As a delegate of this year’s MFMR Convention “The Evangeline Express 2022” in Wolfville, I have been asked to say a few words about my experiences. My wife Lela and I traveled to the valley on the Friday morning to get oriented to the convention site and assist with the afternoon Registration. We met Andrew the chief organizer on the floor and observed the nodular clubs setting up their layouts for the show. Every aspect appeared relaxed and well organized and he directed us to the registration room where we helped fill bags with a well designed programme, information pamphlets about the local area, pens, sticky notes and a leather coaster with an embossed convention logo on it. There were 45 preregistered delegates. And many brought spouses and were all looking forward to the weekend. The facility was just right for the show on the arena floor, a contest reception room and clinic room. The reception in the evening was well attended and there was a generous spread of pizza, sandwich meats, buns, veggie and fruit trays. To drink we had cider, soda and water. The delegates and spouses had a wonderful time meeting new friends and reuniting with old acquaintances Retreating back to our College Residence accommodations we found them quite spartan with hard beds and common washrooms. A nice advantage was the common room where many gathered for more chat and a few libations.
Saturday morning started with a quick breakfast at the University Cafeteria. We were met by Sam, the college representative and she did an awesome job throughout the weekend to ensure our experience was pleasant. The arena train show was ready to go on time and the flow through for the vendors, displays and layouts was not crowded and steady. There were four clinics throughout the day which provided unique tips and techniques to building a layout, making scenery, rock work, water, and structures., A fun take away clinic was a how to work with styrene structure build followed by an Arduino overview providing an opportunity to learn new concepts and advances in electronics. The clinics ran at the same time as the train show so many delegates were busy running trains or manning booths. So attendance was poor yet those that did attend were very happy with what they learned.
The contest room had a wonderful collection of detailed models, dioramas and photographs across a number of standard and craftsman categories. MFMR members entries were voted on by peers to determine the popular favorites with placings in categories and best in show. The committee was well organized with entry forms and scoring sheets that were easy to use. In the evening we were treated to a wonderful convention and banquet with pre-dinner bar, roast beef main course and pie and coffee for desert put on by the local Lions club. Then the guest speaker Gary Ness eloquently talked about the photographers that contributed to our understanding of the Dominion Atlantic Railway. Through their work they allow all of us to look back in history and visually enjoy their contributions to understanding railroad activity in southern Nova Scotia.
The awards presentations were blessed with good humour and applause. The winners had first crack at the prizes that were donated by hobby manufacturers and hobby shops. They were so plentiful. There were enough for every placing and door prizes so everyone went home with at least one item. Afterwords we gathered back at the dorm and had further socializing which is often the most fun activity to build and renew friendships.
The next day, Lela and I traveled to the Middleton Railway Museum and had a wonderful tour of the station and new model railway display. A work in progress I am looking forward to returning in the future. There were layouts to visit but unfortunately time left us short to take in those visits.
Given this was the first Convention since the COVID restrictions had been lifted, I think the event was an great success. The last minute decision to go ahead was masterfully planned out and actioned. I believe that people’s concerns about COVID were lingering and that many decided not to attend because they had made previous engagements. I was impressed by the commitment form PEI and Nova Scotia members. I am not sure why there were so few from New Brunswick. Possibly the increased cost in gas and the distances to travel played a role. That being said I am so looking forward to next year’s convention in Saint John. This is a key activity in keeping model railroading alive and well in the Maritimes. Thanks again for Andrew Reid’s leadership and the East Benders Team.