Railroad Forums 

  • National Model Railroad Month

  • Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.

Moderators: 3rdrail, stilson4283, Otto Vondrak

 #1449321  by Roger Hensley
 
This was just sent to our local papers.

National Model Railroad Month

When growing up in the 50s, railroads were a part of life. Trains were everywhere. In those days it was hard not to become interested in the hobby of modeling them. Things are different today. The local hobby shop has done a disappearing act over the past 20 years as people now buy on line, and our kids seem to be more interested in devices than trains.

But there is still good reasons for modeling. This is the time to show the public what a great hobby we have. For some people, this is setting up trains around the Christmas tree and hooking up engines, boxcars, and cabooses. And for others with a basement, den or room, indulging in model train “play” is serious business all year round. It is such a huge pastime, that November has been designated National Model Railroad Month.

We’re not talking about plastic toys here, but true-to-scale models with lights, whistles, steam, and detailed scenery. There are several model Railroads in and around Anderson, and the Indianapolis and Muncie area is full of them. They come in all sizes from very modest sized layouts to large expansive ones that have taken years to build. The Scenery can be astounding. It’s all possible with model railroading, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby.

The Anderson Public Library has a train display open to the public at certain hours, and the Paramount Theater has a display open to the public during it's tree festival, and there are train shows available in November and December.

The Madison County Historical Society has a permanent train display featuring several gauges and scales. In addition there is a great 1946 Circus Layout on display. There are photos and memorabilia available for viewing, and all of these things are available during the month of December on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the first three Saturdays as well.

What? You say you aren't interested. Perhaps that's because you haven't been introduced to model railroading. Why not come out and take in some of these activities and bring the kids and grand kids as well!

Roger Hensley