HOLLY (AP) -- Six trains chugged through mountains, a make-believe town and other landmarks surrounding the 4,000 feet of tracks at the Detroit Model Railroad Club on a recent Sunday.
"This is what happens when you get completely carried away," said Detroit Model Railroad Club Vice President Dale Thornton, of Troy.
He stood in the dispatch tower, a balcony overlooking the "O'' scale model layout. As dispatcher, he gave orders to each engineer who used digital remote controls to operate their electric trains.
Thornton estimates the club has about 100 members ranging from children to seniors. Membership is open to anyone.
"There's two kinds of people who join -- those who like to build railroads and people who like to operate the trains," said Peter Dudley, of Grosse Pointe, a member for 25 years.
The 75-year-old club has been located in the Old Holly Theatre for 34 years. When it's not construction season, the public is welcome to attend open houses at the club on weekends.
"I've been here a thousand times," said Christopher Barczak, 7, of Holly.
His father, Paul Barczak, laughed and said it's been more like four visits a year for the past five years.
"My favorite part is the old trains," said Christopher, who sported a conductor hat and a huge smile.
"He's a train addict," Barczak said.
Bruce VanVlack, of Goodrich, said he has visited the club every few years for the past 25 years.
"It's fun to watch the progress they've made over the years," VanVlack said.
"There's two kinds of people who join -- those who like to build railroads and people who like to operate the trains," said Peter Dudley, of Grosse Pointe, a member for 25 years.
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