For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — The 22^nd Annual Arctic Run Model Railroad Show and Sale is returning to the Holiday Inn Convention Center Hotel on February 2nd and 3rd, 2019.  The Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders invites families, friends and anyone curious about model railroading to visit the Show and learn about the “World’s Greatest Hobby.”  Model railroading can be a great family activity.  And yes ladies, women are also model railroaders.  Some build their own layouts while other help complete a family model railroad project.  Children enjoy the sights and sounds of a model train being run by the modelers displaying their creative endeavors.  Children can also enjoy a hands-on experience playing with Thomas The Tank Engine and his friends from Chuggington Station.  Adults enjoy the creativity that goes into building a model railroad.

The purpose of the show is to allow the guests to see that the hobby of model railroading is about more than a miniature train running around the Christmas tree.  Each model railroad is a unique work of art and reflects the particular interests of the modeler or club building the model railroad. Building a model railroad requires various skills that may seem daunting for many people.   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 help budding modelers understand that building a model railroad is not as daunting as it may seem.

In 1901 Lionel sold the first train set.  Lionel Cohen had devised a simple electrical device to display merchandise in shop windows.  Someone suggested this device could be fitted with a locomotive body and the great hobby of model railroading was born.  The first model train was crude when compared model trains that are available today.  Today’s models are highly detailed, with all the details found on real trains.  Model locomotives can be purchased with sound systems that are programed to replicate the sound of real locomotives.

Guests attending the show will enjoy viewing the latest in radio and computer controlled trains running on the many portable layouts that will be on display.  Guests will also be able to visit with any of the many vendors that will be in attendance.  Guests can view the latest engines, rolling stock and accessories available today.  Some of the vendors will have products that are no longer in current production.  Guests may find that out-of-production item that will complete a scene on their railroad.  After all, details make a model railroad come to life.

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.  If you think you have a potential interest, here is your chance to check the hobby out.  The show also draws former modelers who have been away from modeling for a while and are interested in viewing the latest products available from hobby manufactures.  Model railroading provides fun and relaxation for young and old or a guy or gal who enjoys trains.

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, $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 12 to 17.  Children 11 and younger are free.  Families with several children will pay no more than $12.00 in admissions.

Vendors and clubs interested in participating should contact Jim Miller (715) 340-0265 or email Jim at [email protected] or contact Don Anderson at (715) 340-8105 or by email at [email protected].