Wauconda open house creates new model train fans

Devin Albrecht's face lit up as he took the controls to operate Thomas the Train around a labyrinth of miniature villages that surrounded the tracks Sunday at the Lake County Model Railroad Club's open house.

The 6-year-old was among the many young visitors to come out for the event in Wauconda, where they watched club members operate the trains and, in some cases, try it themselves.

"Today is for families," said train operator Jim Schlader of McHenry. "This is going into the Christmas season and the children are excited to look at the trains. Hoping to get one for the holidays."

The train layout occupies a permanent 1,800-square-foot space below Tony's Barber Shop and Honey Hill Coffee in Wauconda.

Children ran around the watching trains such as Amtrak, the Union Pacific, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and the Chesapeake & Ohio while also participating in a scavenger hunt. Raffle tickets were given out to visitors bringing a donation to the Wauconda-Island Lake Food Pantry.

For more information about the club, which began in 1971, visit www.lcmrr.org.