Model Train Show at Gateway Mall Draws Enthusiasts Across Ages

The Gateway Mall in Prince Albert has transformed into a vibrant gathering spot for model train enthusiasts and builders over the weekend. The event featured participation from the Prince Albert Model Railroaders, the Prince Albert Scale Modellers, and several other model clubs from nearby Saskatoon, Martensville, and Melville.

Brian Randall, president of the Prince Albert Model Railroaders, showcased his intricate scale model train set that represents Northern Manitoba. His dedicated work highlights landmarks including Churchill, the Manitoban tundra, and The Pas. “It’s the actual rail line that goes up there, and the whole thing is built on top of an interior door for a base,” Randall explained, emphasizing the importance of detail in model-making.

His display features a grain terminal from Churchill, an inukshuk overlooking Hudson Bay, and even a polar bear being airlifted from the local bear jail. Randall noted that trees in his model grow on one side only, a response to the harsh northern winds. He aims to educate visitors that Churchill encompasses more than just polar bears and extreme cold. Looking to the future, Randall shared his plans to add a rocket launching site to his model, a nod to historical missile testing in the area.

Model railroad setups, like Randall’s, often take years to perfect, with most of the work done during his spare time. His efforts were recognized in 2024 when he received a Golden Spike Award for his Northern Manitoba model. “I got judged one year down in Moose Jaw. The guy asked me, ‘Can we judge your layout?’ I said, ‘Yeah, okay, go ahead.’ They gave me an award for it. It was a big award, a lot of people were talking about it at the banquet that night,” he reminisced proudly.

Alongside the model trains, larger models were on display, some measuring over 20 feet in length. The P.A. Scale Modellers occupied a dedicated corner, showcasing a variety of model boats, aircraft, and military vehicles. Among them was Jon Hopper, who crafted his own models of Saskatchewan military vehicles used during World War II.

“Prince Albert at one time had an artillery battery, the 44th Battery, so I found out what kind of vehicles an artillery battery used and that they would have had in World War II in Normandy, France,” Hopper detailed. He also mentioned vehicles from the South Saskatchewan Regiment and the Regina Rifles, underscoring the club’s commitment to historical accuracy.

The Scale Modellers are open to new members and meet every one to two months, with the next meeting scheduled for March 14, 2024, at the public library in downtown Prince Albert. “There’s something for everyone in the world of scale models,” Hopper stated, noting the diversity of interests within the club.

Despite the enthusiasm displayed at the show, both clubs face a challenge as membership continues to decline. “It’s a small group,” Randall said. “It’s unfortunate the guys are getting older, and of course, it’s just the way it is. The young people, they’re more into their computers and that.”

The Prince Albert Model Train Show is set to continue on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under five. For more information, interested individuals can visit the official websites of the Prince Albert Model Railroaders and the Prince Albert Scale Modellers.