All aboard! Model train shows start chugging in the Beaver Valley
For generations, the sight of model trains chugging past tiny, wintry scenery has charmed people.
Most associate model trains and highly detailed miniature villages with Christmas time, perhaps recalling childhood gifts under the tree, and old-fashioned holiday celebrations.
With its rich history of train transportation, the Beaver Valley has numerous model train collectors.
They're hosting these model railroad open houses this season:
Beaver County Model Railroad and Historical Society
Where: 416 Sixth St., Monaca, next to the tracks in a former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad station.
When: Open noon to 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday in December (except Dec. 24-25).
What you'll see: A wide variety of locomotive power and rolling stock in action. At times, multiple trains make their way around the tracks. Visitors also can look around the rest of the Society headquarters that includes a library with a large collection of railroading periodicals, books, films and prototype operations guidelines. Tour the workroom where most of the fine detail work, such as painting and producing scenery, is done.
Cost: Admission free. Donations accepted.
More info: bcmrr.railfan.net
Rochester Area Heritage Society and Model Railroad Museum
Where: 350 Adams St., second floor, Rochester Area Heritage Society Museum.
When: Open house is Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 26-27; Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18; Jan. 7-8.
What you'll see: Five different model railroad displays in five different scales. The HO scale display is the highly detailed main display. Also on display is the Doug Foscale and Jason Jenson diorama built in a five-part YouTube series and auctioned off for charity. Visitors also can browse a unique collection of railroading books, films, memorabilia and one-off displays dealing with railroad history.
Cost: $5 regular; free for children 12 and younger.
More details at 724-777-7697 or the Facebook page for the Rochester museum.
Ohio Valley Model Lines
Where: 1225 Merchant St., Ambridge.
When: Noon to 5 p.m., Nov. 26-27; Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 31; Jan. 1, 7-8
What you'll see: Pulling out all the (train) stops for its 40th anniversary, Ohio Valley Lines offers two highly-detailed model railroad displays, featuring lots of new expansion on the N layout in the basement. Visitors can take a chance on special raffle baskets and check out bargains on trains and train accessories in the flea market.
Cost: Requested donation is $6 for adults; $2 for children 3-12.
More info: ohiovalleylines.org
The Miniature Railroad and Village at the Carnegie Science Center
Where: North Side, Pittsburgh.
When: Through the end of the year (closed Tuesdays).
What you'll see: The annual tradition since 1919 includes miniaturized local landmarks including Primanti Bros., Forbes Field, Kaufmann’s Department Store, Fallingwater, Gus and Yiayia’s Ice Ball Cart, Isaly’s Dairy Store and new this year, the Evans City chapel from "Night of The Living Dead." Most of the miniature scenery evokes the pre-1940s.
Cost: The exhibit comes with science center general admission: $20 for adults; $15 for seniors 65-and-older; $12 for children; free ages 2 and younger.
Timed ticketing at carnegiesciencecenter.org
Ridings Family Train Display
Where: McCarl Industrial & Agricultural Museum, 804 Plumb St., Darlington.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday starting Nov. 26 until Dec. 31. Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday hours are noon to 4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
What: Numerous train layouts and Christmas displays throughout the McCarl Industrial Museum as classic Christmas music plays. There will be cookies and candy available. Santa will be at the site's log cabin from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec.10. Outdoor Christmas inflatables for viewing pleasure, too.
Details at the McCarl museum Facebook page.
Hopewell Community Park
Where: 2500 Laird Drive, Hopewell Township.
When: noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 3.
What you'll see: Model train exhibit will be part of the Light Up Hopewell Township Holiday Express celebration.
Cost: Free.
Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Model train display open houses start chugging this month in the Beaver Valley
