National Model Railroad Month

[rogerhensley]

This was just submitted 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

[Steven Otte]

Sounds great! I hope it generates a lot of interest in model railroading in your area!

[mlehman]

The local library is a great ida of a place to consider asking to host a display to educate about model railroading during November.

[KEN MASON]

Our club in the New Orleans area, The Crescent City Model Railroad Club is displaying model trains at our local East Bank Regional Library In Metairie, Louisiana for National Model Railroad Month and all through December. There are pictures available of our displays on our club Facebook page.

[riogrande5761]

Ra ra sis boom ba.  GOooooo model trains!

 

[chutton01]

As I recall, Model Railroader would put "November Is National Model Railroading Month" (or similar such text) at the top of the November issue's cover.  For the remaining months, it would put "Model Railroading Is Fun".
So clearly, November was the month when Model Railroading is not fun...

[rrinker]

I should bring a section of flex track and some stuff to work, but I don;t really have the place for it. I'm going to scrounge and see if we have any shelf unts for the cube walls we have, which would give me room for a small display. I used to have a small display set up years ago when I had a bookshelf as part of my space. The giant desktop wallpaper of NS Heritage Unit 1067 (Reading) on my computer screens will just have to suffice.

                                         --Randy

 

                             --Randy