The Main North Railway started with a Large Scale Train around the Christmas tree in the year of 2001/2002. That little loop around the tree eventually ended up being 2 loops around the entire family room. When my wife Cathy asked what I was going to do with the trains after the winter I just said "I’ll move them outside!"

So on May 1st 2002, Cathy and I laid the main line out in the back yard. By the end of May we had installed the main line and were running trains. "Great that's done." OR was it? The next request from my wife and one of my daughters was for a pond. We worked out where it would be best situated, then dug it in. Now there are 2 ponds with a 3rd on the way next spring.  See photos #01, #02 and #03.

That's how it all began 3 years ago. Today to look at the front of our home you wouldn't even know there was a railroad in the back yard. Hopefully this will change with the 2005 season.  See photo #04.

As you can see in the pictures the Main North Railway does not run around the perimeter of our yard, but kind of fills the yard and is more of an open theme, just a little different than most lines I've had the pleasure to visit.  See photo #05.

The Main North Railway at present is running on about 350 ft. of track with one main line, a few sidings, an upper loop and a 45 ft. long station to station line which has just been completed and I'm already looking at extending it in the future. The minimum diameter curve is 8 ft. while the maximum curve is 16 ft. diameter and there are still more plans for expansion. Oh Yes! All the track is LGB brass and is kept clean with the LGB track cleaning loco which is a real labour saver and worth every penny paid for it. It literally earns it's place on our railroad. There are a couple of home made bridges as well (Thanks Don for your help on the 12 ft aluminium bridge, two 12 ft long, 1 over the pond, 1 on the station to station short line along with the 6 footer).  See photos #06, #07, #08, #09 and #10.

The motive power for the Main North Railway is a mix of things from a small rail truck to heavy steam and diesel. The bigger the locomotive the better we like it.  See photo #11.

Buildings also populate the landscape and are illuminated by a low voltage lighting system. We find this a nice feature for night viewing! People are slowly making their way onto the railway along with all their clutter.

As you can probably tell the Main North Railway isn't just about the layout, it's about running trains. The best way to understand our railway is to come on over and see it. Bring your favourite locomotive and run it. We have the ability to run digital or analog. If you use battery power/Rc, just bring what you need. You are more than welcome to run your trains on the Main North Railway. We hope you've enjoyed the pictures here on the club web site.

Hope to see you here at the main North Railway in the near future.