Lake County Model Railroad Club honors traditions with open house in Wauconda

Continuing a tradition that began when it first organized 50 years ago, the Lake County Model Railroad opened its doors to the public this weekend for one of its two annual open houses.

Curious onlookers and longtime model train enthusiasts visited the club's Wauconda home to check out elaborate displays and intricate layouts.

Among the members taking part Sunday was Todd Evans, who said his interest in model trains began with some Christmas gifts he received as a fourth-grader.

I belonged to a few railroad clubs with my dad when I was a kid," he said. "(It's) extremely cathartic."