Model trains chug around their tracks on a never-ending loop.
In a way, it’s a metaphor for the process of building a model railroad display. Richard Eichhorn, a member of Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Club, once heard the process compared to a continuous journey, the displays always requiring additions or adjustments.
“Building a model railroad is sort of a journey, and not necessarily an end destination,” he said.
The Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Club will presents its 12th annual display at Williamsburg Regional Library’s Norge location on Dec. 3 and 4.
Asked by the library in 2005 to commemorate National Model Railroad Week, the club built one layout for display. This year, the display features seven operating layouts, built and maintained by the club’s more than 50 members.
Visitors will find a variety of sizes: G, O, HO and N scales, to be exact. For context, a G scale model railroad display is larger, one you might find outside in a landscape railroad, Eichhorn said. O scale trains are a size you might typically expect in a display, while the HO and N scales decrease respectively in size.
The show draws several thousands visitors each year, Eichhorn said, a popular addition to Grand Illumination weekend.
Several of the layouts allow bystanders the chance for interaction, taking controls into their own hands. Of course, club members stand watch nearby.
“It is artistic,” Eichhorn said of building layouts. “And it’s very creative, because you work with the space that you have.”
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Want to go?
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Dec. 3 and 1-5 p.m., Dec. 4
Where: James City County library, 7770 Croaker Road
Admission: Free
