Model railroad club greets the holidays with open houses Model railroad club greets the holidays with open houses (November 30, 2005)

The West Bay Model Railroad Association will hold its annual Christmas show the weekend of December 9-11 in the former baggage/freight building at the Menlo Park train station. The station is at 1090 Merrill St., near the intersection with Santa Cruz Avenue.

Hours of the show are 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, December 9; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 10; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 11.

Kids of all ages are invited to watch trains run on a large detailed layout, says club spokesman Lauren Mercer of Menlo Park.

Many models of passenger and freight trains that operated on American and European rails during the steam and diesel eras will be on display and running during the weekend.

There will be special appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and James the Red Engine. There will also be railroad artifacts, photos and other memorabilia on display.

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 11. For more information, call 322-9335.

In addition to the Christmas show, the association will open its doors to the public from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 3, when the Train for Tots Santa Special arrives at the Menlo Park train state for a 20-minute visit at 7:05 p.m.

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