Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jarred Woods | Col. Jay Ferreira, the chief of the Air Defense Artillery Test Division, holds up his...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – As the iron horse rounds the bend, steam bellowing from its nostrils, its shrill whistle pierces the air. Yet, the bustling city around this scene continues uninterrupted, leaving no indication of anything out of the ordinary. This scale model railroad may not be the real thing, but the excitement and enthusiasm it invokes is nothing short of genuine.
This and more awaits visitors of the El Paso Historical & Model Railroad Association’s free open house, held every Sunday in November from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., as part of National Model Railroad Month.
Although club membership is open to anyone interested in model railroading, the EPHMRA opens its doors to the public annually, offering adults a whiff of days past and children a glimpse beyond the ordinary. Jeff McNeal, vice president of the EPHMRA, said this is what drew him to the railroad world.
“One of the really cool things that I love about trains is when you’re on a train or looking at a train, it’s going down a path that was made more than 140 years ago,” said McNeal. “So being on a train is a bit like being on a time machine.”
For more than 60 years, the EPHMRA has been fostering a pastime dedicated to building railroad models and preserving railroad history. It had humble beginnings as Col. John Thomas, a U.S. Army surgeon, set up the first model railroad in the basement of the hospital. The club has since grown and relocated a few times, yet maintains a strong tradition with several of its members being veterans.
The scale models are not limited to the trains themselves, but also include buildings, roads and the scenery that surrounds them. Club members often build model buildings and create scenes that reflect their personal experiences and history, added McNeal.
The hobby has a dedicated following who take great pride and satisfaction bringing back childhood memories. Maj. (Ret.) Henry Vasquez, a model railroad enthusiast who also restores vintage models, spoke of what a rewarding experience restoration can be.
“I asked this one guy why he wanted to fix his old train and he said, ‘I haven’t run that train since 1966, right before I left for Vietnam’,” said Vasquez. “When you fix a train and see their expression; that look of ‘wow’ on their face – that’s what we live for here.”
As time goes on, the EPHMRA will continue to keep the model railroad tradition alive and, hopefully, gain a following in the younger and future generations, added Vasquez.
For more information about the EPHMRA or becoming a member, visit the upcoming open houses at 6335 Vaughn St. El Paso, Texas or contact Jeff McNeal at 915-500-9347.
| Date Taken: | 11.24.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2014 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 148667 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 467 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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