Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's first social distancing meeting was a success

Everything went very smoothly at the WMRC's first social distancing meeting of the year. This was also the club's first meeting of the season, which begins in September and ends in May. Members and the general public were advised via email and social media to respect social distancing measures and wear masks. 

The Charleswood Legion did a sterling job of sanitizing the tank room before the meeting. Chairs were spaced six feet apart, and everyone brought their own masks. Hand sanitizers and paper masks were available at a table by the entrance.  A new microphone was purchased so that everyone could hear. Two power point presentations put together by program director Dave Downie were well received.  

A clever touchless annual membership registration system was devised. A basket with envelopes containing the registration forms was placed on the table by the entrance. Members could then fill out the form, put their completed form and their cheque into the envelope, then place the envelope into another basket on a table on the other side of the room. 

Our next meeting will be held at the Charleswood Legion, 6003 Roblin Boulevard on Friday, October 9 at 7:30 PM. Hope to see you there!

Winnipeg Model Railroad Club to hold their first social distant meeting of the season

Two power point programs are scheduled for our first meeting of the season. First, Mike Budde will demonstrate how to create your own model using hollow core resin castings.

Mike is a model railroader with a passion for cars and trucks  He wanted to model the bi-level and tri-level auto racks used by railways in the 1960's and 70’s, but he couldn't afford to buy models of the cars or trucks to fill his auto racks, so he learned how to make his own. Learn how Mike creates exquisite models. Mike is a regular on the “What's Neat This Week” YouTube channel.

After that, we will have a power point demonstration featuring Winnipeg railroads in the 1950's, which includes CNR steam, CPR steam, a few Royal Hudsons and street cars. Very few of these photos have ever been published. Some are in colour.

The meeting starts at 7:30PM on Friday, September 11 in the Tank Room at the Charleswood Legion, 6003 Roblin Boulevard.  We will still hold the photo and the model displays, but the canteen will be closed. 

There will be no 50/50 draw. Chairs will be properly placed as required. The draw for the two diesel engines, which usually takes place at the AGM, will be held at this meeting. Social distancing will be observed, and masks are mandatory.
 

Exclusive photos of CP military theme paint scheme locomotive in action

On March 10, just one day before the COVID-19 virus outbreak was declared a pandemic, long time WMRC members Felix Lesiuk and Louis Lenz went out for what just might be their last day of of rail fanning for a while. Felix caught a CP freight with a freshly painted locomotive brandishing their recently announced military paint scheme near Austin, Manitoba.  

Due to the pandemic, we do not know when there will be Felix's next rail fanning excursion, so enjoy these photos, keep safe, practice social distancing, work on your layout and build some models until this health crisis is all over.