What We Do

We have designed and built our modules in a Free-mo inspired fashion.

Operation is point-to-point; this goes along with the low speed, branch line feel we are aiming for.  

At one end, our locomotives are turned conventionally using a modified Heljan HO turntable on Jim Martin's "Port Dover" module set.  

At the other end of the layout, we turn entire trains using a 4-foot long, three-track turntable that provides off-layout staging and permits quick reversal.  This turntable always seems to attract a lot of attention during exhibitions.

Trackwork is mostly code 83 rail with some code 70 on the sidings.  All switches are hand laid, some using FastTracks fixtures.  The track in between is either hand laid Micro Engineering rail on Mt. Albert sugar-pine ties, or Tomalco flex track.

Control is via Digitrax DCC (half-duplex radio).

Turnouts are thrown with Tortoise switch machines that can be operated from either side of a module set.

About 50 percent of the structures are scratch built of either wood or styrene...the rest are wood kits from Banta Modelworks, Bar Mills Models, B.T.S., etc. 

Locos and rolling stock are either brass, resin or ready-to-run plastic from companies like S Helper Service, American Models, Ridgehill Scale Models, Overland Models, River Raisin Models, and Des Plaines Hobbies.

Couplers are Kadee #802's.

Articles about the Workshop's modules have appeared in both Railroad Model Craftsman and Canadian Railway Modeller magazines. These publications have graciously permitted us to offer those articles online:

RMC article (May 2008, pdf)

CRM article (May/Jun 2008, pdf)