the two CNR yards, Kelso and Wellington. When a turnout into
a yard was opened, the mainline operator could bring a train
in, or run a train out. Once the gate was closed, the train was
under yard control. The CPR main line is a little more compli-
cated given that it is essentially a single track with return loops
at both ends. Rotary selectors allow the two operators to select
who is operating which area. This method worked well, consid-
ering the type of showbiz operation we were after.
Several events happened as we moved into the 21st century. In
2005, our senior partner, Frank, died at age 87. Several friends
then joined the group to help keep things going. They served
for several years. Back in the late 1980s, Wayne, for business
reasons, sold the property, but arranged a long-term lease with
the new owner. In 2009, that lease ended. We were able to get
yearly extensions to the end of 2012, at greatly increased rent.
In early 2012, the property again changed hands, and the
new owner had great visions that did not include a model rail-
way. At our May, 2012 spring shows, we were introduced to
our prospective new St. Jacobs landlord by a person who had
been a visitor many times, and did not want to see the railway
destroyed. The St. Jacobs people felt we would be an asset in
St. Jacobs, which is a major tourist town. We inspected several
buildings that might be suitable, and made a choice. We had a
new home.
The dismantling
Our lease in St Jacobs would begin on August 3, so the decision
was made to use the intermediate time to take the layout apart
and prepare the pieces for moving. Work began mid-May, and
the pieces were ready to go on July 14.
