Cumberland Valley Club Hosts Six Day Holiday Train Showcase

The Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club staged a six day Holiday Open House that attracted about 200 visitors each day, bringing total attendance to an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 people. The free public event ran from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14, 21 and 27, and Jan. 3, 11 and 18 at the club headquarters at 440 Nelson St.

Club members operated a wide variety of exhibits, with trains presented in nine different scales. Layouts ranged from vintage steam locomotives to modern high speed models, and visitors paused to study detailed scenes of mountains, cities and holiday villages. A T scale display featured what the club presented as the world s smallest electric train, and a dedicated Thomas the Tank Engine setup proved a strong draw for younger guests.

Volunteers staffed the layouts throughout the run, guiding visitors and keeping operations running smoothly. “It was a joy seeing kids’ faces light up,” said one volunteer, as families navigated the miniature landscapes and watched trains thread through intricate scenery. The hands on presence of club members allowed questions about modeling techniques, control systems and layout construction to be answered in real time, providing practical value to newcomers and seasoned modellers alike.

The open house served several community functions at once. It offered an accessible, low cost outing for families during the holiday season, provided a showcase for members to display long term projects, and acted as a recruiting touchpoint for the club s calendar of events. For collectors and those looking to upgrade their own layouts, the gathering made it easy to compare scales and styles in person.

Organizers encouraged visitors to follow club updates at cvmrrc.com or on the Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club Events Facebook page. Looking ahead, the group will host its Toy, Train & Doll Show on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 at the Scotland Community Center, an opportunity for buyers, sellers and collectors to connect in person.

The open house reinforced the club s status as a neighborhood hub for model railroading, combining craftsmanship, education and family friendly entertainment in a single community event.