Winnipeg’s premiere model train event, Manitoba Mega Train, is happening this weekend. I attended on Saturday morning and here are some photos and observations.
The show filled the Red River Exhibition building. Someone told me there were 21 layouts here and I believe it. It seems a bit larger than 2018. There were layouts along the “left” side, “other” groups like Lego, the ship builders, face painters and others within the miniature railway loop, and vendors along the back.
The Layouts
The layouts were a combination of local groups and groups from “afar”. It was nice to see a couple of layouts from Regina, including the Echo Valley Railroad Guild and the Mainliners.
It was nice to see Doug and Florence McBride’s layout from Gladstone. They have quite a few farm vehicles represented.
I really like the FreeMo style layouts. It’s interesting to see them year over year as they add more and more scenery to each part of the layout.
Winnipeg’s own WinNTrak group had their gorgeous layout again. It’s really quite well done and worth seeing.
I didn’t see a name on this one but I like it, and so did that little boy!
Is this model trains? Sure!
I really liked this autonomous truck on the HO FreeMo group’s layout. It follows a wire embedded in the layout, and it even stops at the crossing for trains.
The Groups
One group that I don’t remember seeing in 2018 was the Manitoba Model Soldiers Society. I think it’s great that Mega Trains isn’t just trains, but includes modelers of different kinds. The more the merrier!
The Canadian National Railways Historical Association was well represented. I talked with Grant (pictured above) about grain elevators for quite a while… I fear I can talk one’s ears off about elevators! Their magazine CN Lines is well worth subscribing to. I bought the back issues DVD ( (http://www.cnrha.ca/node/985) so I don’t have to keep all the paper copies any more.
Morgan Turney of Canadian Railway Modeller magazine fame was in his element… tinkering with models!
The Prairie Dog Central Railway had good representation, including their mascot with an accompanying musician!
The Miniature Railway
The miniature railway is always a popular attraction. Note the face-paint on a few of the children – done at the show!
The Loot
I really wasn’t intending on buying anything… but I did end up with a few items. I mentioned the CN Lines back issue DVD. I also bought this Athearn SD70I – not quite my era but the price was right!
Go There
Mega Train is open again on Sunday September 29 at the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg. 9AM – 5PM!
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