Dec 7, 2012 By Hayley Martin for 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – — It’s simply not Christmas without model trains. This Sunday, make tracks to the Connellsville Community Center Sunday for the Hobo Model Railroad Club’s last open house of the season.

“We work hard to get it to look nice for the public,” said William Beatty, club president. “It starts to get you in the Christmas spirit because everyone thinks model trains are just for Christmas.”

The Hobo Model Railroad club has been chugging around the area since 1953. Comprised of about 15 members ranging from ages 20-79, the group meets every Friday evening to perfect their masterpiece. Visitors and new members are always welcome during the meetings to learn more about what the club has to offer.

“This railroad I set in the 1950s,” said Beatty. “Right now we’re not running any steam engines because we’re right at the end of the steam era. We’re running first- and second-generation diesels.”

During the open house on Sunday, visitors will be able to view the 1950’s era model railroad for the last time. After the doors close on Sunday, the train will be dismantled and moved from the third floor of the community center to the first. Since this particular train has been chugging along for nearly 30 years, the group felt it was time to make a clean break and begin a new project.

“This particular railroad was probably started in the mid-80s when they moved into the building,” said Beatty. “While it has changed over the years, when you’re building a model railroad, you’re never done and we’re not done. On Sunday at 5 p.m., I’ll pull the preverbal golden spike which ends the era of that railroad. This is a good time to come and see this railroad for the last time.”

As the current president of the club, Beatty began his tenure with the group in 1999 when he searched for a hobby after retirement.

“I was getting ready to retire and I needed a hobby,” said Beatty. “Just sitting on the porch on a swing wasn’t going to do it. Model railroading seemed like what I needed. I like building the buildings and placing them to make it look real and doing the ground work with trees and people. When you light the buildings, you show off what is in the building that you build.”

Over the years, model railroads have become synonymous with Christmas time, from large elaborate displays to small circle loops under the Christmas tree. The Hobo Model Railroad Club open house, free and open to the public, is a great opportunity for a unique family outing.

“We’ve got kids from six months up to 86,” said Beatty. “Everybody loves trains!”

While this is the last year for the current train, fans shouldn’t fret because according to Beatty they plan to have another smaller display ready for next Christmas.

“If everyone chips in and does some work, we’re hoping to have the bench work with tracks and some scenery by next year this time,” said Beatty. “It’s not something you just throw together. We’re going to start moving right after the open house, but we’re hoping to have something ready by next year.”

The Hobo Model Railroad Club open house takes place Sunday at the Connellsville Community Center from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Center is elevator accessible and has ample parking. For more information on the club, go online to www.hobomodelrrclub.com.