By Mohamed Kamara
Motlow Buzz
Contributing Writer
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Cumberland Valley Model Railroaders
visited the Adventure Science Center in Nashville from Nov.18-19, showcasing
multiple model locomotives for children of all ages.
Whistlestop Weekend is an event curated by The Cumberland
Valley Railroaders in partnership with the Adventure Science Center that takes place
once a year. The event is held to help promote the hobby of model railroading.
It is a way for the general public to view the detailed-work of the Cumberland
Valley HO Model Railroader’s Club.
According to the Cumberland Valley Model Railroaders, the
railroad makes annual visits to the Adventure Science Center, the Tennessee
State Fair, and anywhere else if invited.
Various model railroad sections are presented in likeness
to distinct places. A 4-foot section of the railroad was inspired by movie producer
Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller move titled “Psycho.” The movie was released in the
mid-60s, but it was revamped for this year’s Whistestop Weekend event. The
railroad section was constructed at Universal Studios in California.
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| Photo by Mohamed Kamara |
Other venues may be fashioned after relevant American
locations. A river scene was constructed during Whistlestop Weekend based on
America’s Southwest Region. It included minuscule details such as hinges on a
bridge, rafts and paddles.
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| Photo by Mohamed Kamara |
The model trains whistled through the railroad, visiting
the unique landmarks throughout the duration of the event. The cars connected
to the train included bright colors and their own distinct patterns. Some cars
even included real company names printed alongside them. The event made the
observers feels as if they visited multiple train stops simultaneously.
Model railroad enthusiast Randle Brooks was tapped to run
the railroad during Whistestop Weekend.
“Building
a model railroad, you get to express your ability to create,” said Brooks.
“Knowledge you gain in life leads to the very design of your model railroad.”
Brooks’
interest in model train building comes from prior experience riding an Amtrak
train. Brooks likes bridges, therefore he decides to make bridges.
“Building a model train requires a background in
woodwork, electric work and painting,” added Brooks.
An
extreme attention to detail seems like it would come into play as well. Many of
the landmarks included boulders and crates about the size of a penny.
Model railroads are built in 4-foot sections connected in
different configurations by a team. Each member gets to build whatever they
desire on their railroad section. Their sections are inspired by different
events that took place in their lives.
An annual event such as Whistestop Weekend attracts
spectators to Tennessee from different cities and ethnic backgrounds.
For more information about the Cumberland Valley HO Model
Railroader’s Club, visit http://www.tcry.org/.
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