A new model diorama made by local youth is now on display at the Steveston Tram Museum.
The display shows Richmond as it may have looked in 1930. One of the best parts? A tiny interurban tram runs back and forth across the landscape. It is a miniature version of the type of tram that once travelled through Richmond, just like Tram Car 1220.
Who Made the Model?
The model was made by a group of teens between the ages of 14 and 17. The group is called the Metro Van Youth Model Rail Club.
The project was led by Jackson, aged 16, who lives in Richmond and was inspired to build the model as he wanted “to participate more in heritage rail.”
Jackson has volunteered before at the Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish. He also loves visiting rail museums and seeing the models on display. He added that Steveston Tram “is my closest rail museum.”
Jackson also shared that he has “a personal policy of pushing myself to the limit.” That was certainly true for this project. Leading the team and building the model was a challenge!
Meet the Team
The Metro Van Youth Model Rail Club includes:
- Jackson, 16
- James, 14
- Shenae, 17
- Immanuel, 16
- Rufus, 16, who wired the model.
The team received sponsorship from Intercity Trains and Hobbies in Langley. They also had support from their parents and grandparents.
How Long Did It Take?
The model took about 150 hours to build over the course of one year.
But according to Jackson and Immanuel, most of the work happened in the final three weeks before the model was installed. Those final weeks were full steam ahead (pun intended)
How Was It Made?
The model is built in “N” scale. This means the rails are only nine millimetres wide.
The team used many materials, including wood, Styrofoam, and resin. The tram car and buildings were 3D printed. The tiny people and animals are a mix of 3D-printed figures and store-bought pieces.
Every piece was painted by hand.
Look Closely for Fun Details
The team used archival photos to help make the tram and buildings look just right. But they also added some playful surprises.
Look closely and you may spot Aquaman standing on the banks of the Fraser River.
You might also see a tiny dog standing with two farmers. Jackson painted the dog to look like Loki, his aunt and uncle’s dog, who passed away earlier this year.
A Mistake Becomes a Muddy Moment
Even a mistake found a home in the model.
In a very Richmond moment, a tractor is half-buried in a muddy field. This happened because something went wrong while the tractor was being printed. Only half of it came out.
Instead of throwing it away, Jackson and the team got creative. They made it look like the tractor was stuck in the mud.
Problem solved and wonderful story moment created!
Can You Find Them All?
Jackson also provided a list of hidden items for visitors to find in the model.
See if you can spot:
- a child hiding in a tree
- a man with a fake moustache
- a girl enjoying the river view
The full list is on the information panel next to the model.
See It While You Can
The model will be on display until after Culture Days, ending on Sunday, October 4. Drop by Steveston Tram soon to see this tiny world for yourself. You may find a tram, a muddy tractor, a superhero, and a few other surprises along the way.
