Model railroad club sets holiday open houses Model railroad club sets holiday open houses (December 01, 2004)

It's all aboard for family fun when the West Bay Model Railroad Association holds its annual Christmas show the weekend of December 10-12 in the former baggage/freight building at the Menlo Park train station, 1090 Merrill St.

Times for the show at 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, December 10; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 11; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 12.

In addition to the Christmas show, the association will be open to the public on Saturday, December 4, when the Train for Tots Santa Special arrives at the Menlo Park station for a 20-minute visit at 7:05 p.m.

Kids of all ages are invited to watch trains run on a large detailed layout, according to club spokesman Lauren Mercer of Menlo Park. There are three track scales (sizes of trains) on the same layout, which is unique among model railroad layouts, says Mr. Mercer.

The show will feature scale models of passenger and freight trains operated by American and European railroads during both the steam and diesel eras.

About 30 trains will be on exhibit with four to six trains running at the same time. A gallery and platforms are provided to view the trains from a higher angle and allow children to see better.

There will also be railroad artifacts, photos and other memorabilia on display.

The West Bay Model Railroad Association was organized in Redwood City in 1947. Members had their first layout under a shed roof in one of the member's backyard. In 1950 the club moved to the abandoned baggage/freight building of the Menlo Park Train Caltrain Station where it still operates.

Admission to the Christmas show is free but donations are appreciated. Raffle tickets for a new train set will be on sale at the door. The drawing will be held at the end of the show on Sunday, December 12. For more information, call 322-9335.

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