Rails in the Rockies XII Showcases Working Model Railroads - 01/16/2009

A world of make-believe and a return to the past allure of travel complete with smoke, whistles, towns, landscaping and special surprises will great those who attend this year’s Rails in the Rockies train show in Estes Park.

The show that features fully detailed modular layouts in operation is scheduled for Feb. 14 and 15 at the Estes Park Conference Center, 101 S. St. Vrain Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Organized by the Estes Valley Model Railroaders for a dozen years, those attending the show have enjoyed the working exhibits covering most model train scales. Displayed in more than 15,000 square feet of space last year’s show attracted more than 4,000 adults and children. This year, model trains representing regions of the United States will be on display. In addition to viewing the displays, models and many railroad-related items will be available.

Children will enjoy the “junior” layout where they are given the opportunity to run the trains, and participate in train races. Two- to eight-year-olds can play, color pictures and enjoy fun activities with other children. Kids also can enter a drawing to win a free Thomas the Tank & Friends Lionel Train Set.

Also planned for children is a Seek and Search treasure hunt. Items scattered throughout the exhibit area will be the subject of questions that can be answered for prizes.

Admission is $5 per person, although children under 12 get in free with an adult.
For information about the event call the Estes Park Convention and Visitors Center at 800-44-ESTES (800-443-7837) or 970-586-9900.