Model Railroading Fun For All Ages

Every Thursday, a dozen or so model railroading enthusiasts gather on the top floor of the .

The Farmington Valley Railway Society members meet, run model trains, improve layouts and talk shop.

Society members maintain the Collinsville railroad diorama and, in turn, are able to let their creative juices flow in a large area behind it, which they completely rebuilt in 2006.  

And they are also interested in improving the diorama, which shows how Collinsville and surrounding areas looked circa 1900. Members are currently working on making it look better and have already improved parts of the layout. 

Already the club has largely redone the New Hartford area of the diorama.

“We’re going to spruce it up,” President Dave Snow said.

The railway society dates back to 1979 and Snow, a resident of Newington, was there the second or third week.

“I just like the modeling aspect and making it look as real as possible,” Snow said.

Society members also enjoy learning from each other.

“I enjoy the camaraderie,” said Bill Butler of Burlington. “It’s a great bunch of guys, lots of clever people.”

Many have their own layouts at home but still enjoy coming out.

“I have my own layout so I decide to come here and hang out with these guys,” Neil Wenthe of Burlington said. “I am enjoying it a lot.”

“It’s an enjoyable hobby,” added Gary Hoehne of Canton, who’s been a member for about four years. “I find it very fascinating. I love to build.”

Each member has varied skills to share, whether it’s the technical side of running model trains, modeling or railroading history.

“We pool our resources and learn from each other,” Skip Kress of Simsbury said. He has been interested in trains since 1938 and began coming to the society’s meeting about three years ago.

Also learning are some younger people, who come out every week.

Most are 12 or older and anyone under 16 has to come with a parent.

“It’s good because they get to learn a lot of stuff,” Snow said.

The club has about 15 active members.

The society meets every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Prospective members are welcome.