Long Island model train clubs and shows this season
Model trains run at the Central Operating Lines Model Railroad Club in Bohemia. Credit: Barry Sloan
All aboard to see what's running on the rails at Long Island train clubs that work on their layouts year-round. Social distancing and other safety precautions may be in effect.
CENTRAL OPERATING LINES ALL GAUGE SWAP MEET. AMVETS Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave., East Islip, 631-563-0173, coltrains.com. Central Operating Lines train club's all gauge swap meet with more than 90 vendors, food and beverage available. Fee $5, free ages 11 and younger with an adult. Dates 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb, 13 and March 13.
CENTRAL OPERATING LINES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE. Central Operating Lines, 50A Carlough Rd., Bohemia, 631-563-0173, coltrains.com. O Gauge model railroad featuring four mainlines, an elevated transit line, a logging line and a below ground subway. Additionally, there are two cities, a re-creation of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, rural and industrial areas as well as a sound and light show of an actual thunderstorm. Fee Free, donations accepted for Long Island Harvest food drive in November (nonperishable items) and John Theissen Toy Drive in December. Dates 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19, Dec 4-5.
HOLIDAY TRAIN DISPLAY. Longwood Estate, Longwood and Smith roads, Ridge, 631-924-1820, brookhavenny.gov. Model train display, participate in an "I Spy" game and try to find all the hidden items within the display. Fee Free. Date 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 12-18 and 26-31.
LONG ISLAND MODEL RAILROAD ENGINEERS OPEN HOUSE. 3661 Horseblock Rd., Unit P, Medford, 631-345-3415, limrre.com. View a large-scale model train layout in operation, members will operate multiple trains on the Club's HO and N Gauge layouts. Fee Free. Dates 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20-21, Dec. 4-5, Jan. 22, Feb 12-13.
MODEL TRAIN SHOW. William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center, 28 W. Carl St., Hicksville, 516-433-4444, trainville.com. Multiple operating layouts from area clubs coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Fee $5 adult, $3 children ages 4-11. Dates 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20-21, March 26-27.
NASSAU LIONEL OPERATING ENGINEERS OPEN HOUSE. Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers Model Railroad Club, 2953 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown, 516-735-6370, nloe.org. Open house of Long Island’s largest operating O-gauge layout. Fee Free. Dates 8-10 p.m. Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 8-10 p.m. Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 11-12.
NATIONAL LIONEL TRAIN DAY. TrainLand, 293 Sunrise Hwy., Lynbrook, 516-599-7080, trainworld.com. Lionel, the iconic model train company, is conducting its 7th annual National Lionel Train Day. Activities taking place include a Lionel train layout for fans of all ages, play stations where kids and adults can become junior engineers. Fee Free. Date 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4.
NORTHERN SPUR TRAIN AND SWAP MEET. Lindenhurst Firemen’s Pavilion, Heling Boulevard, Lindenhurst, 631-666-6855 All types of model railroad equipment, Hess and die-cast vehicles will be available for sale to the general public, breakfast and lunch will be available. All gauge test track is available. Fee $5 per person, free children younger than 16. Dates 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 2, Feb. 20, March 20.
TMB MODEL TRAIN SHOW OPEN HOUSE, 120 Schmitt Blvd., East Farmingdale, 516-660-8099, tmbmodeltrainclub.com. 4,000 foot layout featuring 10 trains running on 19 scale miles of mainline and branch line track, logging line, and subways. Fee Free. Dates 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27-28, Dec. 11-12, Jan. 8-9, 22-23 Feb. 5-6.
TRAIN SHOW. William M. Gouse Jr. VFW Post 3211, 320 S. Broadway, Hicksville, 516-931-7843, trainville.com. Two halls of operating model train layouts (O, HO, N, On30) Fee $5, $3 ages 4-11. Date 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 12.
