Model trains deliver holiday memories in Huntley

Picture model trains — set up as tall as eye level — chugging away through snow-filled miniature villages.

You can see this in person if you attend the Kishwaukee Valley-Eakin Creek Model Railroad Club of Sun City’s holiday display in Huntley.

Visitors can view all 11 trains from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 29 at the Prairie Lodge on Del Webb Boulevard.

“Most of the smaller trains are from the early 1900s and some of the bigger ones are from the ‘60s,” said John Knych, who handles public relations for the club. “It’s nice to go back in time about 40 years to view the history.”

The sixth annual holiday display will feature four different kinds of trains the club focuses on. The “N,” “HO,” “O” and “G” scales range in size from waist- to eye-level.

“It is a neat and relaxing time to listen to the music and get away from the holiday rush,” Knych said.

For the first time, attendees can listen to holiday carols from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Students from Marlowe Middle School will perform a special holiday concert from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Afterward, pianist Jim Sura will play. Hot chocolate and coffee will be served.

“When I heard the middle school come sing at a different event, I knew it would be wonderful for them to sing at our event,” Knych said.

Knych became involved with railroads when he received his first railroad track for Christmas at the age of 10. He became a member of the railroad club in 2005.

“I found the club and realized all the (members) knew a lot more than me,” said Knych. “They’re incredible.”

The 20-by-10-foot layout takes about three days to set up, Knych said. After the frame work is set up, the members then build bridges, rivers and mountains. The trains are all collector items owned by the more than 50 members who participate. The club also sets up a display in the fall and spring.

“I see parents walk in with grumpy faces and when they see the trains, the (faces of everyone in the family) lights up,” said Donald Espeseth, director of the display.

“I hope these trains bring back memories for a lot of the parents.”

For information, call (847) 669-2392 or visit www.sccah.com. The Prairie Lodge is at 12880 Del Webb Blvd., Huntley. Admission is free.