By Keith Powell
In what may be a first in Canada, if not North America, model train enthusiasts Terry Clark and Peter Siegenthaler of Cranbrook, along with the support of other members of the Cranbrook Model Railroad Club, have put together an 8-week Model Railroad Mentorship Program. The first series of the hands-on, interactive series of sessions attracted almost a dozen sign ups. It started in January and will be completed in March.
“The program we have come up with is an 8-week detailed program that covers every aspect of model railroading. While preparing this we felt that for someone who is new to the model trains, or thinking about getting into the activity…it might feel a little overwhelming,” Terry Clark explained. “Something needed to be added at the front end of the program that provides a gentler introduction to the hobby, while at the same time providing them with sufficient information about what is available to them in the detailed portion of the program.”
The Cranbrook History Centre (CHC) is the home of the Cranbrook Model Railroad Club. The ‘HO’ scale layout at the CHC has been constructed by this dedicated group of modelers intent on recreating a section of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s southern mainline through the Kootenays. Travelling westwards in a clockwise direction, the model depicts scenes from Bull River through Isadore Canyon and Cranbrook to Kootenay Landing.
“The objective of our mentorship program is to pass on our experience, knowledge, and love of model railroading,” added Peter Siegenthaler. “We hope the program will inspire others to become involved in the hobby and further the efforts of those who are already involved. There is something for everyone to learn.”
If you are interested in model trains, then you won’t want to miss the amazing World Class ‘O’ gauge also at the Cranbrook History Centre. The visiting public is encouraged to come and see this model close up and in action. The size of the collection, layout, and the dedication to detail and craftsmanship will both amaze and delight you. The tiny trains depicted here include Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway cars and engines as they traverse a landscape resembling BC’s Kettle Valley.
“Those of us who are part of the museum model railroad group are no longer spring chickens but rather more like a bunch of old roosters,” said Terry and Peter, with a chuckle. “These guys have a tremendous amount of knowledge about model railroading, but most of all we want people to enjoy the hobby for the fun it offers.”
If you are interested in participating in the model railroad mentorship program in the future please contact the Cranbrook History Centre 250 489 3918.
Photos by Keith Powell
