Model train show and sale coming to New Eagle
A Victorian neighborhood train display at last year’s Mid-Mon Valley Train Show and Sale
One of the model trains on display at last year’s show
Some of the train-related items on display at last year’s model train show and sale
A popular event will return on Sunday, when the annual Mid-Mon Valley Train Show and Sale takes over the New Eagle social hall.
The event is sponsored by the Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club and New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department, with proceeds split between the two groups.
Railroad club secretary-treasurer Susan Werner said the venue will be packed with vendors, and is a great way to spend a fun family afternoon.
“Trains appeal to everyone,” she said.
Last year, the event was packed with at least 95 vendors; this year, the same number of vendors is expected. There will be model train operating layouts, test tracks and items for sale in all model train scales. Food and refreshments also will be available for purchase.
The club, which has been in existence for 30 years, boasts members young and old. Jimmy Braum joined as a boy, and at age 25, he is still collecting and constructing his own displays.
The goal of the club is not only to bring together people of all backgrounds and ages with a common interest, but also to show the community the history of the Mon Valley through trains.
The model railroad club has a two-tier, permanent display at the New Eagle Borough Building that depicts an industrial landscape of the Mon Valley in the 1950s and ’60s.
“We want the kids growing up to look at this display and learn about the local history. Much of this is gone. But, here they can see what a strip mine or coke oven looks like. They are astounded,” Werner said.
Gary Strelick, club vice president, said what is nice about model trains is people can make their displays whatever they want them to be.
“Displays can be historically correct, or they can be a real railroad, but set in a modern time and not historically correct, or your display can be bits and pieces of different railroads and different landscapes,” he said. “You are in control.”
A model train hobby appeals to people of all walks of life and a variety of interests.
“If you like builiding or construction, you can make your own. If you are creative, you can design your own layout and cars. If you like to be in control, you can run and operate the track,” Strelick said. “There is something for everyone.”
Newest club member Richie Jodan said he became interested in the hobby when he was laid off in the winter as a construction worker.
“My hobby has now grown to a permanent layout in my house,” he said.
He added that the train show and sale is a great place for people to come together and talk to others interested in the same hobby and to find items that can’t be found locally.
“There is nothing like this in the Valley,” he said.
The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the New Eagle social hall, 156 Chess St. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for 7- to 17-year-olds and seniors 65 and older. Children 6 and younger accompanied by an adult are free.