Festival of Trains exciting for all ages

Life

FESTIVAL OF TRAINS 2010

- Where: History Center of Traverse City, 322 Sixth St.

- When: daily through Jan. 2, closed Christmas Day

- Hours: Monday through Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays: noon to 4 p.m.; Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors age 65 plus, $2 youth ages 4-17; children 3 and under free. Family pass for $20

- More info: 995-0313

Related Photos

Tyler Thomas, 3 1/2, is captivated by an array of train cars and tracks. Special to the Record-Eagle/Carol South

December 22, 2010

By Carol South Special to the Record-Eagle The Record Eagle Wed Dec 22, 2010, 07:50 AM EST

TRAVERSE CITY — Eyes big as saucers, Tyler Thomas vibrated with excitement.

Trains, trains and more trains captivated his attention as he peered — just tall enough — at the extensive displays at this year's Festival of Trains.

With parents Bill and Jessica following in his wake, Tyler, 3½, watched engines puff by and joyously pushed buttons to make rail cars move, windmills turn or lights blink on and off.

The 2010 Festival of Trains runs through Jan. 2 at the History Center of Traverse City.

Like so many enthusiastic visitors of all ages, Tyler relished the elaborate showcase of miniature railroads. Scales featured at the event are Z, N, HO, O27, O S and G.

While he has a small train set of his own at home under the Christmas tree, it pales compared to the elaborate creations of the Northern Michigan Railroad Club. The History Center cosponsors the Festival of Trains with the club.

"He can actually see it this year," said Jessica Thomas, as her son explored a sprawling display. "We had to lift him up last year, he was a whole head shorter."

Last year, just more than 8,000 visitors enjoyed the event and organizers are anticipating that many and hoping for more. The festival is the major fundraiser for the History Center, previously known as the Grand Traverse Heritage Center.

"It's the biggest fundraiser we have and probably the most fun," said Lori Puckett, executive director of the nonprofit organization. "All of our events are fun but this one is extra special."

The Festival of Trains draws inquiries and attendees from around the state and country, Puckett noted. Families have made it a tradition dating back to the festival's days at the City Opera House in the 1990s.

"It's a huge event," she said.

Tina Banko and her son, Chase, 4, were first-time visitors to the Festival of Trains, braving the crowds on Saturday's opening day.

"He loves trains and I heard about it and wanted to come," said the Kalkaska resident. "He loves the interactive stuff."

The interest in trains has not waned despite their diminishing presence in people's lives, said John Mallard, of the Grawn area. The related miniature railroad hobby has been gaining steam for a few decades after a peak in the 1950s was followed by a slump that extended into the 1970s.

The enduring fascination of younger generations with miniature railroading has outlasted the transportation method's function in the real word.

"We get one train a week now, with two cars," he said of local railroad activity. "Trains haven't really been around here much in a long time."

The volunteer with the Northern Michigan Railroad Club also appreciates that young attendees — raised on complex and complicated computer games and controllers — still enjoy what pushing a simple button can do.

"It's fun, the switch does something and you let go and it stops," Mallard said. "It doesn't get ideas like computerized stuff does."

Don Wrobel, chair of the railroad club's board, has been involved with Festival of Train events for 18 years. One of dozens of club volunteers logging long hours during the 15-day event, he agrees that simplicity still appeals.

"Everybody wants to press the buttons," he said.

The Festival of Trains event this year featured a swap meet. Held Saturday in the basement of the History Center, offerings included everything from tracks, individual cars and old magazines to bridge kits, sets and accessories.

"The swap meet helps promote interest in the hobby and provides opportunities for club members to sell their things," said Will Amstutz of the Northern Michigan Railroad Club.

While wryly acknowledging that much of the merchandise is traded by owners on the club roster — still a win-win for buyer and seller — the effort was worth it overall.

"We introduced someone to trains here and got him set up," Amstutz said.