Saturday, August 16, 2025

NMRA No.1 Northern Division free-Mo Group readies their layout for Manitoba Train and Hobby Expo

Ian Plett, fearless leader of the NMRA No. 1 Northern Division Free-Mo Group layout, is seen working hard on a new section of the layout. 

Long time WMRC member Christopher Robinson sent us images of the NMRA No.1 Northern Division Free-Mo group hard at work at Larry Skoglund’s place, getting their spectacular layout ready for next month's Manitoba Train and Hobby Expo. The Free-Mo Group and the WMRC are both part of the NMRA No. 1 Northern Division.


NMRA No.1 Northern Division Free-Mo group layout is the largest layout in the entire show, and it's always a must see attraction! Come check it out on September 27 between 9 and 5 and on September 28 between 9 and 4 at the Manitoba Train and Hobby Expo, Red River Exhibition Place, 3977 Portage Avenue. General admission is $12. Youths ages four to 12 get in for six bucks. Kids three years old and under get in for free!


Fred Headon (R) and the crew are seen applying finishing touches to the turf surrounding the track on one of the layout's modular sections.


Installing a four track mainline is not an easy task. The curves have to be the proper length away from each other to prevent the trains from colliding.


The Free-MoGroup's efficient design allows easy and comfortable access for wiring.




Sunday, August 03, 2025

The Manitoba Train and Hobby Expo is eight weeks away


The Manitoba Train and Hobby Expo is just eight weeks away! It's is presented by the same friendly folks who brought you the Manitoba Mega Train Hobby Show and Sale.

This event replaces the Mega Train Show. This show is different, but in many ways it's still the same as before. There is no more ride-on train, but there will be lots of model railroad layouts running and plenty of vendors selling all sorts of model railroad equipment in all gauges.

The show has expanded to include all sorts of hobbies such as the Manitoba Doll Club, slot car racing and hot wheels! The Manitoba Lego Users Group will be back. Get a chance to fly a simulator model plane! Join the Lego building competition for a chance to win a prize, and put your name in for the Thomas the Tank Engine HO train set door prize!

It all takes place at Red River Exhibition Place, 3977 Portage Avenue, on Saturday, September 27 between nine and five and on Sunday, September 28 between nine and four. Admission is 12 bucks, youths 4-12 get in for six bucks, and kids under three get in for free. Mark your calendars now!

Sunday, July 27, 2025

WMRC members excel in modelling flat car and gondola loads

Our members really outdid themselves for the club's special event competition in the model contest at the WMRC's open house this year! 

This year's special event was flat car or gondola loads, and we were overwhelmed with models, which is always good thing, as we want to encourage a many members as we can to enter.

None of these model were major award winners, but we wanted to showcase them so everyone can view the spectacular modelling work on every one of these cars!