All aboard! : Model train show brings back memories, makes new fans of little locomotives.
Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/59083/
BENTONVILLE Pat Pio wanted to raise his grandsons interest in trains, so he thought the Great Northwest Arkansas Model Train and Historical Memorabilia Show would be the perfect place to take him.
Pio of Bella Vista and his 11-yearold grandson, Taylor East, were among the hundreds of people who wandered through the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center to see the numerous model trains on display.
Pio said he received his first train set when he was 6 years old and he has never lost his interest in trains.
They are fun to work with and it gives you a chance to build something, Pio said.
Pio has a model train, but is waiting to put the set together with his grandson. Pio believes it is a great way for the two to spend time together.
His grandson already shares the interest in trains. Taylor said he wanted his own model train set and he enjoyed seeing all the trains at the show.
Roy Lange, a member of the Sugar Creek Model Railroad and Historical Society, said he enjoys the shows especially watching the faces of children light up when they see trains.
It just like that, Lange said as he saw 5-year-old Thomas Hodgins and 2-year-old Nate Hodgins approach the train set Lange was attending. Thats what it all about the children and showing them a different time.
Lange said he grew up with model trains and he never lost his love for trains.
Every Christmas we pulled out the trains, Lange said. Its about nostalgia for me.
Mike Hodgins, the father of the two boys, said they love trains, so he and his wife, Melodie, had to bring them to the show. They can stay in here all day, Mike Hodgins said about his sons. Jim Drew, a member of the Crooked Rails Modular Club said he enjoys coming to shows to meet others who share his love of trains. It was a passion that started as a child. Every time I heard a whistle I would run to the Homeland Security classes offered
The Institute for Corporate and Public Safety of Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville will offer two free Department of Homeland Security Emergency Response classes.
This class is certified by the Department of Homeland Security.
One class will be held March 18 at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Highfill, and the other will railroad, Drew said.
Joe Dunn, who is a conductor for the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, and his wife, Shirlene, who is a hostess and conductor for the railroad, attended the show.
Joe Dunn said he enjoys attending the shows to promote railroads and train excursions.
Ive always had this love and desire for railroads, he said. I was raised on the railroad since my father was a 43-year employee for a railroad company.
Keith Johnson, the president of the Sugar Creek club, said it is the fifth year that they hosted the train show. Last year, about 1, 400 people attended the event. be held at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce on March 25.
ICPS will provide a free continental breakfast, lunch and class supplies for all participants.
ICPS, a nationwide program, works with communities to promote and enhance security and safety, by bringing together members of the private sector and the public sector.
For more information, call 619-4170.