Inaugural model train show brings Regina family closer

The inaugural Regina Railfest rolled into the city over the weekend. 
 
Model trains of all shapes and sizes took over the 10,000 square foot Tartan Curling Club, along with different vendors and Lego structures.
 
For one family, model train building has brought them together.
 
This was nine-year-old Isabelle Lipoth’s first model train show along with her seven-year-old brother Jaxon.
 
“There’s houses, a waterfall, mountains, shipping containers,” she said as her brother also pointed to other small figurines of their N scale model train display.
 
The N scale models are one-sixtieth the size of an actual train. Isabelle said it was her favourite train model as she along with her brother helped pick out the entire design of the train display.
 
Although too shy to be interviewed, Jaxton’s eyes lit up, followed by a big smile, when asked if he was the train conductor who decided how fast the model train went.
 
Their dad, Chris Lipoth, is a member of the Echo Valley Railway Guild who put on Railfest.
 
He said having kids sparked his love for model trains a second time around.
 
 “I’ve always loved it as a kid and once I hit high school they got put away,” he said. “I actually didn’t get back into it until I had kids myself and they just kinda rekindled my love of trains and I was able to share it with them.”
 
He added that it’s also a great hobby that the whole family can enjoy.