About Us

Ian Wilson formed Canadian Branchline Miniatures in 1997 in order to publish his first and award-winning book, Steam at Allandale, which debuted on August 31, 1998. Our second publication, To Stratford Under Steam, was released on February 27, 2000. This was followed by our third title, the much-heralded Steam Over Palmerston, on September 9, 2001 and then Steam Through London on February 23, 2003. Steam to the Niagara Frontier was added on September 22, 2004, then Steam in Northern Ontario in September 2006. Most recently, Steam Scenes of Allandale of August 2007 not only revisited familiar territory covered in the first volume, but introduced a parallel series of books. Throughout all the books, the brilliant photo reproduction and compelling narrative told in the present tense have delighted thousands of readers and set a new standard for railway publications.

A native of Barrie, Ontario, Ian Wilson developed a lifetime fondness for steam locomotives beginning with childhood forays to witness CNR steam excursions and photograph railway stations. An accomplished railway modeler, his feature articles on that subject and southern Ontario steam operations have appeared regularly in such publications as CN LINES, Railroad Model Craftsman, RailModel Journal, Canadian Railway Modeler and Model Railroad Planning for a number of years. Ian's ability to deliver technical information through the medium of storytelling was developed by combining his Queen's University degree and experience in civil engineering with professional schooling in theatre and dramatic arts. He and his wife Mary-Jo, a musician, and sons Spencer and Duncan make their home in Orillia, Ontario. Most recently on the modeling front, Ian has been building S scale modules, the first dealing with the Northern Ontario District junction at Washago, Ontario, circa 1954 (the same time period the book narratives are set).

See a partial list of Ian's articles in other publications.

While Ian is the creative force behind Canadian Branchline Miniatures, his wife Mary-Jo keeps the administrative side of the business running smoothly. Her main duties are sales, shipping and keeping the author well fed! Their first son Spencer, born May 8, 2000, does his best to keep Mom and Dad on their toes at all times and has brought about an increase in efficiency from all departments. Number two son Duncan, born December 14, 2002, arrived just in time to have Dad's fourth book dedicated to him!

[HOME] [ Topics ] [ Books ] [ Weblog ] [ Contact Us ] [ About Us ]