Riding the model rails

Shoppers could stop and enjoy model trains of various sizes Saturday at Rail-Rama at Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles.

The trains were displayed by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and by Venture Crew 9911, a Boy Scout organization devoted to model railroading. The exhibit runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Members of the Venture Crew 9911 affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 63 of Carpentersville had eight modules on display.

According to Savannah Ahrens, 20, who is vice president of programming for Venture Crew 9911, a module is a section of plywood on legs that the Scouts paint and decorate. The model trains are then put together for display. Modules are linked with others to make a circular display. The Scouts make some of the model trains from kits.

Scouts can complete one module in about three meetings, Ahrens said.

"I like being a part of Venture Crew because I like playing with trains," she said.

"And I like to see the little kids' faces light up when they build a module."

"It's interesting, I really like trains," said Scout Joshua Gospodarek, 14, of Carpentersville. "I get to learn about making the scenery and doing the electric work on the trains."

Gospodarek plans to work toward his Eagle Scout rank.

Adults enjoy being part of Venture Crew, also.

"I've been playing with trains since I was 4, and I'm 65 now," said Alan Sauer of Carpentersville, a Venture Crew leader with Troop 63.

Venture Crew 9911 uses model railroading as a means to instruct young men and women about how trains are operated. Participants can earn merit badges.

For information, e-mail paddlefoot47@aol.com.