FOUNDATION

The Montreal Railroad Modelers Association was founded in June 1950 by a group of five aeroplane modelers that had switched to model railroading after the city of Montreal banned them flying their model aircraft in Mount Royal Park.

From its inception, the Association has remained a non-profit organization whose objectives are endorsed equally amongst its membership, to pursue and promote all facets of model railroading for the enjoyment and satisfaction of its members. These facets entail constructing, maintaining and operating an HO-scale (1/87) miniature railroad, under the name "Canada Central".

LOCALISATION

The Associations founding layout originated in the basement of a 48-unit apartment building, in downtown Montreal, where one of its founders was the janitor. 

In October 1973, upon the sale of the building, the founding Association, with a few more members, relocated to our current premises. This unique site adds a new dimension to our club and its layout. It is situated in a building beneath the railway viaduct serving Montreal Central Station. Belonging to the Canadian National Railway, at 891 Saint-Paul St. West,  our warehouse-styled premises housed a "Lost Railcar Location Department " during the 40's, and CN's Telecomm/Telex facility occupied the ground-floor until mid-90's.

MEMBERS

From its inception, more than 300 members have contributed to the success of our Association, some for only a few months or years; others during the better part of their working careers, and also as they continue into their retirement.

Consisting mainly of French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians, from many cultural and intellectual backgrounds. They have provided the many skills, techniques, artistry and railroading information needed to directly maintain the layout, as well as teach other members.