Enjoying the trains

From the NEAgle:  Enjoying the trains

PA_Hawley --  Managing Editor
Although Stourbridge Line train excursions are on hold this year in Wayne and Pike counties, Hawley Fire Department had model trains in action again, Oct. 7. Twice a year they hold a model train show and sale at the Fire Hall, benefiting the fire company. The S-gauge layout was set up by Tim Callaghan, of Harrisburg and Tom Keegan of Greeley. Their train layout has become a regular attraction at the show in Hawley. They make it interactive, letting the kids operate a crane to put cargo on the train, or some other function. They very the layout each year. In keeping with the election season, this time they set up a model of the White House, with a dual parade of tiny elephants and donkeys, both heading for the front doors. Keegan says he hopes to inspire the younger generation to love model trains. He lamented that in recent years, locomotives and other accessories have become so costly, it’s hard to make it accessible for kids. Modern model railroads are all computerized, he noted. Their layout at the show uses traditional hand levers to regulate the speed or switch tracks. They also like to use vintage American Flyer cars, made by the A.C. Gilbert Company. The trains used in the show date from the 1950’s. The next model train show and sale at the Hawley Fire Hall is planned Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Bill Delling at (570)226-3206.