Heritage Essex Model Train & Toy Show
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.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:12 am
Hey John!
I went to this (wish I had more money!) which gave me my first real look at an operating N scale railroad which is what i’m planning. Not too much in the way of steam for N scale represented, which makes me wonder if having the gearing so small is an operational issue… but still a great event. I hope to be more prepared for this next year. While out there I also joined S.O.L.R.S! They are going to be restoring ex ETR 101 and 103that has been owned by Hearns (as 200 & 300)out in A’burg since ‘88. 101 is also the oldest operating ALCO S-1 in Canada! They have a 1/2 mile of track including a ramp and switch points, and deisel in the tanks, which is more than most restoration groups could hope for!The real bonus of this is that they’re going to teach me how to run and operate the engine! And the week-end of the 27, I’ve been invited to help run the train in Waterloo for the Elmira Maple syrup festival.
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So what I’m saying is thanks John. I’d have never known about the train show without your Flickr photos and you site here! (which I’m rather liking BTW
Again, Thanks!