ESTEVAN — The Estevan Model Engineer Show is the oldest event of its kind in North America, and for the first time in its 36-year history, it was organized by someone other than Kelly Tytlandsvik.
Three local aficionados, Willie Forrest, Jason Hammer and Martin Hicks, were at the helm of this year’s event, held Oct. 17 and 18 at the Wylie-Mitchell building. As for Tytlandsvik, he was there as an exhibitor, supporting the show and meeting with his fellow hobbyists, but that was the extent of his involvement. He didn’t have to worry about being the president, secretary, treasurer and having other responsibilities.
“After 35 years, I figured I had done pretty good to get people together in such a niche hobby for that many years,” Tytlandsvik said in an interview with SaskToday.
The event had a really good turnout this year, which he said was good to see. Everything went over well, and exhibitors and other people he talked to were pleased with what they saw.
Tytlandsvik thought the organizers did a really good job. All three are from the Estevan area, have been part of the show for years and know a lot about the hobby. He pointed out they brought in some more radio-controlled equipment and more young people.
“I think they’ll have good connections in the future to keep the show going and make it grow,” said Tytlandsvik.
Even though the organization of the event fell on his shoulders, Tytlandsvik said it wasn’t too demanding. After a few years, everything fell into place and he was used to what was needed.
“And it took three good men to replace me,” Tytlandsvik said with a laugh.
In an interview in 2019, Tytlandsvik recalled the show started at Estevan’s mall with just 12 people who were fascinated about building miniature working engines and engine-operated models.
Eventually the show overgrew the mall and moved over to the Wyllie-Mitchell building.
Tytlandsvik thanked everyone who has come to the show for 35 years, and he encourages people to keep coming and support the new organizers.
“The exhibitors have made the show over the years … and I made a lot of good friends over the years through the Model Engineer Show from far and near – the exhibitors and their wives and their families. They’ve always been part of the show, almost like a family of our own.”
