The ‘Muskoka Rails 2003’ model train show is coming to Bracebridge the weekend of August 9th and 10th. Billed as Ontario’s largest summer train show, it has everything to do with model railroading, and is a must for train buffs of all ages.

  Held in the Main building at the Fairgrounds in J.D.Lang Memorial park, the show will “fill the whole building,” explains Dave Powley, an avid train enthusiast, and president of the Muskoka Model Railway Club, the host club for the show.

  “There’ll be 15 working layouts, from Z scale, which is the smallest, and can fit on a coffee table, to the G scale, which is the largest scale, the Garden scale,” says Powley.

  Over 35 vendors from all over Ontario and Quebec will be there, featuring everything from trains and accessories to all the ranges of scale model railroad. “One vendor has all Circus train accessories, another features all British railroad trains and accessories, while many have certain scales only,” Powley explains. 

  There’s going to be an ongoing demonstration throughout the weekend on how to build an actual model train layout, Powley adds. “One person will be laying the track, another doing the wiring, another working on the scenery, with a person making trees, and someone else making houses,” Powley explains.

  There’s more, too. Door prizes will be given away, (last year one of these was a pair of Via rail passes) and a food vendor will be barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as serving coffee and cold drinks.

  The show runs from 10 to 5 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.

  Admission for kids under 5 is free. Adults cost $6.00, Seniors are $5.00, and kids 5-12 are $3.00. A family rate is $14.00, including 2 adults and three kids. Parking is also free.

The Santa’s Village Trolley will be running to the fairgrounds from around Bracebridge all weekend during show hours.

  For more information call show coordinator Dave Powley at 705.646.9711 or e-mail powley@muskoka.com.