All aboard, train fans, for the Christmas Train Show to be held at the Alderson Presbyterian Church from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. Featured in this year’s show will be five model train layouts: a display of antique Lionel model railroad cars, a display of railroad artifacts, train photographs and railroad-themed gift items.
Rick and Zack Burns, who have shown an H-0 scale model train layout in previous years, have this year decided to concentrate on and show an N scale model train layout. Kevin Napier along with his two sons have amazed everyone by creating a new, animated model train layout each year that they have participated in the show. This year will be no exception with them showing a new 0-gauge model train layout. Lee Skaggs has created a new, colorful 0-gauge model train layout featuring animated skaters on a pond.
Santa’s Holiday Express train should delight both the young and young at heart. The locomotive and each car of this G-scale model train is animated. Santa Claus waves from the locomotive while the elves on the caboose load toys. Elves on the two other rail cars work at various tasks while one elf hides to keep from working. Definitely a treat for the young will be the Thomas the Tank Engine H-0 model train layout and display. Thomas will be chugging around the track while his friends Cranky the Crane and Harold the Helicopter decorate a tall Christmas tree.
The true model train collector will enjoy a display of antique Lionel train cars which will be provided by Lanny Howe. New to the Christmas Train Show this year is the display of railroad artifacts provided by the Hinton Railroad Museum. Mr. and Mrs. Pat Hanifan with the Hinton Railroad Museum will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the various artifacts on display.
For those looking for Christmas gifts for train buffs, there will be a wide variety of gift items available for sale from the Chessie Shop of the C&O Historical Society. Train photographs by Jill Highlander of Creation Photography will be on display and also available for sale.
There is no admission fee for the Christmas Train Show. Hosted by Lee and Tammy Skaggs, the show is just an opportunity for train fans to enjoy an afternoon of fun. The Alderson Presbyterian Church, the site of the show, is located on South Monroe Street on the Monroe County side of Alderson. For more information, contact Lee Skaggs at 304-646-2028 or Tammy Skaggs at 304-646-3694.