So my pal Bob and I hit a few of the layouts on the DoubleHeaders layout tour. It's a group of modellers from the Kitchener-Cambridge-Guelph area that open their homes to the public every year. This year there were 29 homes on the tour this year, several with more than one layout. As well, there were several layouts in the registration hall, including Tim Warris's Bronx Terminal layout.

Here's a few pics of some of the layouts we saw...

There's a rumour that the Aberfoyle Junction club will have to pick up and move, since they want to build another subdivision where it currently stands. I thought I'd grab a few pics to remember it by:






Brian Hume has a very nice On3 layout coming along, with some very nice sound-equipped motive power:



I think one of my favourites is Graham MacDonald's Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound layout. The structures in Depot Harbour are amazing:









Thanks to everyone who opened their layouts to us and made the tour such a success. If you're within driving distance, I strongly recommend this tour. I also recommend having lunch and a pint at E.J.'s in Baden!

Thanks for sharing those! Nice pictures, everyone of them. It would be a shame if the Aberfoyle Junction club layout has to be dismantled. It looks beautiful. I'm really impressed by their trackwork!

Ralph

WOW!! Those are some beautiful pictures of some beautiful layouts!! Thanks for sharing with us Squid

Looks great!

I don't live too far away in Toronto, so I'll have to try to go on this tour one year. I've heard about Aberfoyle Junction -- it must be quite large and great to see. Guess I should Google it and try to visit sometime as well.

Rob

2 of my favorite layouts! Do you have any more pics or did you only visit 2 layouts?
I did not have any time to go on the tour this year, will probably go next year again though. Been a bunch of years in the past, always enjoy it.

Thanks for sharing! That town looks great! The track looks really nice.

Hey thats my ugly mug in that last shot!! sneakie bugger!

bob_suruncle Wrote:Hey thats my ugly mug in that last shot!! sneakie bugger!

Yeah, I was too lazy to crop it out.... I think the great modeling can offset the presence of your puss. :p

What great modeling! There are some stunning buildings in there along with the obvious attention to track laying. Really nice!

Looks like it was a fun time.
Wish they did that around here.

Aberfoyle is apparently on notice but it depends if the landlord can get a zoning change and possibly on the economy. The current estimate is "possibly 2 years".
They do have open houses on at least 2 months of the year -- check the website. (Can't see anything there tonight).
The moved once before -- the corner of the layout to the left as you go in was built in the second floor of the farmhouse at the flea market.

I didn't go on the tour, but a gang from Ottawa dropped in at Lostock Junction on Sunday.

Aberfoyle's show dates this year are (from the flyer in the DoubleHeaders tour guide):

April 25 & 26
May 2, 3, 9 & 10
October 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31
November 1
December 5 & 6 (Christmas show)

Thanks for posting those pictures, SB, of some of layouts that we didn't get a chance to see, although I have seen Aberfoyle several times in the past. For those not familiar with it, the layout is O scale, and, in my opinion, very well done.

Wayne

I bet the layout looks even better in person.

Lynn,

My meagre pics don't do the Aberfoyle layout any justice at all. First, figure in the rumble and rattle of O-scale trains over flawless trackwork. Add the magic sound of slack running in and out as long trains pull out of the station or long cuts of cars are kicked in the yards, and although it's dated, many of the steamers have sound, and it just adds to the magic.

They have a fully operating interlocking at the junction, a working bascule bridge, and terrifically uniform and complete scenery. The detail is thorough and well done. It's just a terrific layout. While some of the construction and scenery techniques are dated, the gestalt makes it worth a visit.

There have been a couple of MR articles on the layout with professional quality photos... I can't recall the issues ATM, but I'll look them up.