The St. Lawrence Division (SLD) was pleased to host the 2022 Niagara Frontier Region (NFR) convention – the Bytown Express. This year was a departure from previous practice and an innovation in that it was presented entirely virtually. We were very pleased with the outcome and happy that we could attract participants from various NMRA regions, not just the NFR.
Despite the convention being hosted on Zoom, we endeavoured to include as many components of an in-person event as possible, such as model displays, layout tours and clinics. We have attempted to capture as much of the day as possible on this page, so those who unfortunately missed the convention or just want to relive part of it can review the events.
Modellers were given an opportunity to showcase their work during “A Modeller’s Minute.” These were short presentations shown between clinics. They consisted of photos of the contributor’s achievements accompanied by a short description. We have captured them all here, so if you did not get a chance to see them the first time or would like a second look you now have the opportunity. Thanks to all those who contributed. There is some excellent work. Well done! We’d also like to thank our sponsor, MiniPrints, who kindly donated a gift certificate as an added incentive for modellers to showcase their work. A random draw of all the names of the Modeller’s Minute entrants was held for the certificate during the closing ceremony.
The main highlight of the day were the clinics. A diverse set of interesting and educational clinics were presented with lots of questions and discussion afterwards. Although it wasn’t necessarily planned that way, clinicians were able to draw on the other clinics to weave material together and enhance the overall value. Thanks to all the great clinicians. Most of the clinics are captured here as PDF files, but recordings all of them, including the discussion, are be available on the Bytown Express YouTube channel.
Virtual layout tours were made possible thanks to the Capital Region Model Railway Tour and the various layout owners. Links to the tours are available until July 9.
Finally, a big thank-you to all who participated in this event whether it was by organizing, contributing material, or just attending. Thank you very much!
Clinics
A total of eight excellent clinics were delivered at this year’s NFR Convention.
The list below provides an overview of each clinic plus links to the presentation decks (where available) plus YouTube links to the recording of the presentation. The latter includes the clincian’s audio description.
The Bytown Express Convention YouTube Channel can be found at: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0sYk7HvU14UBa43Imgd_YQ
| Tim Hayman | Modeling Via Rail This clinic provided an introduction to modelling VIA Rail Canada. Beginning with a brief overview of VIA equipment and operations through the years, this clinic looked at the options for VIA models in HO and N scales, and most importantly, offered thoughts and examples of how you can integrate VIA models and operations into a layout of any size. |
Modelling Via Rail | Modelling Via Rail |
| Paul Hurly | Operations on a moderate sized Layout. This clinic demonstrated in photo sequences the operational capabilities and selective assignments possible on Paul Hurly’s 120 sq. foot double-deck layout. The layout captures activity on the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway, Welland and Dunnville Subdivisions in 1981. The issue of design compromises in a limited space was shown. This clinic also provided examples of the enjoyable railroading challenges which operations can provide. |
Operations on a Moderate-Sized Layout | Operations on a moderate sized Layout |
| Bernard Hellen | Reality is… it’s the little things that matter most. Reality is complex. Reality is messy. Yet our little miniature model railroad worlds tend to be nice and neat and orderly. In this clinic, Bernard Hellen, owner of MiniPrints; a maker of miniature model railroad details, showd examples of the minutiae found in the real world and demonstrate how you can model it on your layout. |
Reality is… it’s the little things that matter most | |
| Ron Tuff MMR | By the Weigh – Railway Track Scales Track scales evolved to protect customers from overcharges, but also to ensure the correct revenue was received while assigning appropriate locomotives to trains based on gross tonnage. The presentation looked at their history, types of scales, various scale house examples, scale test cars, available models and how a track scale can be incorporated into your railway operations. |
By the Weigh – Railway Track Scales | By the Weigh – Railway Track Scales |
| Mathieu Lachance | A Pragmatic Approach to British-American Oil Tank Car Fleet British-American Oil tank cars were probably the coolest private cars to ever grace Canadian rails, however no serious RTR models have ever been produced. Matthieu has built a prototypical fleet by crunching data, analyzing archive pictures and kitbashing models. |
A Pragmatic Approach to B-A Tank Cars | A Pragmatic Approach to B-A Tank Cars |
| Ralph Renzetti | Weathering in 1:24 scale This presentation is about details, super details, fun details and all the modelling techniques you’ve ever wondered about and more. These techniques work in multiple scales along with some new techniques that take your modelling to new levels and captivate your viewers! |
Mystery Barn Find | Weathering in 1:24 scale |
| William Waithe | From freelance to proto-based: The CN Weston Subdivision. What began as a plan for an entirely free-lanced N scale model railroad with no thought as to operations or prototypes abruptly changed to plans for a proto-freelanced, reasonably faithful model of a nearby CN subdivision. This clinic described the CN Weston subdivision, its rail served industries and their representation in the corresponding model. Operation of this industrial switching layout, based on employee timetables, research of the industrial activity in the late 1980s and using computer-generated (Ship It) switch lists were described. |
The CN Weston Subdivision | The CN Weston Subdivision |
| Clark Kooning MMR | Plaster Rock Clinic Clark took us through a session on how to make a section on bench work of spline, how to build a base for scenery and a few tips for doing this. Also a session on using and placing rock molds and a great explanation of how to colour your rock work. |
Layout Tours – Virtual
In keeping with tradition, we virtually hosted Layout Tours.
Follow the link above on the right to the Layout Tour page. Layout information is currently posted.
A Modeller’s Minute
Since the format of this convention was virtual, we were unable to host the traditional Contest / Model Display room, Instead, we hosted a forum to which members presented their models – “A Modeling Minute.”
The following are the Modelling Minute presentations that were presented at convention. Take a few moments to view the fantastic modelling performed by your fellow model railroaders.
George Dutka – White River Div
Grant Knowles – DSP&P Waycar
Mike Hamer – Machine Shop
Mike Hamer – Tidewater Wharf
Mike Hamer Doug Matheson – Tyrone
Bob Bennett – Tool Shed
Bruce Leckie – River Boats
Calvin Bramble – LEGO Emergency War Gondola
Chris Bramble – Superior Propane
Don Janes – Green Mountain Division
Ed Hayden – TH&B Brandford Station
Gary Shurgold – GE 44Toner & Vinegar Car
Don Janes – Green Mountain Division
Geoff Southwood – City Services & Henry’s Theatre
George Dutka – Keen’s Garage
Grant Knowles – 27ft Boxcars
Grant Knowles – Central City Bldgs
Jeff Hill – ILTA shack
John Paganoni – Central Vermont Ry
John Wagner – Valley Scenery
Ken Hutnik – Downtown Christmas
Malcolm Vant – WOD shed
Mike Walker – Diesels and Structure
Normand Levert – Custom Built Turnouts
Normand Levert – Herbicide Train
Normand Levert – Lineside Shed
Pat Rivard – Rivard Saw Mill
Paul Hurly – TH&B Welland and Dunnville Subs
Paul Macallum – Preston to Poppleford
Richard Hatton – What I did On My Forced Vacation
Ron Tuff – J&L Dry Bulk Trailer
Ron Tuff – TH&B Van
Bill Gill – Modelling a shallow scene
Jim Sloan – Detailing Scrap Gongolas