Model Railroading More Than A Hobby - A Way of Life

Online, August 3, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Chambersburg, PA - Rarely seen at yard sales and often selling for surprisingly high prices at flea markets and collector's shows; model trains have made their way out from under the Christmas tree and into spare rooms, basements, garages, barns and warehouses.

Extensive layouts combined with working accessories take enthusiasts on a tour of a miniature world filled with hobos, pirate ships, haunted houses, carnival rides, fantastic engines and often the builder's sense of humor.

"Kids love to see the different things moving" says John Duke, member of the Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club (CVMRRC) in Chambersburg. Duke, a model railroad enthusiast and kid at heart, enjoys running the trains at the CVMRRC Clubhouse. His favorite scenes are the trolley on the hi-line and the carnival scene. When asked about the layouts, Duke said "Technology has become so advanced, you can do just about anything now" like having a running ski-lift, also a feature in one of the CVMRRC layouts.

For many train collectors what begins as a way to recapture a piece of their childhood turns into something more. "Model railroading is a hobby the whole family can be involved in, there's truly something for everyone" says Duke.

No place is this more evident then when a collector puts their collection up for auction. "This is what happens when you get carried away" says Micah Fowler of Gateway Gallery Auction in Chambersburg. Fowler refers to the extensive collection that Gateway will be selling on August 21, 2010. With over 300 cataloged lots of engines and operating accessories and an additional 100+ discovery lots to choose from; beginning collectors, seasoned enthusiasts and even families looking for a simple layout for under the Christmas tree will find much to be delighted with.

"There's hard to find items like the Hobby Shop or the Industrial Power Station, the beautiful 263E Blue Comet Train Set & the Milwaukee Road Cascade Engines, but there are, also, great starter pieces like the Delaware & Hudson A&B Unit, the Hobo Campfire and the Animated Maiden Rescue" says Fowler.

"What starts out as a simple track layout quickly grows. . . you get lost in creating your own world" says Fowler. Duke is quick to agree "Model railroading is fun you can have at home."

More information on this fascinating hobby is available by contacting the Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club at (717) 263-6477. Be sure to attend Gateway Gallery Auction's exciting estate auction of model trains and accessories on Saturday August 21, 2010. For a copy of the auction catalog visit www.gatewayauction.com or call (717) 263-6512.