In its 15th year, the annual Heritage Essex Model Toy & Train Show is ongoing this weekend at Essex District High School, 244 Talbot Street North in Essex.
The show occupies two gymnasiums with vendors in the hallways as well. Some are local, many have traveled hundreds of kilometers to be present. Notable in its absence last year, the London N’Gineers are back again with their impressive N-Scale modular layout. Also new to the show is the Windsor Modular Railroad Club’s new N-Scale layout, a “work in progress” you can get involved in at their club’s location in the Market Square building on Ottawa street.
Getting involved in a modular railroad club has several advantages. The most important one is that one benefits from being vetted by modeling experts who welcome novices into the fold. Also, for those with space issues, many clubs – like the Windsor one – have plenty of square footage accessible to its members.
Local manufacturing lost to off-shore companies? Not for notable local artist and Ford retiree Mark Williams, the owner and founder of Imagine That! Laser Art Products. Mark’s Windsor-made model kits are designed and manufactured right in his newly established Windsor shop, and we were happy to see his products at the show. This company’s kits include some local landmarks familiar to railfans, such as the Pelton Tower, which was torn down years ago.
Also a show regular is the growing Essex County Historical Society with free literature and book/postcard sales, creating a draw not just for train and model kit hobbyists, but also for fans of local history.
Pictured here is a prototype sample of one of Imagine That’s new projects. How about that… a model street car line in the making? An untapped market in North America. In time you’ll be able to buy an detailed model kit of a streetcar that ran on the streets of Windsor. Not bad!
The show continues today and tomorrow. Admission is $5 for adults. $4 for seniors. If you have nothing to do this weekend, this enjoyable show might be the ticket.
