MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
Members of the Bethany Village Railroad Club have given their fellow residents quite the view with their vintage model railroad in the garden. The train allows staff and residents to take a moment and get away from the routine while giving Bethany Village something special to offer.
The railroad travels on 400 feet of brass track, featuring two mainline tracks rolling through tunnels, over bridges, through miniature towns and countryside. On a separate track, a replica trolley runs on a reverse run.
"People just love it," said Charlie McNut, president of the Bethany Village Model Railroad Club. "It's just beautiful -- and what a gorgeous garden they gave us to put it in!"
For residents who once worked on and operated full-size trains the engine sounds and train whistles are a step back in time.
"When I hear the train running up and down the Logan branch here in Mechanicsburg," said Jack McClair said, "going across the crossings, and whistling at the crossings, that brings back a lot of memories."
The model train project began five years ago when resident Virginia Eaton donated her late husband's outdoor trains, tracks and buildings to the club. From there, residents, bringing varied specialties from earlier on in their lives, designed and built the entire layout. Once the design was finished, the residents installed the track.
The train runs every Wednesday and Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. May through September (until September 29). The show is open to the public and is located in Martha's Garden at the West Campus of Bethany Village. The garden is located between a three-story assisted living building and a one-story skilled care building.
For more details, please contact Bethany Village Model Railroad Club President Charlie McNutt at 717-591-8737.
