Picton Model Railroaders full steam ahead

Simon Rutherford, 13, is the Picton Model Railroaders Club’s newest member.

Picton Model Railroaders Club members are on the right track – welcoming almost 1,000 visitors to their 24th annual show on the weekend.
The curling club at the Picton fairgrounds was packed with operating model train layouts, displays and supplies from 18 exhibitors and 19 vendors. In recent years the show has also included radio-controlled boats, model aircraft and farm machinery.
Exhibitors and vendors come from St. Catherines, Montreal, Mississauga, Kingston, Belleville and the County.
“We’re one of the most affordable shows to attend,” says co-ordinator Jack Strachan. “So we have no problem attracting the tables and the number of visitors to the show seems to get better every year.”
The club itself has about 23 members who are invited to meet Wednesday evenings at the Miller Road clubhouse at Frank Sharpe’s property.
Their newest member is just 13-years-old.
Simon Rutherford has loved trains since his parents bought him a toy set when he was younger.
“I’ve always really liked trains,” Simon confirms. “I still have the one they bought me. I also like model cars.”
Simon brought his train layout to last weekend’s show and eagerly explained its features to visitors.
“I got the layout from a friend about four years ago and made almost everything,” he said, pointing to the pond, the trees, the carefully crafted junkyard and some buildings – one of which bears his name – the ‘Simon Rutherford Storage and Shipping Company.
“He’s an old soul,” dad Jay says with a smile. “He loves old things and also collects bottles and likes antiques.”

“We’re mostly older members,” laughs Strachan. “So it is nice to see a young person out. New members are always welcome. If you’re into the hobby, there’s always somebody to talk to, to learn how to do things. I do detail and scenery work so if you need to know how how make trees, or mountains, I can help. If you want to learn how to fix a locomotive one of the other members will be glad to help.”

The Picton Model Railroaders Club marked its 40th anniversary last year. It was founded in 1971 by Bill Thorley and Alan Capon with members from all over Prince Edward County and Belleville and associate members as far away as Toronto and Mexico.

For more information on the club, call Frank Sharpe at 476-4503 or Jack Strachan at 476-3721.