Dedicated hobbyists invite the public into their homes to view displays
For most people, electric train sets conjures up images of kids sitting around under a Christmas tree. Each November, the National Model Railroad Association sets out to prove there's more to it than that.
Starting next weekend, some of South Jersey's most dedicated hobbyists will invite the public into their homes to view their displays, which can take years to build and often require multiple pairs of hands. Hundreds of people come to see the trains, a major spectacle executed on a miniature scale, each year in honor of National Model Railroad Month.
Dates for the open houses vary from place to place, so take note of when each display is open.
Burlington County
John Rahenkamp, of the CL&W Railroad, will display his trains at 1700 Second St., Delanco on Nov. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
Mike McNamara, of the Northeast Kingdom Railroad, will hold his open house at 58 Stoneham Drive, Delran, on Nov. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
Chris Conaway will welcome visitors to his model railroad at 407 Kings Highway, Moorestown, Nov. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
Camden County
Doc Patti will show the Winged Foot & Western Railroad at 267 S. Whitehorse Pike, Audubon, from noon to 5 p.m on Nov. 13 and Nov. 19.
Visit Bob Hubbard's Bangor & Navesink Railroad at 648 Pomona Drive, Haddonfield, on Nov. 13 and Nov. 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dick Kitz's Newton Creek Railroad is open Nov. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at 114 Kendall Blvd, Oaklyn.
The Perryville & Highlands Railroad, owned by Dick Perry, will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Nov. 13 and Nov. 19 at 522 Dwight Ave., Collingswood.
Mert Gardner's D&RG Western Railroad will be on display at 1110 Otter Drive, Magnolia, on Nov. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
Gloucester County
Steve Moylan will be showing his Oak Valley Railroad display at 835 Vermont Ave., Deptford on Nov. 13 and Nov. 19, from noon to 5 p.m.
P.J. Mattson's Raccoon Valley Railroad, located at 129 East Ave., Swedesboro, Nov. 13 and Nov. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
For New Jersey and Pennsylvania layouts go to: pennsyrr.com; for Delaware and Maryland layouts go to: modelrailroadopenhouse.com.
Model railroad schedules submitted by Steven Moylan.