TOPSHAM, Maine — Model trains have been around in some form since the mid-19th century.
One group in Maine, like many others, is working to pass down this hobby to the next generation.
The Maine 3-Railers club set up a custom miniature city at the Topsham Public Library on Friday. Families piled inside the library in a steady stream, some children stopping in the doorway with their mouths hanging open, amazed by the massive miniature city that members had assembled.
Some of the more ambitious children eagerly grabbed the controls of one of the many locomotives, forcing them to whiz around the tracks at different speeds.
Topsham native Amanda Lovejoy said she was bringing her two boys to the library to return some books when she realized the spectacle that awaited them in the next room.
"I said, 'Oh my gosh, guys, the trains are gonna be here,'" she recalled. "And they just were like, 'Yes, trains! We gotta go!'"
"I really do like trains!" her toddler shouted. "I really do!"
The 3-Railers recently celebrated 25 years. Art Shean, who designed Friday's layout, said they build as many as 25 each year at locations across the state.
They hope to inspire others to take up the hobby.
"If you look around, most of our members are seniors, because we have the time and, in some cases, the resources to get involved," Shean stated plainly, gesturing to some of his white-haired companions. "And, what we have to worry about is, we're not gonna be around forever. We have to get the youngsters involved."
Shean said the club has 130 members and some participate virtually from as far away as Ohio.
The Westra family is a prized asset to the organization. Jay Westra, his wife, and their two young children were excited to peruse the Topsham display on Friday.
"We have a family membership, so we're all members of the club," Jay said, sporting a club-branded hat. "We joined a couple months ago."
"I think it's great because it's huge and you can drive some trains," young Caleb Westra said when asked why he enjoys the hobby.
However, this hobby is not cheap.
"A good engine can run between — used: $200, to a brand new one: $1,500," Shean said as he pointed to pieces of the tiny town.
He said the train cars pulled by the engines could cost between $50-$100 and that a particular multi-story hospital building, complete with a helicopter featuring spinning rotors costs $130.
Still, Shean and his friends did not amass their treasures overnight.
As many of the children likely argued with their parents Friday, one could start small and see where the tracks take them.