Amato's Lionel Train Display Fantastic, Interactive Exhibit

Train aficionados, children and the young-at-heart, this is your last chance before Christmas to check out the annual holiday operating model train display at Amato's Toy and Hobby on Main Street in Middletown. 

A virtual wonderland of operating model trains and antique toys can be found in the store's lower level for those completing their holiday shopping. See the giant Lionel Train layout with interactive accessories to operate.

Recapture childhood with the sounds and scents of model trains chugging along the multilevel layout, puffing smoke, lights and sounds of days gone by. See the antique toy train collection of Vincent Amato featuring pre-War Lionel. Watch the giant G-gauge trains run on the huge three-train layout brought in by the   Central Connecticut G Gauge club.

Marvel at the Antique Erector sets whizzing and whirling amidst a large display of antique Erector sets from the AC Gilbert company of New Haven. Throughout the 3,000-square-foot train room are Connecticut Railroad Historical artifacts, and antique Buddy L Metal toy trucks. 

The display is open Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Christmas Eve, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details, call (860) 347-1893, or visit AmatosToyandHobby.com. Christmas to New Year's hours will be announced. 

There will be a special showing of the Middnight Express during the celebration on New Year's Eve!

Admission is a bag of nonperishable food items to be donated to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Cash donations will also be accepted for the Heifer organization.

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