Experts help model train hobbyists get their railroads in gears at Hayes Center clinic

FREMONT - The Rutherford Hayes Presidential Library and Museums hosted its annual model train clinic on Saturday, early enough for train enthusiasts to get ready for the holiday. In previous years the event has been held in early January.

Ken Fullenlove veteran train hobbyist, retired from hosting the event and passed the torch to Randy Ramsey who buys, sells, trades, repairs, and appraises model trains. This is Ramsey's second year hosting the event.

“I will do this every year,” Ramsey said. “I am going to try to get two events here, one in January maybe, so one before Christmas and one after Christmas.”

Five hobbyists came out to fix or repair any models on their special track that fit standard model trains of an O-gauge and G-gauge. Anyone interested in selling their trains could get could an estimated value from the expert panel.

“I have been collecting trains since when I was in high school,” Joe Matthews, a train specialist, said.

This is Matthews' second year at the event and his son and grandson are also train hobbyists and repairmen.

“My nephew picked this up when he was 5 and he is 8 and is getting better than me at repairing trains now. We have to have the young guys coming up behind us to continue the hobby.”

Since the event was moved up this year not that many people showed up. But Ramsey wanted to extend the hours to 11 to 4 p.m., last year it only ran from 1 to 4 pm.

“They want to extend the hours because last year it was so packed,” Kevin Moore, curator of artifacts, said.

Moore also is the one who creates and builds the Hayes train special display each year and each year he adds something new. Two tunnels were added this year. Along with a different layout for the towns and tracks.

“This is our first year here at the event my husband has trains that needed work,” Diana Stark said. “We also have my grandson who is 5 and loves the Christmas trains.”

The display has different trains running throughout a winter wonderland. Along the way are ice skaters, Ferris wheels, towns, a train stop, and other things throughout the village. There are buttons for visitors to push that will make sounds, start the trains, and activate scenes such as doors opening, ice skaters skating, the Ferris wheel turning, and other movements.

A scavenger hunt was introduced this year with the theme of helping President Hayes reach his destination by finding items in the train exhibit.

These included finding squirrels, the Ferris wheel, counting the people riding the carrousel, finding the Christmas Inn, counting how many train cars, and other parts of the exhibit. The scavenger hunt made it even more fun and exciting to view the exhibit.

The annual Hayes Train Special will remain on exhibit through Sunday, Jan. 7. For hours and holiday closings information, visit rbhayes.org/visit-us/visitor-information.

For those seeking more model train events or who wish to start a collection, the Greater Toledo Train and Toy Show will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 10. For more information visit toymasters.org. Many of the train experts who were at the event in Fremont say they plan to attend the Toledo show.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Hayes Center's model train clinic helps hobbyists prep for holidays