Medicine River Subdivision Canadian National
Railways as modelled in HO

Modelling by Steve

Text and Photos by Ted Rafuse
used with permission

Before the reader scurries to consult CNR public and employee timetables, the Medicine River Subdivision does not exist: there is no such component of the CNR system. Nonetheless this HO model railway reflects Steve Pees’ interest in CNR practices and his basement layout could represent many places in Canada.

Steve’s interest in model railways came as an adult. While working with a partner in his profession, his buddy introduced him to his model layout in 1988. Once his buddy’s model was observed Steve was immediately smitten and determined on the spot that he had to have his own model railway.

Consulting various model magazines, an October 1989 article in Model Railroader by Robert Smaus provided Steve with the inspiration to commence construction of his own layout. Today his layout is ‘more or less’ finished, but as all modellers are aware, nothing is complete and there is always some tinkering to be done.

Steve’s basement modelling area is approximately 11 by 14 feet with some restriction caused by the encroachment of the required furnace. This impediment led to creative layout use of space and trackage! The layout varies in height from 49 to 55 inches from the floor. Track is code 100 Peco and turnouts, also by Peco, are short and medium radius, the latter used primarily on the mainline. Turnouts that are difficult to reach have powered Peco switch machines; those within easy reach use Caboose Hobbies ground throws.

The inspiration for the primary track plan came from the above mentioned article to which Steve added his own ‘ends’ to allow for continuous operation. There are 11 electrical blocks controlled by Atlas selectors allowing for 2 cab operation. Some buildings are can be removed to display on separate Durham Belt Line modules (currently suspended from the ceiling of the garage!).

Rolling stock subscribes to the ‘you name it, I have it philosophy.’ This includes Lifelike Proto 1000 and 2000, Atlas and Athearn as examples. Most of these items have been enhanced with added or altered details. Also included are a number of pieces from various flea markets: the $3 unwanted car subsequently appearing on his layout as indistinguishable from a much more expensive model. Steve gets the most modelling enjoyment from scratch building, “creating something from nothing.”

Set in the early 1970s, Steve’s time framework can be altered somewhat through the use of selective vehicles placed on the scenery. Buildings represent those contemporary structures as well as those erected during previous decades.

Steve will have retired by the time this article appears but that will not slow down his participation in his model railway. There are many detailing projects ahead of him. He will devote more time to comradery in the Pine Ridge Model Railroaders. Along with several others he is part of a modular group known as the Durham Belt Line and has two modules that allow him to display with them. Both groups participate in a number of model railway shows in their area. The PRR group also operate their model railway show every November in Whitby. Steve shares his modelling skills with others through various clinics. In one of these clinics he describes how he grows trees from chopsticks, caspia and ground foam. Steve is CARM member #485 and is a strong supporter of the new organization and will attend the Montreal convention this year.