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Model Railroad Society Show for young and young at heart
David Blessing, Ernie Stollings, and Ben Barber examine model trains during the 52nd annual Appalachian Model Railroad Society Show on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at the Veterans Memorial Field House.
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HUNTINGTON -- More than a dozen model trains are set up this weekend at the Veterans Memorial Field House in Huntington for the 52nd annual Appalachian Model Railroad Society Show.
And no matter how young or old, there is something truly fascinating about watching trains travel on tracks surrounded by manmade scenery.
"These guys love trains," said Huntington resident Kevin Burton of his two young sons.
He and his wife, Amanda, said their children love Thomas the Train and will be getting more for Christmas this year.
Many exhibitors said it's the families that make what they do worthwhile. And it sometimes takes some motivation to spend hours on end designing and building tracks.
"I like being old-fashioned about it," said 15-year-old Cross Lanes resident Joseph Dempsey, who built a display with his parents and other relatives. "I let the kids operate the train. I like seeing the big smiles on their face."
Dempsey said his love of trains started early in life, watching the life-size version pass by his house on a daily basis. He said he would watch out the window from the engine to the last car.
"I hope someday my kids share the exact same love I do," he said. "That it's not just trains going around in a circle."
The real treasure, he and others said, is building the displays. Huntington resident Jim Donathan has had a display at the show for about the past eight years, and he said he tries to do something with a winter or Christmas theme. This year, Donathan incorporated music, multiple tracks and multiple sized trains.
There also are various items for sale, including model trains, Thomas the Train memorabilia, books, photo and t-shirts.
The Appalachian Model Railroad Society Show continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Veterans Memorial Field House. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12. A portion of proceeds will benefit hospice.
