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The Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club is continuing its tradition of hosting its Holiday Open House. The doors will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays through January 4, 2015 from 12 - 5 p.m.

The tradition started soon after the club found its first home in the 1980s and is still a success. 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. The helix (spiral track), which allows the trains to travel from the lower level to the upper level and vice versa, has always been a great source of interest to all generations. A visitor may follow a train through three rooms of scenery, as the trains literally go through the walls to the next room, and back again. 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 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.

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 the efforts to preserve the history of the mid-Mon Valley. 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 interest 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 or see the website.

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