All Aboard! Toy Train and Hobby Show
Regal Railways hosted their Toy Train and Hobby Show Saturday May 21st, at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, where many train collectors and hobbyists gathered to display their collection and tell their stories.
For ten years Joseph Schramm has been Regal Railway’s train and hobby show promoter as well as an avid collector. “I like the fact that [we are] meeting people that have the same type of interest of model trains,” Joseph Schramm said.
Suncoast American Flyer Enthusiasts (S.A.F.E ) and members have been showing their model trains for over thirty years. They travel from Fort Myers up to Yankeetown to showcase their collection.
“I am a farm boy rancher from the Midwest. We didn’t have electricity on the ranch till 1949, I had my first one (train), was a wind up. I have a big collection of American Flyer,” reminisced George Scott, S.A.F.E Coordinator.
“I got my first one when I was five years old. My dad bought me an American Flyer,” said Larry Heffelfinger, also an S.A.F.E member.
There are two main makes of trains that are high on the collectors list: The American Flyer and Lionel. These hobbyist and many like them are avid collectors and rebuilders. Their train layouts can be well over one hundred square feet and can have bridges as well as street signs.
“Don’t throw them away; they’re worth a mint to guys like me for parts,” Scott said.
There is a long history of model trains. In the beginning some started off as recycled tin cans. It is exciting to these enthusiasts building a town from their own imagination. It is also a great way to bond with your kids and grandkids.
If you missed this event, you can also check out the 1890 Train Depot, which has wonderful history about trains and Brooksville. Train Depot Museum is located at 70 Russell St, Brooksville, FL 34601 Phone: (352) 799-4766 Website: http://www.brooksvillehistoricaltraindepot.com/
There is also a train hobby shop in Spring Hill called Dana’s Railroad Supply located at 4042 Deltona Blvd. It is recommended to call before you go because their hours are variable, (352) 684-2484.
To find out more about Regal Railways visit regalrailways.com/ or call Joe Schramm 727-244-1341.