Onlookers marveled at extravagant layouts of model trains during Saturday’s train show and vendor event hosted by the Villages Railroad Historical Society at the Savannah Center.
President of the railroad society Alan Goldberg, coupled with the help of the 140 members and event coordinator Bob Gall, hosted the weekend show to raise funds for the club. The funds will be used to pay over nine thousand dollars worth of fees to store the club’s train models at Better Space Storage in Lady Lake.
The group puts on four shows throughout the year, two of which are for held for Camp Villages and during the Christmas season. This weekend’s presentation along with February’s event are both fundraiser and vendor shows.
One of the train layouts that captured the attention of spectators young and old was the “O-Gauge” model. Featuring interactive buttons and amusement park decorations, some children would not move from their spot as they stared in wonder, while older adults enjoyed the nostalgia that the model had to offer.
The oldest train featured was the Lionel City Station model, which included American Flyer Liner trains that were from 75 to 100 years old. Railroad society member Tony Petro sat before his train model, which he has kept ever since he was a child. Petro explained that the train layout was only featured at the group’s fundraiser show as it is not meant to take along to different places.
Another train layout featured told the childhood story of Kathy Timko of the Village of Summerhill who grew up in College Point, Queens, New York circa 1958.
Timko explained that her husband John, a railroad enthusiast, wanted to build a train model four years ago. She then suggested to her husband that he should build a replica of her hometown in Queens and incorporate a train within it.
The couple, who moved to The Villages in 2003, explained to spectators about the model while Timko pointed out to guests the specific details within the layout, such as the tree she used to climb up as a child to the home that belonged to her grandmother.
Goldberg discussed when his fascination with trains and railroads began, which was when his uncle first bought him a set at the age of eight. Now, Goldberg is pleased to present his club’s passion to the community.
“Everybody has a lot of fun,” said the club president.
The event also featured a room full of vendors that sold various items such as train pieces and souvenirs. The show continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
