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Canada’s largest model railroad to be dismantled
The Aberfoyle Junction Railway, is also moving. It will relocate in St Jacobs Ontario, just north of Kitchener/Waterloo. Both railways are legends.
There are not alot of details as to “why”? Is there not enough membership to allow them to pay the rent, or did the rent dramatically increase? I’m thinking this is a valuable piece of real estate in Toronto so did the rent increase to a point where it was no longer viable? That would be unfortunate if it were the case.
Thats a shame because I visited the layout and was amazed by the size and scope. Good luck in the future.
From another O-sacle club which began in 1938, we wish the Toronto club the best possible luck in finding a suitable location. We also hope the new location will be found in short order and can offer many years of service.
Ken Rimmel, Secretary
Big Bend Railroad Club, Inc.
Webster Groves, MO
Its many years since I visited this truly museum quality layout and was amazed by the size let alone the intracies of operating it. I hope it will be able to relocate within the Greater Toronto Area and not in rented premises. Even the longest lease has to end sometime, Hong Kong comes to mind. I wish the club very good luck in their seach for something they can own and not have a landlord who can sell the property including the tenants. The club has something that is too good to abandon. City of Toronto please note. Can the city help?
I am always saddened when any Model Railroad has to be dismantled. When one thinks of all the hours of work and dedication put in by so many people.
sorry i never got to see it
Sad that they have to relocate, but I hope they see it also as an opportunity to make something great even better with the rebuilding. I wish them the best on finding a suitable location. Perhaps a Canadian railroad company would see it as a noble gesture to contribute space somewhere within their facilities to continue the heritage and legacy of the industry itself.
I had the privilege of operating on their railroad during the 2003 NMRA Toronto convention. Not only did it look great and run beautifully (the physics of long O scale trains are amazing), but they could not have been friendlier or more generous hosts. Best wishes in their search for a new home.
I’m going to have to go see it before the dismantling. I’ll bet the rebuilding will make it even better. Usually does. Still must see this. Didn’t know it existed before now. Jeez.
My first visit to the OCR was in the early 1980’s with a second visit in the past 10 years. The first visit inspired me to plan and build my own layout. During the second visit I was amazed with the continuous development of the railway over that quarter century. The club members were always helpful with modeling tips and ideas.
I hope the OCR finds a new permanent home soon.
Good Luck
In the '70’s, as a musician with a show band, I played the famous “Brown Derby Tavern” at Yonge &Dundas Sts. in Toronto (the “busiest street corner in North America!”) ; at the time, however, I had no interest in railroads, either model or full-sized. Had I but known…!
Thay have now posted some videos of the layout on You tube, including an engineers view around the layout.