Exclusive images of CN MOW equipment in Manitoba

The ever intrepid Felix Lesiuk went rail fanning last week with his good buddy Louis Lenz and captured some great images of CN MOW equipment outside of the iconic grain elevator at Harte, Manitoba, a favorite spot for many Manitoba rail fans. Some of the equipment he shot include a ballast cleaner, a tie stacker and a tie unloader.

NMRAx presents another virtual convention on Saturday, June 27

Once again, the NMRA-X is bringing clinics, layout tours, and more right to your home computer!
On Saturday, June 27, the NMRAx will be streaming live on the NMRA Facebook page and the NMRA YouTube channel with another great lineup of virtual model railroad clinics & layout tours. Get ready for 12 hours of live content beginning at 6am EDT. Please adjust the times according to your own time zone.

If you can't watch live, all presentations will remain available on the Facebook page. Each individual presentation will be uploaded to the NMRA YouTube channel once editing has been completed.

Full event details:               https://bit.ly/NMRAx62720
NMRA Facebook Page:     https://bit.ly/NMRAfacebook
NMRA YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/NMRAyoutube

Another rail fanning and nature tour with Felix Lesiuk and Louis Lenz

Maybe it's due to the COVID-19 cabin fever rali fans have been experiencing, but we had an unusually large response on social media from our last post on long time WMRC member Felix Lesiuk's last rail fanning trip. Fortunately, he took another trip right after that, this time with his stalwart companion and long time WMRC member Louis Lenz.

Along with some great CP shots, Felix took some interesting images of some rarely seen CEMR and CN 100 motive power. He also indulged in some nature photography, capturing images of a red wing blackbird, some lady slippers and a dragonfly. Enjoy!

NMRA to hold live "Ask the Master Model Railroader" session on Saturday, June 20

The NMRA is presenting a live "Ask the MMR" (Master Model Railroader) session on Saturday, June 20th from 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT.  This is your chance to ask several of the NMRA's Master Model Railroaders a question and have a reply live in real time. All events are broadcasted through the NMRA Facebook page and group, and the NMRA YouTube channel.

The NMRA You Tube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/c/NMRAORGModelRailroading
The NMRA Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/NMRA.org/?fref=comp
You can view previous sessions on the NMRA You Tube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwoChcdmZhY&feature=youtu.be

Rail fanning and crocus sightings with Felix Lesiuk

Our longstanding contributor Felix Lesiuk went on only one rail fan trip this past month. His rail fanning partner Louis Lenz wasn't able to make it, so he went down along the Sprague line with his wife Karen to check out the CN trains and the Crocuses. Karen had never gone with Felix to see the Crocuses before, and they were in full splendor. The rest of the pictures are from CP along Hwy 221.

NMRA to hold virtual convention on Saturday, May 13

The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is holding another virtual convention this Saturday, June 13. The complete schedule of events is listed below.

A total of twelve hours of live content begins at 6:00PM EST. Please adjust the times according to your time zone. Another virtual convention has been scheduled for Saturday, June 27.

You may use the NMRA Facebook page or the NMRA Facebook group to view the convention. You do not need a Facebook account in order to view the event. Simply click on the first link below to the Facebook page and you're all set! While you cannot comment, you can still watch and learn. Ignore all prompts to create an account or sign in.

The NMRA Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/NMRA.org/
The NMRA group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nmragroup/

If you missed any of the previous events, all of the videos have been saved on the NMRA You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/NMRAORGModelRailroading

MTH Trains announces closure

MTH Electric Trains president Mike Wolf has announced his retirement and the closure of his business effective June 1, 2021. MTH Electric Trains was founded in 1980. It has become one of the world's largest model train manufacturers.

MTH has released more different models than any train manufacturer. They began manufacturing three rail O gauge trains, but moved into the HO, S and G gauge.

The last two MTH catalogs will feature the last products produced by MTH Trains. The items featured in these catalogs will be available beginning in the summer of 2020 through April 2021 and will carry a one year warranty supported by the MTH authorized service centre network and the MTH Service Department. Upon the closing of the business in May 2021, their service centre network will provide warranty coverage through April 2022.

Wolf is considering various options and buyers, including the creation of a new company organized and owned by members of the current staff.

Gateway Western Railway reopens with restrictions

 Please follow Larry's example and practice social distancing when at the Gateway Western.

The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club’s Gateway Western Railway has reopened, coinciding with the reopening of the Winnipeg Railway Museum. The Gateway will be open to people who are both members of the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club and the Winnipeg Railway Museum during museum hours only.

As the Via Rail Station now closes at 6:00PM, it is no longer possible to hold the Tuesday night sessions. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day.

If you do plan on going to the Gateway you MUST follow the same rules that are in place to visit Union Station and the Railway Museum. When inside the Gateway you MUST follow safe distance rules. If you are using any equipment you need to wipe it down with an appropriate sanitizing solution after use. This also applies everything you touch when inside the Gateway, such as filing cabinets, desk tops, table tops, chairs and tools.