After two years of planning during the uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Saint John Society of Model Railroaders was able to host a very successful convention for members of the Maritime Federation of Model Railroaders and for additional participants from beyond the Maritimes who are members of the NMRA. The registrants were from NB, NS, PEI, QC, ON, AB, ME, NH, MA, NY, and MO.
A total of 105 people registered for the convention at the Best Western Plus Hotel in east Saint John. Fundy Rail Fest 2023 included 21 clinics on a variety of topics about prototype and model railways, three industry tours (Port Saint John, the Irving Pulp & Paper Mill, and the NB Southern Railway facilities in West Saint John), and an awards banquet with Craig Bell Estabrooks (President and CEO of Port Saint John) as the featured speaker. Operating sessions were hosted by the Hampton & St. Martins Railway (Lou McIntyre) and by the Carleton Railway (Steve McMullin). Nine home layouts were open for convention registrants to visit.
The public show at Saint John’s Exhibition Park drew a large crowd to see several large modular layouts from around the Maritimes, and even a layout from Ottawa. A good number of dealers and displays were at the show, and the train rides provided outside by Malcolm McKay were very popular with families.
The convention weekend brought us together to share in friendship with those who enjoy our hobby. It could not have been successful without so many people attending and participating.
