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Friday, November 28, 2008

Model train owners to share passion with public

All aboard! The following operating layouts will be available for public viewing: n An O-Gauge small-town scene with six locomotive/car sets displayed on a center table is among those that will be displayed in Lester and Delores Kuhn's "hobby garage" in Winding Waters. The layout includes 22 remote-operated switches, several animated accessory buildings and computer-controlled trains that emit realistic sounds. Take Scruggs Road and turn left onto Bluewater Drive (at Lake Mart); follow Bluewater to right on Sanders Farm, right on Winding Waters Drive, left on Channelview to #415. Watch for signs pointing to the detached garage. (540) 721-8575. n A G-scale Austrian mountain scene above the garage in Park Place, Marshall's snow-covered layout includes a Christmas-themed train set, an operating ski lift and skaters on an icy pond. Returning to Winding Waters, turn left onto Parkway. Follow that left into Park Place, then three right turns to 77 Pacific Ave. (540) 719-0014. n A G-Scale outdoor "garden railway" is located behind the home of Hans and Pat Weidig on Mallard Point Road. Turn left off Scruggs Road just past the Dudley Mart; 652 Mallard Point is a little more than a half-mile on the right. (540) 721-4797. Three train displays will be featured on the first Charity Chug.

By Jerry Hale
 

RECREATION

The Smith Mountain Lake Model Train Club, an informal alliance of lake-area residents who enjoy model railroading, is inviting the public, including children accompanied by adults and train aficionados, to visit three members' train layouts on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 until 5 p.m.

The three operating layouts that will be featured on the club's first Charity Chug are located on the Franklin County side of Smith Mountain Lake and all are within about a five-mile radius.

"Parents and grandparents can easily drive children to all the train displays within the three-hour visitation period," said Charlie Marshall, the event's chief organizer. Before moving to the lake, Marshall and his wife, Nancy, operated a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm in Maryland, where they always operated model trains for visitors during the holiday season.

"We want to continue the enjoyment of model trains for families [at SML]," said Marshall.

Admission to the displays is free, though charity donations will be accepted. Marshall said 100 percent of funds collected will go to Lake Christian Ministries to assist area families during the holidays.

Layouts may be visited in any order.

"It will make viewing easier if attendees randomly visit the listed locations," Marshall said. "We're hoping to welcome lots of kids and train lovers that afternoon."

JERRY HALE | Special to Laker Weekly 721-7222
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