Mason Hash said he's not quite sure when his love of trains began.
"I just got into them one day and I don't remember why," the 7-year-old said. "I love all trains, big ones, little ones, I love them all."
So, Saturday was Mason's kind of day in Manassas, when the 16th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival took over the town.
Mason's mother, Melissa, said they have attended the festival for about four years now.
"I think every year it's growing," the Manassas resident said. "It's amazing. There's always something new to see."
Model trains filled the Harris Pavilion and a few tents in nearby parking lots throughout Saturday.
Model train enthusiasts with the Prince William County Model Railroad Club, the National Capital Trackers, the Piedmont Railroaders, Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO Train Club and other area groups set up displays during the event, which also included music, games and Virginia Railway Express trips from Manassas to Clifton.
Prince William County Model Railroad Club member John Huntzinger said the club has participated in the Manassas festival every year since it started.
Huntzinger said his love of trains started when he got toy train for his first Christmas when he was about six months old.
"Almost all of us had trains as little guys and gals, so we love to share our passion with children," the Woodbridge resident said.
Just about any child who asked got a chance to operate the Prince William club's trains as they wound their way around a track in the Harris Pavilion.
"We have a couple of junior engineers around here. A lot of times a kid will say, 'Hey, can I run your train?' and I say 'Hey, sure you can'," he said.
The club also sets up model train displays at county libraries about once a year, said Edwin Maldonado.
"We enjoying having the kids run the trains, and they enjoy it too," he said.
The humidity outside was causing a few model train derailments Saturday, but overall, it was going well, Maldonado said.
The Prince William County Model Railroad Club members said they hope to pass on their love of trains to the next generation.
"We like to see kids liking the trains. Start them when they're young and when they're older and have money and time they'll think about it," said club member Bill Lyders.
Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-530-3908.
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