All Aboard! For 25 years, the Local Loco Model Railroad Club has been conducting area model railroad shows for residents of the Tri-State area. The club’s roughly 20 members design intricate track layouts and backdrops and share the same passion for model railroading.
“We all strongly believe it is a terrific hobby because it involves so many different creative aspects,” says Norman Morgan, former club president/treasurer and an active member. “The club’s goal is to get it out in front of the public.”
The organization has hosted shows at the Newburgh, Ind., Boonville, Ind., and Downtown Evansville libraries, American Baptist Church, and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, among a number of additional locations. The club’s most recent September show at Evansville’s iconic Pagoda reeled in just over 800 spectators over two days.
“Model railroading is often a solitary hobby,” says Morgan. “Well, not so much solitary, as out of view. If somebody is out playing tennis, you see them. If somebody is by the river fishing, you see them. Model railroading takes place in somebody’s basement, or backroom, and the general public doesn’t get to see it.”
One of the club’s main goals is to provide the general public with a free show that exposes individuals to the beauty of model trains. Every month except in December, the organization meets at Shepherd Hills Lutheran Church, 3600 Oak Hill Road, to discuss, plan, and critique information about both upcoming and previous shows. The group then compiles its track work, backdrop decoration, and overall art.
“We set up layouts and run trains for the enjoyment of kids of all ages,” Morgan says with a grin. “And for train purposes, those are kids from 3 to 83.”
For more information about the Local Loco Model Railroad Club, visit locallocomodelrr.org.
