Our History

The Central Okanagan Railway Company was formed on July 4, 1996, and has grown from the first meeting of three interested Model Railroaders.

Ray Barber, a retired Peachland resident, donated two boxes of “old train cars and tracks” and from this humble beginning, much has been done to construct an interesting display for visitors to the Peachland Museum to enjoy.

Ray Barber, John Green, & Mayor Waldo

The layout for the Central Okanagan Railway is based upon the Kettle Valley Railway operations during the decade from 1955 to 1965. This was the transition time from “steam” to “diesel”, and the final few years of “tug and barge” service on the Okanagan Lake.

Perimeter track has been laid around the entire second floor of the Peachland Museum, and will be used for full operations from Nelson to Hope which was the length of the Kettle Valley during its brief but fabled life. Member Max Hailstones has constructed several barges and tugboats and these will be in daily operation during the busy fruit season in the “Okanagan Valley”. Dave Winter and his scenery crew will complete several sections of Valley landscapes for the enjoyment of summer visitors.

Construction of the miniature KVR

Members host the Annual Peachland Model Train Swap Meet that takes place at the Peachland Community Center on the the first weekend of October. Money raised at the door supports club activities and helps us to keep the model trains running at the museum.

Our Inauguration

Inauguration with Mayor George Waldo on July 1st, 1997

John Green

Ray Barber, John Green, and Mayor Waldo

The Last Spike

Our mayors are often entertaining

Come visit us at the Museum, and see the trains in action.

Come see the trains in action!

30 years later, the club continues to thrive, and the model railway continues to evolve and improve, much to the delight of visitors.