This past weekend, I had the opportunity to check out some incredible layouts as part of the annual Hamilton & District Layout Tour, hosted by the HOMES club. If you’re a model railroader, this tour is something you should experience at least once. There’s nothing quite like seeing the creativity and craftsmanship of fellow hobbyists firsthand.
Here’s a quick look at the five layouts I visited on the tour, each one bringing something special to the table.
Gary Courtemanche’s “Blood, Sweat, and Tears 3”
Gary’s HO scale layout, Blood, Sweat, and Tears 3, is packed with intricate details and brings a 1940s industrial scene to life. His 15 ft by 3 ft point-to-point layout may be compact, but it feels much larger thanks to clever use of mirrors. Every inch of the layout tells its own story—whether it’s the weathered rolling stock or the mini vignettes scattered throughout. Gary’s layout has a museum-like quality to it, much like George Sellios’ work, and seeing it evolve over the years has been a real treat.
John Johnson’s Grand Trunk Southern
John’s N scale Grand Trunk Southern layout spans 11 ft by 22 ft, set in Pennsylvania in 1969. Long trains snake through the Pennsylvania hills, making it perfect for showcasing operational reliability. John and I had some great conversations about his layout modifications during the pandemic. He added two visible staging yards on the upper deck and simplified things by ditching the lower deck and helix for better performance. It was also great to trade tips about turnout control, which I’ll definitely be using on my own layout.
The HOMES Club’s Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo Railway
The HOMES club’s Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo Railway is an HO scale layout that’s 62 ft by 33 ft, modelled after the real thing between 1954 and 1958. This is one of the biggest layouts on the tour, and the level of realism is incredible. From the detailed steam mill to the unique passenger stations, you can tell a lot of thought went into replicating the railways of Southern Ontario. It’s definitely a must-see for anyone interested in Canadian railroading.
Justin Perry’s ASTX Superior Division
Justin’s ASTX Superior Division is a 24 ft by 28 ft N scale layout set in Northern Ontario in 2016. It’s a proto-freelanced layout, featuring run-through power from CN, CP, UP, and BNSF. Although he just finished the third rebuild of his benchwork and track plan, the operational side of things is top-notch. His DCC control system is easily the most advanced I’ve seen, and Justin was generous with his time, offering up some solid advice on turnout control and wiring—tips I’ll be putting to use.
Ron Tuff’s British Columbia Railway
Ron Tuff’s HO scale British Columbia Railway spans 13 ft by 43 ft and is set deep in the forests of BC in the mid-1980s. The layout focuses on a logging community, and Ron’s skills as a Master Model Railroader shine through. Everything is so meticulously crafted—from the weathering to the backdrop, which seamlessly blends into the scene. The whole layout feels clean, precise, and incredibly well thought out. It’s an impressive piece of work that feels more like an artistic representation of BC’s railroads.
Wrapping Up the Tour
The Hamilton & District Layout Tour was an incredible experience, and each layout had something unique to offer. Whether you’re into modern-day railroads, historical accuracy, or a blend of both, this tour covered it all. I’m grateful to all the hosts for sharing their layouts and for the great conversations we had along the way.
If you ever get the chance to attend a layout tour like this, don’t hesitate. It’s a fantastic way to see what’s possible in this hobby and to connect with other model railroaders.
