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 the past 20 years as people now buy online, and our kids seem to be more interested in electronic 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-size 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 its 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 grandkids as well!
Hensley is past president of Madison County Historical Society Inc.