Little Rhody club says model railroading 'alive and well' – and local displays are helping

The modular Rhode Island-Old Colony layout is a tribute to the Ocean State of the 1950s and 1960s and includes classic Rhody landmarks like Allie's Donuts (North Kingstown), What Cheer Laundry (Olneyville), and Majestic Theater (Providence).

Displays often spark a long-dormant interest in trains

Little Rhody Division will be giving visitors to the Middletown Public Library on Saturday, April 27, a look at model trains in the 21st century. The display will include a T-trak Rhode Island-Old Colony Railroad, N-scale.

Setup is a tribute to the Ocean State of the 1950s and '60s

“I think model trains fascinate people because trains fascinate people,” Osberg says. “What cargo is it carrying, who is it carrying, where is it going, how long it is, the number of locomotives, and that the models look to be just smaller versions. Little children are totally rapt when watching model trains, especially if there’s a tunnel on the layout.”

Inevitably at such public displays, Susan Osberg, 80, the superintendent of Little Rhody Division, has one or more suddenly excited people tell her they have Dad's or Grandpa's old model train equipment tucked away in the attic or basement or garage and they have no idea if they still work or not.

Model railroading is 'alive and well' – but club wants to attract new enthusiasts

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Little Rhody Division model railroad club hopes display draws members