Tag Archives: model trains

All Aboard: Model Train Delights Young And Old

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A model train exhibit all dolled up for the holidays is the quickest way to melt me right into a six year old girl. I don’t know what it is about trains and miniature villages that capture the adult imagination but I’m so grateful that they exist. I’m also grateful for the creative people who devote so much time to making those things possible in public places.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum hosts one such display each year that’s put on by a local couple and it’s pure magic. 

Honestly, the entire museum is enough to turn grown adults in kids and kids into masses of pure excitement. When we were there this month, the museum was decked out for the holidays and there was something fascinating and festive to be found at every turn if you’re paying attention. 

I’ll tell you more about the museum another day but for now – the trains!!

First of all, this display is massive in space and built in multiple levels. It actually takes the place of an entire trolley car! 

Look how fun!

From the North Pole to farms and city and scenes, there’s something for everyone! There’s even a UFO and a carnival! 

Stop by the Make The Journey Fun Facebook page for more photos and a quick video clip.

All Aboard: Holiday Train

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If you’re near downtown Columbus, Ohio during the holidays, don’t miss the model train display at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It’s free to view and absolutely fabulous.

All of the buildings are modeled after actual churches, homes and businesses in two small Bavarian towns. They’re made with natural plant materials including bark, seeds, moss and pine cones. Most took weeks to build but the castle and waterfall took over three months and the cathedral took over ten months.

The castle alone stands eight feet tall while the waterfall pumps 600 gallons of water per hour. Model trains run on about 280 feet of track while there is 600 square feet of “snow” covered land.

There’s even a red covered bridge.

It gets reimagined and reconfigured every year so it’s worth visiting even if you’ve seen it before.

It is magnificent.

Be sure to walk upstairs and view it from above too.

It’s up through January 8. The library has an attached parking garage where one hour parking is free. The Main Library is located at 96 South Grant Ave. If you visit, pop by the nearby Columbus Museum of Art to view the Van Gogh exhibition happening now or swing over to German for lunch and a stroll. If you’re headed to Franklin Park Conservatory, it’s literally just down the street.