Phoenixville Train Enthusiast Gearing Up for Holiday Season
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--If you're a model train enthusiast, or just someone who set theirs up for the holiday season, then you must find the Schuylkill Valley Railroad Club in Phoenixville.
Jerry Powell is a founding member of the club. They've been in the region for many years, but are gearing up for a great annual event.
"We moved in this basement in 1972 and we've had open houses ever since 1975," said Jerry Powell, Schuylkill Valley Railroad club co-founder.
That annual event runs this Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and again for three weekends in January. And it celebrates all that model railroading has to offer.
"I think it has to do with all the disciplines that are involved in making something like this work," said Rick Kubach, member of the Schuylkill Valley Railroad Club.
Powell says, "It's a lot to learn down here. Model railroading is one of the greatest hobbies that there is."
When you visit, you'll see 4 different railroads set on over 1000 square feet of scale modeling. There are towns, hundreds of buildings, thousands of trees, and even little people.
The detail is spectacular and it has truly been a labor of love.
How long would it take to set something like this up?
"Since 1972!" Powell says with a laugh.