Train Show In Alderson

“Improving The Community One Project At A Time” PO Box 117 - Alderson W Va. 24910 Made with Xara

TRAIN SHOW IN ALDERSON (Photos at bottom of page) This year the annual train show in Alderson has some new additions. Hosted by Lee and Tammy Smith Skaggs, the

model trains and their layouts will be on display in the Fellowship Hall of the Alderson Presbyterian Church from 1-5

on Sunday, December 8, 2013. Admission to the train show is free. Rick and Zackary Burns are bringing an N scale layout and an H-O scale layout. They are always working on their

layouts and are sure to delight everyone this year. They have exhibited each year since 2007. Kevin, Brent, and Seth Napier will be showing their O-gauge layout. Last year, they outdid themselves with the

animation on the layout we can expect even more this year. Lanny Howe will exhibit the largest train with his G scale LGB train. Children seem to especially like his train in part

because of its large size. Lee Skaggs has been working on his O-gauge layout for the show. He said, “I am including what you might think of

as a small winter carnival including an animated ice rink, on which the skaters actually move around skating, and an

animated Christmas carousel.” Tammy Smith Skaggs said, “I am definitely expanding the Thomas the Tank Engine display. I have bought some

additional Thomas decorations that I believe the children will enjoy and I have added a tunnel to the layout. It has

been my observation that children of all ages (including me!) like to watch a train go through a tunnel or over a bridge so I could not resist adding the tunnel.” Santa's Holiday Express train is a favorite each year because of the animation. It takes a few minutes to take it all in

from the elf ringing the bell on the locomotive and Santa waving from the cab to the elves loading red-suited toy

soldiers on the last car, there are many, many things to see. A favorite of adults is the elf who keeps peeking out of

the box where he is hiding on the tender car while leaving the other elf to shovel all the coal alone. Working with model trains does not have to be an expensive hobby. One can occasionally find real bargains on

model train pieces at yard sales, thrift stores, or flea markets. Tammy Smith Skaggs noted, “My Mom bought more

H-O scale track than one can imagine along with a couple of trains and other pieces for $50 at a yard sale.” Tod Hanger will be at the show with items from The Chessie Shop of the C & O Historical Society. Jill Groves

Highlander of Creation Photography is also going to have train photographs and magnets on display and for sale.

The Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church will be serving a soup and sandwich lunch for $6 from 12-2.

Before or after enjoying the model train show, visitors are encouraged to visit the Historic 1896 C&O Depot. It will

be open from 1-4 so everyone can experience what a real train depot is like. The museum of train related items will

be open and a new addition of a number of historic train photos will be on display. Tom Dameron and a few other

dedicated individuals have worked very hard to make the Depot and Museum ready for its re-opening. Admission is

free and there are public restrooms at the Depot. Mayor Travis Copenhaver said, “I really appreciate all the hard work by individuals and organizations to bring an old

fashioned Christmas spirit to Alderson. We hope a lot of people will come and enjoy these activities.” PHOTO INFORMATION:

Pictured are some photos from the craft sale and the Model Train Show which went on as scheduled. The Depot

Museum was open, too, for visitors and was selling some great railroad collectibles as well as the great ornaments.

They are available for $75 and there are only 2 left. The money will go for helping clean up the old hotel property

across from the Depot in Alderson. If any one is interested in buying one or both of these great ornaments and

supporting a great cause, please call Tom Dameron at 304-839-7178. (Click on photo for larger view)