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| Saint John Society of Model Railroaders The Society was formed in 1984 by an informal association of modelers who had operated a successful Maritime model railroad convention in 1983. The group wanted to make a portable HO scale modular model railroad layout, so profits from the first show were put into materials to construct the original modules and corners. These original modules and corners were all built at one time, and parceled out to members. The group called itself the Saint John Society of Model Engineers. (See below re name change). Such a modular model railroad is comprised of individual sections built by members in their own homes, all to common specifications so they can be fastened together in any order. The Society owns the corners and the track power supply. The individual sections can be brought together to operate as a group. Some members are involved in other aspects of the hobby such as O scale modeling, collecting Lionel trains, or have home layouts and do not have modules, but participate in all activities. The SJSMR has operated annual mid-winter local shows since 1987, participated in hobby shows at local shopping malls, and hosted Maritime conventions twice. The modular layout has been displayed at all but two Maritime conventions held in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island since the formation of the group. Many members are skilled model builders and photographers, and the Society is always well represented at convention model and photo contest award ceremonies. The modular layout was voted by the public as �Best Display� at annual Maritime conventions in 1997 and 1998. Several members have had many articles and photos in all the major hobby magazines, as well as the annual Walthers hobby catalog, attesting to their creative skills. The SJSMR is an informal group, and everybody pitches in to help out when needed. No regular meetings were held up to late 1998, but many of the members got together informally on an irregular basis. Monthly meetings have now been scheduled, with the hope of attracting more modelers interested in modular model railroading. Money raised by local shows has been used to hire vehicles to transport the modular layout to out of town conventions and local shows. The SJSMR made donations to a local soup kitchen and the Salvation Army, and all of the proceeds from the 1995 mid-winter show went to the soup kitchen as well. Bursaries have been presented to the local high school where recent shows have been held, and a donation was made to the local food banks in 2002 and 2004. |
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| The first test setup of the new modules, at the Saint John Armoury in the South End, May 1984. Doug Buckley is inside the loop, while Byron Thomas is on the outside. There were five pairs of modules, but only four could be set up at the time. Both modelers are still participating members of the club. |
| CLUB NAME CHANGED IN 2002 In 2001 it was decided to formalize the business end of club affairs by having the name certified under the laws of the Province of New Brunswick. The official name would be used on lease agreements, insurance policies and other documents.. But there was a problem with registering the club name Saint John Society of Model Engineers with the word �Engineers� in it, as the Provincial Professional Engineers� Association would allow the name to be used only by practicing engineers. We were thinking of train engineers, but that didn�t matter! So the decision was made to change the club name to the Saint John Society of Model Railroaders. The name was registered in 2002 with the province, and the group has been changing over to this name. Same group, same modular layout, the same annual show, and the same bunch of talented model railroaders! |
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| The Club's first official public show, at the former Armouries building on City Road in October of 1984. There are eight pairs of modules set up, and chairs are being used as a crowd barrier. No skirting for the modules in place yet. |
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