Classic Lionel train set at the Creative Arts Center
Mark Pelletier
The PebbleCreek Model Railroad Club has two special people to thank this month and, coincidentally, they are both named Johnson.
Thanks first to resident Michael Johnson for his generous donation of a pristine, classic Lionel model train set. You may have seen this train under the Christmas tree at the Creative Arts Center during December or at our Open House events at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have always wanted to have an example of this type of train set, since so many of us had them as children. Now we do thanks to Michael.
Our second Mr. Johnson is club member Paul Johnson, who has taken charge of our outdoor Garden Railroad layout. Paul has spent numerous hours updating the track work, landscaping and the live foliage around the layout. We now have three complete loops to run trains – double tracks around the outside and a raised loop in the center.
Also, we are updating all of our locomotives to run on battery power instead of using power through the rails. Track power requires more set-up and maintenance work. With battery power, setup is quick and easy just as long as the batteries are charged beforehand. Hint: the batteries are in the box car right behind the engine!
We hope you were able to attend at least one of our Open House events this fall. Our next Open House will be Friday, April 14 (Good Friday) from 10:00 a.m. to noon. But you are also invited to visit us any Tuesday or Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Room 106 at the Eagle’s Nest Activity Center. We may not always be running trains, but you’re welcome to come and see our railroad.