Locomotive lovers rejoice: the Model Railroad Show presented by Dominion Energy rolls back into Richmond the weekend after Thanksgiving. For the 46th year, the Science Museum of Virginia is showcasing model train displays at its former train station building.
Plus, new this year, the event features two train-themed films: guests can enjoy the animated holiday movie “The Polar Express” in The Dome and watch recently digitized clips from four Norfolk and Western Railway films made between 1936-1950.
The Model Railroad Show features an entire room full of elaborate train displays created by private hobbyists. Each layout has tracks for scaled locomotives riding through intricate landscapes and miniature cities.
Guests can also watch a blacksmith use a hammer and anvil similar to ones used to make locomotive engine parts like those on the train cars displayed at the Science Museum. Educators are offering steam engine demos throughout the weekend and “The Forge” features hands-on activities where guests can build a collaborative train scene and conductor hats.
In addition to all the trains, young critter lovers can explore animal adaptations and habitats in the touring exhibition “Wild Kratts®: Creature Power®!,” which is based on the popular PBS series. (Read the RFM review of Wild Kratts.)
On Track for Train Fun!
Guests of all ages can explore the following model train displays this year:
- Griggs Valley Railroad HO-scale layout by Richmond legend Sailor Bob
- RANTrak N-scale layout
- Rappahannock River Railroaders multi-scale club layout
- River City 3 Railers O-gauge modular layout
- Red Brick Caboose LEGO train display
- Silver Rail Club’s O-gauge layout
- TTrak’s N-scale layout
- Virginia Piedmont and Central HO Model Railroaders modular HO-scale layout
November 24 through 26 at Science Museum of Virginia
The Model Railroad Show takes place November 24-26. The room with the model trains opens at 8:30 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for the general public. The last ticket will be sold at 4:15 p.m.
Showtimes for “The Polar Express” are 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. “The Polar Express” tickets are not available without Model Railroad Show admission.
The Science Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities take place throughout the day. Guests should check the daily schedule for exact times.
All Science Museum and Model Railroad Show activities except “The Polar Express” are included with admission. “The Polar Express” can be added to admission for just $5 per person at Guest Services the day of the event only. Each screening is limited to 250 guests and seating is first come, first served.
To control the flow of traffic, the Science Museum is offering timed tickets for the Model Railroad Show. All guests, including members, are encouraged to reserve tickets on the Science Museum’s website before the event to secure their top-choice of Model Railroad Show entry time.
The Model Railroad Show is generously supported by Dominion Energy.
Pick up your free RFM and read all about trains, model railroading, and holiday events in the area where train lovers can celebrate trains. Or read the article at RFMonline.com.
