From the Dome Car: Train 6 Track 5 (November-December 1996)

 

CRM to the rescue! With the demise of Trackside Modeller, subscribers to that publication were given a subscription to CRM. (Does anyone have any back issues?) And Morgan muses about buying an abandoned rail line and creating a short line—no more just model railroading! He also writes about the importance of clubs. The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club, where he was a long-time member, celebrates 70 years this year. I don’t know if that makes it the oldest club in Canada, but it is one of the oldest for sure. 

This issue brings you our first feature on Canadian model railway clubs, the Erin Mills Model Railroad Association. 

Model railway clubs play a huge role in our hobby, especially to a beginner. They are a place where beginners can begin to get a feel for the hobby and get some answers to the many questions that run through their minds. Veteran's can also get satisfaction from belonging to a club, as is evident in the article. 

Of course, belonging to a club isn't everybody's cup of tea. For some people it just isn't feasible because they live too far from one. But for many belonging to an active club brings a lot of satisfaction. 

I know many readers would like to hear about your club and some of its activities. Simply gather some information about your club, take a few photos showing some of the activities and send the information to us. It could be that your club will be featured in an upcoming issue of CRM! 

In the last issue, I wrote about our fellow modellers who had a subscription to Trackside Modeller before it ceased publishing. I am happy to report that we reached an agreement with TM' s editor/publisher, Bryan Rogers, to fulfill his subscription commitments using CRM as a substitute. Those who sent back TM's offer regarding their subscriptions are receiving this issue of CRM as an exchange. Welcome to all our newcomers! I do hope you will enjoy our magazine and, when your renewal notice arrives, that you will be pleased enough to continue your subscription with us. 

On this note, our new TM readers (and those who have been with us) will be happy to know that Gord Haverstock, who was featured regularly in TM with his 'An Evening Project' column, has agreed to continue this feature in CRM. We are looking forward to publishing his fine articles. 

As perhaps many of you already know by now, CN and CP have issued lists of railway lines that they intend to abandon or sell-off to prospective buyers. In Manitoba, U.S.-owned OmniTRAX has just purchased CN' s 180-mile northern line from The Pas to Churchill. In Ontario, RailTex, another U.S.- owned company, has reached an agreement with CN for purchase the Vankleek Subdivision between Glen Robertson and Hawkesbury. 

Suppose a Canadian is interested in getting in on the action; what would he or she do? In an interesting twist, I've just learned that the Railway Association of Canada has published a how-to guide for anyone seriously interested in buying and running one of the lines which are to be sold off. 'A Layman's Guide to Shortline Railroading in Canada' may be just the ticket some of us need to make a go at a new venture such as this. Imagine—owning your own real railway! You pick the paint scheme! You make the schedule and you move the freight! Are there any budding Van Hornes out there? 

Well, I just took a peek outside and it looks like I have more snow to shovel. All the crew here wishes everyone a happy holiday season; we'll catch you in the next issue.



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