E. Roy Smith Gallery

This Model Railway was created over a period of 17 years by the donor, Graham Macdonald. Started in 2000, it was built in his home basement which he opened yearly for tours by fellow modellers and the public, welcoming over 2500 visitors through the door. Graham’s interest in the Ottawa Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway was sparked by Niall McKay’s book “Over the Hills to Georgian Bay” which he bought during a stay with his young family at Red Pine Camp on Golden Lake. This led to further research and visits to remnant sites of the railway’s past. The Model represents the OA&PS Railway in 1922/23 as it was being taken over from Grand Trunk by the Canadian National Railway. The model depicts scenes from the Western Division between Madawaska and Depot Harbour. Graham is a Professional Engineer with a broad experience in mechanical and electrical design. He retired in 1996 and moved to the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, where this model was created, enjoyed, and later modified for display in this gallery. It is all his own work, with some help and much encouragement from his wife and friends. Graham is a member of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), Western Ontario Division and, in 2020, was awarded the honour of Master Model Railroader. Advancing years and the need to move to smaller housing led to the decision to donate his Model Railway and his research materials to the West Parry Sound District Museum for the enjoyment of many more visitors.