Boy Scouts sponsor model train show

Bryan Kidd is an adult volunteer for the 12th annual Model Train Show on March 13 and 14 at Saunders Middle School. The event is sponsored by Dale City-based Boy Scout Troop 964.

By: Scott Lamar | Inside NoVA
Published: March 06, 2010

Dale City, Va. -- Area model-railroad enthusiasts, Boy Scouts and those who just enjoy the whimsy of miniature trains will be at Saunders Middle School on March 13 and 14 for the 12th annual Model Train Show, sponsored by Dale City-based Boy Scout Troop 964.

The show is open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It will feature dozens of model train "modules" -- intricately decorated sections of model-railroad tracks and scenery -- created by members of several Washington-area model-railroading clubs. Club members link their individual modules together to form model-railroad layouts large enough to fill the school's main gymnasium and several other large classrooms.

Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 964 since 1998, the show has come to feature one of the largest recurring HO-scale model train layouts in the Mid-Atlantic, according to Fred Wetzel, Troop 964's train show chairman.

In addition to the HO-scale trains, the show also features several other sizes of model trains, including N-, G-,O- and S-gauge trains. Lionel trains, a Lego train and a steam-powered model train, will also be on display.

Train clubs participating in the show include the Prince William Model Railroad Club, the Piedmont Model Railroaders and the National Capitol Trackers Club. Boy Scout Troop 964 also contributes several of its own model train modules to the show.

Boy Scout Troop 964 will also offer a series of workshops that will allow about 75 local Scouts an opportunity to earn their Boy Scout Railroading merit badges.

The 12th annual Model Railroad Show is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in model trains to marvel at the miniature world created by these talented local model railroad enthusiasts and to be amazed by the advances the digital age has brought to the age-old hobby of model railroading.

The show will be at Saunders Middle School, 13557 Spriggs Road in Manassas. Admission is $7; students and seniors get in for $3. The event is free for children younger than 5.

A club car concession stand will be available. For more information, visit www.troop964.org.

Jill Palermo is a contributing writer to the News & Messenger.