can be purchased.

"Parents who are thinking of Christmas gifts can come to the show and get their youngster started for as low as $300 for an HO starter train set and power pack - there are President's Choice sets of a lower quality for as little as $100," he said.

Clinics will be set up to educate the public and enthusiasts about the latest trends.

Ross has been active in model railroading for over eight years.

"My grandfather got me into it - he had an HO scale setup but until I got a house of my own I didn't have the room for one myself," he said.

Ross said his group, the Sudbury Modular Railroad Club, split off from an older group, the Sudbury Northern Railroad Club, about 10 years ago.

"We are anywhere from 25 to 30 people from all over Greater Sudbury who are more hands-on than the other group. We build model railroad tracks and do shows," he said.

New this year will be modular layouts from the Muskoka Model Railway Club, said Ross.

In addition two new vendors, Model Railway Imports and Modellers Choice will have booths at the show.

Admission is $5 for adults, $10 for families and $3 for children.

Volunteers are always welcome for set-up and break down. Contact Trevor at 983-9602 or visit www.sudburymodelrailroading.com