Train enthusiasts may be thrilled to hear the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center will host a model railroad exhibit throughout December.
The annual exhibit was organized in 1987 and is presented and operated by the Central Wyoming Model Railroad Association (CWMRA), according to the Bureau of Land Management. This year’s holiday theme is “Passenger Trains from the Past.”
“This is truly a hands-on operation where you will have the opportunity to touch and operate the trains,” said club member Homer Whitlock.
The railroad association was incorporated in 2004 and is located along the shores of the North Platte River in Casper, Wyoming, according to the CWMRA website. Members originally met at various locations around town, but in 1995, they leased a permanent clubhouse, then moved into its current location in 1999.
There, the club works to change and upgrade layouts of the model train track. This includes electrical and track work, as well as scenery. At the clubhouse there is a conference room for meetings and work sessions, as well as a library which is home to books, magazines, DVDs and video home system tapes. The location has a display of railroad antiques and memorabilia, along with model railroad display items.
The display is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper on the following days: Dec. 2-4; Dec. 9-11; Dec. 15-18; Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 29-31. The BLM said the display offers something for everyone and club members will be present to talk about the trains.
The Trail Center will also host 'Holiday on the Homestead' Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The event is free.
