Ohio Valley Model Railroad Transports Visitors Back in Time

Corey McCoy’s eyes lit up as the 8-year-old traced a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine, controlling the choo-choo with the help of a remote.

“Look, look,” McCoy said excitedly to his father, Dale McCoy, as the train grew closer, then passed on the track. The two were among dozens of kids and adults who visited the Ohio Valley Lines Model Train Club’s annual holiday display over the weekend at 1225 Merchant St. in Ambridge.

The model railroad open house runs from noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through mid-January, except on holiday weekends. The animated 400-foot double track has an autumn-setting that dates back to the 1950s and 1960s. With lines that run from Wheeling to Pittsburgh, the display features quaint towns, farms and industries, taking the public on an imaginary trip back in time.

“We take very much pride in what’s done here,” said board member Bob Evans. “It’s a craft we enjoy. Everybody has their own specialty and it all works out.”

Evans said the track grows larger and more detailed every year, with members contributing every step of the way. Members are involved in every part of the operation, from the concept of the track to the basic construction. Trains are put together using kits and the rocks, trees and other scenery are mostly homemade. All of it is weathered with paints to give off an older, dusty, more realistic appearance.

“If you ever finish a layout, it’s time to start over,” said club member Mike Chilson, who is in charge of the group’s online presence. “It’s one of those things, especially of this size, as pieces wear out or decay, it has to be replaced.”

In existence for 27 years, Evans said the club has 24 members who are from all over the area, including the North Side, Penn Hills and Butler. Most members are over 60 years old, but Evans said they are trying to change that.

“We’re trying to get the kids interested because everybody in the club here has gray hair,” Evans said. 

The club has a “Trains for Kids” program that provides about 150 refurbished train sets to less fortunate children each year. During each open house, three trains are randomly given away to kids at different times. The train club also houses the Model Railroad Museum and Library, which is open to visitors as well.

Evans said the club paid off the building’s mortgage in July, but donations from the holiday show help keep the lights on and the operation running year round. On some weekend days there are 100 visitors and on others, like Sunday, they’ll only see about 40 or 50 visitors. Many come from out of town, and many others, like Lisa McKee of Ambridge, return for a second look. McKee visited the display two weeks ago with her boyfriend and came back Sunday with her aunt, Betty McKee of Baden.

“This is just really awesome,” Betty McKee said as she toured the scenes.   

“I love it,” Lisa McKee added. “This is nice for little ones to see. It really is.”

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Ohio Valley Lines Model Train Club open house runs from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11; Dec. 17 and 18; Jan. 7 and 8; and Jan. 14 and 15.

Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children 6-12; children 5 and under are free. Visit www.ohiovalleylines.org or Facebook for more information or email info@Ohiovalleylines.org.