For the City Times

The 19th Annual edition of the Arctic Run Model Railroad Show and Sale is returning to the Holiday Inn Convention Center Hotel on January 16 and 17, 2016.

The Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders invites families and the public to learn about the “world’s greatest hobby.” Model railroading can be a great family activity. And yes, ladies- women are model railroaders in their own right.

Pat Lyons, a member of the Waupaca Area Model Railroaders, said he always get a thrill watching excited children react to a model train whistling as it passes by. Children can also enjoy a hands-on experience playing with Thomas The Tank Engine and his friends from Chuggington Station.

The older fan will enjoy viewing the latest in radio and computer controlled trains running on any one of a dozen portable layouts in sizes as big as 22’ x 52’. This layout depicts Central Wisconsin with familiar locations such as Waupaca and Junction City prominently displayed. An accurate model of the Junction City deport, which served both the Milwaukee Road and the Soo Line, should bring back memories for many Central Wisconsin residences.

Members of the clubs displaying their layouts are always happy to talk with guests and explain how they have built their railroad empires. No question is too trivial and they are always happy to encourage budding modelers that are just getting started in the hobby. Lean how bench work is constructed, how to scenic a model railroad or wire a model railroad for realistic operation.

The purpose of the show is to allow the public to see what model railroading is all about. Model railroads are unique works of art and become a lifetime hobby for many individuals. For anyone with interest or skills in railroad operations, carpentry, design, electronics, geography, and history will find a nitch in the hobby.

Attendance has grown every year as more people learn of the show and the hobby gets more popular thanks to the support of other model railroad clubs in the surrounding area. The goal of the Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders is to make the show become the premier after-Christmas and early New Year event that people look forward to each year.

Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders was founded as a non-profit educational organization in 1987 for individuals with interest in model railroading to come together and share their hobby. Part of the proceeds from the show and sale go to support non-profit organizations.

To keep the show an affordable family outing, CWMR has maintained last year’s admission prices, $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 11 to 16. Children 10 and younger are free. Families with multiple children will pay no more than $10 admission.

Vendors and clubs interested in participating should contact Paul Clasen (715) 341-5253 or e-mail [email protected]