Holiday Train Tradition Continues at Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club

Last Updated on Monday, 30 October 2017 02:13

The Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club is continuing its tradition of the holiday open house. The doors will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from November 25, 2017 through January 7, 2018 from noon until 5 p.m.

The full schedule can be seen on the club's website at www.mmvmrrc.org. Click on the ‘Events’ button and then click on the link for the holiday open house flyer.

The tradition started soon after the club found its first home in the 1980s. This is the 18th year in this New Eagle Borough site. Each year, new generations are introduced to the hobby.

The setting appeals to young and old alike, with its upper and lower levels of track and scenery. The scenery is designed to evoke the history of the mid-Mon Valley. The more mature visitors are likely to recognize scenes that no longer exist and the younger visitors will derive joy from following some of the numerous trains from room to room. Step stools are made available for those who need the extra height to see the upper level, but parents are cautioned to assist their children to prevent stumbles and touching the display.

Historical artifacts from area railroads are on display in the last room and photographs line the hallway toward the roomful of artifacts. Items to be seen include trainmen's lanterns, switch locks, tickets, timetables, caps, signal lights and many other fascinating objects.

While in the last room, visitors can take time out to see the view from the cab of a model locomotive as seen by the model engineer. This view is transmitted from a camera hidden in the nose of one of the locomotives and displayed on a television screen. This gives one a truly unique perspective of the layout that cannot be seen from the aisles.

Although the club meets only once each week, each year produces some new changes to the layout. The continuing efforts on the display are funded by the public's donations. While there is no true admission fee, a suggested donation level of at least $1 per person will help further their efforts. More generous donations will help to offset those who are unable to donate.

All the work is done by members of the club, so if you are interested in membership, ask for information while visiting or see the website at www.mmvmrrc.org. Membership is open to interested individuals ages 10 and up; candidates must be National Model Railroad Association members. For further information, contact S. Werner at 724-379-8584.