holding their annual winter 2017 Open House at their headquarters at 751 N. Four Mile Run Rd. in Youngstown, Ohio. This is always a treat for everyone who has a love of model trains.
Begun in March of 1957, a small, but devoted group of HO model train enthusiasts worked diligently to find a permanent home for the Youngstown club. It acquired its present location at the corner of Raccoon Rd. and Four Mile Run Rd. in Austintown, Ohio, the former Four Mile Run Christian Church in April 1978, first as a rental, and later purchasing the property for the club.
At present there are two giant railroad layouts. The upper level of the old church is O scale train layout that is mostly industrial and rural landscapes with a large, curved, concrete viaduct. An impressive eleven stall roundhouse and coaling tower fill the northern section of the classification yard.
Overlooking this meticulously planned trainscape is a specially constructed caboose end that utilizes hardware from a genuine New York Central caboose. This platform is a favorite visiting area, especially for the kids. The O control room is located in the windowed balcony. 
The HO scale layout is located on the lower level and is about thirty by sixty feet. The landscapes are more varied than the O scale landscape, and has a detailed Youngstown, Ohio in the 1950's cityscape that is historically detailed and absolutely delightful!
When I first started attending these local train shows, it was mostly older people, and mostly men. Over the last few years, the number of young families in attendance has grown. The interest is trains seems to be booming, at least in the Mahoning Valley.
Today I was impressed by not only the number of children enthralled by this gorgeous train exhibit, but also their conversations, discussing horsepower and signal houses.
The YMRA Model train Open House continues the December 2 -3 weekend. The exhibit is open from 12:00 to 6:00. There is a $5.00 donation per person requested, and children eleven and under are admitted free with an adult.
Snacks are available and the club has a little scavenger hunt list of highlighted items to look for. Bring your camera. Bring your kids. And step back into the world of trains.
Club website is www.ymra.org.
Membership is now open.
More photos from a great day:
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