Grand River Models Quality structure kits for modellers in S-scale

		All about Grand River Models Grand River Models was created in 2007 by Barry Silverthorn. He recognized a need in the model railroad hobby for more 1:64 scale brick buildings. For years he had been noticing that many S-scalers were modifying HO-scale structures, trying to "make do" with what was available. The result was that the same dozen-or-so modified HO models were showing up on S-scale layouts. Understandably, most hobby manufacturers are reluctant to invest in complicated tooling to make brick buildings for such a limited market. By experimenting with various techniques for reproducing brick walls, and using cast-resin manufacturing, he found cost-effective ways to make brick structures in small quantities.

	Prigins
	Barry got his start in the hobby at the age of four with a Triang train set that he received from Santa Claus. Over the years he has built models in N, HO, S and O-scales.

	In the 1990's he operated Grass Valley Model Train Shop in the VIA Rail train station in Brantford, Ontario. During that time he built custom model railroads for a number of clients.

		He has also worked in film and television production. As the modelbuilder for the 1997 short film Night of the Living, he created an operational four-by-six-foot layout.

Barry has had several articles and photos published in Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, and Canadian Railway Modeller magazine. His award-winning model photos have appeared in Model Railroader Magazine and the Magic of Model Railroading section of the Walthers catalog. His aim is to offer you a quality product that includes everything you'll need to create a complete scene. Detail parts are custom-made for Grand River Models, and are not available anywhere else. And each release is limited to a certain number of kits; once they're sold out, they're gone forever.

	Barry makes an effort to create all his kits in a sustainable manner. Almost all of the manufacturing is done within 200 miles of his workbench, and he tries to incorporate recycled materials into his products when possible. For example, the packing in the kits is foam that was destined for landfill. Any cardstock that is used is also recycled. He says, "As far as the big picture is concerned, it's not going to make a huge difference, but in an age of resource scarcity I believe that we have to change our thinking about how we do everything."

		And Barry doesn't just make tiny buildings. In 2012, Grand River Models will have a new home. This fall he will be building a full-size replica of a turn-of-the-century railway station near the tracks in Belleville, Ontario. This depot will be his residence and studio, and being right beside CN's Kingston Subdivision should give him lots of inspiration.

			To contact Barry
			Email:
			info@grandrivermodels.com
			Mail:
			Grand River Models PO Box 1703 21 College Street Belleville ON K8N 0A5 Canada
			Phone:
			613-970-0237

	copyright 2007 - Grand River Modlels