Severna Park's Model Railroad Club Welcomes Visitors for Open House

Members of the were busy over the weekend greeting visitors to the miniature train display on Holly Avenue, in the brick railroad station. By Sunday evening, near to closing time, a few visitors remained who came from all over the region to take in the sight of the miniature train display. Sam Shepherd, club president, reported that the open house was brisk with spectators both days.

The club, founded in 1964, was once located in the back of the former Depot Hobby Shop in the Severna Park Village Shopping Center before moving to its current location along the Baltimore Annapolis Trail in 1966. The small brick building was once a railroad station, post office, schoolhouse and library.

The model Chesapeake and Allegheny Railroad circles the perimeter of the room, leaving a limited amount of space in the middle for observers, but the wait is worth it. In the spectacular display, locals will find reminders of the past, like the old Hamlen's Bar, once located nearby on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

Reported on in 2010, the club's train creation has been recognized nationally, appearing on the cover of Model Railroader multiple times. The National Model Railroad Association has scheduled bus trips from their convention locations in Washington, DC, and Valley Forge, PA, just so enthusiasts can experience the intricate creation.

The public can view the station twice a year on the first weekends of May and December from noon to 5 p.m. The club meets each Thursday at 8 p.m. and visitors are welcome.

For more information, call Sam Shepherd at 410-647-6077.