Neuse River Valley Model Railroad Club

I had my nose nearly pressed against the storefront glass as I happened by this space in the Morrisville Outlet mall. They had an old-​school train running along a long track, ’round mountains, through valleys, past lakes. I looked beyond the set and saw there were others — and I couldn’t help myself: I went in to get a closer look! Train sets strike a super-​nostalgic chord with me as my dad has a vintage Lionel beaut’ that he puts out every year for Christmas (or did — when my brother and I still lived at home). He’ll build a small platform, drape it in a white sheet and tack decorative brick trim around the edges. The train goes around the mini-​stage. And my mom has a little village of houses and stores that light up within, and lots of little characters (carolers, dog-​walkers, a mailman) that she hand painted to populate the town. There’s even a little mirror that serves as the frozen pond for ice skaters. And sprinkles of green grass and shaved snow.
And that’s exactly what they have on display at the Railroad Club. Elaborate little scenes, beautiful trains chugging along. The two men who were occupying the space the day I was there were so eager to have someone stop in. They gave me a quiz (more for kids, but what the hey!) to take… sort of a scavenger hunt to find things in the mini worlds all around. I even won a prize (a candy cane!) at the end. Be forewarned, they ask you to leave your name and phone number so they can call you about events (what about the dawn of email?); but they’re so stinking sweet you won’t be able to refuse!