POTW: Wow!

Dec 21, 2023

Stunning model of the Trillium, the last sidewheel-propelled vessel on the Great Lakes

Metro Marine Modelers are members of the Canadian Radio Yachting Association (CRYA) they divide their fleets into three divisions: sail, scale and static (model building). David Nelson, the captain of the static division built this impressive model of the 113 year old ferry.

With sail as the most popular division, members meet at the Lakeshore Promenade Marina in Mississauga, every weekend from May to October to race! In addition to the weekly races, there are regattas and championships taking place throughout the season. Read about the club’s activities and January’s TIBS regatta (where YOU can participate) here.

David writes  “I joined in 2005 and have served as Static Captain and President.  I have been building ship models since 1969.

“My criteria for selecting a ship to model is that it has some Canadian heritage and has played a role in serving the people of Canada.  The Trillium significantly satisfied these criteria.  She was built in 1910 and sailed between the Toronto Harbour and the Toronto Islands until she was decommissioned in 1957.  In 1974 she was restored and to this day she remains part of the Toronto Ferry fleet.

“Prior to building the model I acquired copies of the plans used in her restoration from the Toronto Archives and met with Gordon Champion who managed the restoration.  I then spent two days on the Trillium to study her construction and operation.

“The best place to get details of the model is on my web site at https://dnelson.ca/Trillium.htm “