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NEWS
Railroad society hosts annual show
Donald Moore sets a model train back on the tracks as the Appalachian Model Railroad Society Show concludes Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, at the Veterans Memorial Field House in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- Three-year-old Ian Ginger has a one-track mind. He loves trains.
"He's obsessed with trains right now," said his dad, Jeff, of Ironton. "I've tried to get him into action figures like the Hulk, but it's trains only. And whatever he loves I love."
For the Gingers, there was a lot to love inside the Veterans Memorial Field House on Sunday.
The Ceredo-based Appalachian Model Railroad Society was rounding the bend of its three-day, 52nd annual model railroad show that featured a record 15 model railroad layouts of all gauges that ranged from the foot-and-a-half-long cars that make up the G Gauge or Garden Railroad size down to the tiny N-scale cars, which are about three inches long.
Long-time member Ernie Clay said they've had a really good turnout all weekend long. At least 2,000 people came through the doors to see the layouts as well as a smorgasbord of 90-plus tables packed with books on railroading history. Many model trains were for sale from vendors from all over the region, including a super-sized 19-table display from West Virginia Hobbies in Teays Valley.
While the weekend show is over, Clay said folks who attended the show that might be interested in buying a train should try to get a set from someone who sells and services model trains.
"The best thing they can do is go to a reputable hobby shop like West Virginia Hobbies because Chuck Wiley will not sell you some train that don't run good," Clay said. "He sells you something you can build upon and that'll run good."
Rick Bartholomew of Huntington has been coming to the model train show for about 40 years, but didn't start putting model sets together until last year.
He's got a good reason that he started up his latest hobby.
His father was a life-long railroader in Huntington, and now Rick's 4-year-old grandson, Ty Gandy, is more than eager to help out his grandpa making the trains run in his "clubhouse."
"These guys in the club got me modeling HO gauge last year, and so I came to get some tips," Bartholomew said. "(Ty) came to watch the trains, and now we can't get him to go home."
Anyone interested in the Appalachian Model Railroad Society can attend the group's next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village, 3300 Harvey Road, in Huntington.
For more information on the group, which has also built a model railroad layout at Heritage Farm, call Paul Fulks at 304-429-3885 or Ernie Clay at 304-429-1432.
More trees and trains
Here's a look at the other Christmas train events in the region:
Winter Wonderland Express: Located at Ashland's Central Park, the Winter Wonderland of Lights has more than 500,000 lights on display. You can see them the easy way as the Winter Wonderland Express Train rides roll 6 to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20. Cost is $3 per person. The train rides are sponsored by WTCR-FM/Big Sandy Superstores. Call 606-324-5111.
Trains, Trees and Treasures: Trains, Trees & Treasures started last weekend and rolls through Sunday, Jan. 3, at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston. It features model railroads, trees designed by local artists and all-new displays from area collectors. Collections include Disney memorabilia, antique piggy banks, dreidels and other items. Call 304-561-3570.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's Santa Trains: Located in Nelsonville, Ohio, there are two holiday-themed rides: The North Pole Express, modeled after the popular "Polar Express" children's book, and Santa Trains. The North Pole Express encourages riders to show up in their pajamas for this evening ride that includes hot chocolate and cookies, a special gift for each child and a visit with Santa (departs Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19, and Friday, Dec. 18; cost is $25, $20 for seniors, $17 for kids ages 3-12; kids under 3 are free). The Santa Train is an afternoon ride featuring St. Nick and his elves, candy treats and holiday-themed decorations (departs every Saturday and Sunday for four weeks starting Thanksgiving weekend. Cost is $16, $14 for seniors and $12 for kids ages 3-12; kids under 3 are free). Call 740-753-9531 or 800-967-7834.
