Train show in Finch attracts enthusiasts from around the state
Brandon BuckLarry Lewis can visit any train depot in the country and serve up interesting pieces of history about it.
His wife Betty, a secretary in the philosophy and religion department, said the two will go on vacations and she is always amazed at how much background information he has stored in his brain.
"He's just made it his business," she said. "He's interested in it."
Larry organized the 29th annual Mid-Michigan Model Train Show Sunday in Finch Fieldhouse to benefit Dog Tales, a pet therapy program, and the Clare Depot Preservation project. Approximately $1,700 was raised.
Vendors from across the Midwest came together to sell model trains and other railroad paraphernalia and display their model trains.
Larry said the event is all about getting the children interested and getting them to see the different train sets.
"A whole family can get into it, it's not just like dad off in the corner saying, 'Don't bother me,'" Betty said.
Victor Dean, a Midland resident, and his two sons, Ryan, 6, and Michael, 10, enjoyed exploring the displays.
Ryan, the train enthusiast of the family, said his favorite part were the Thomas the Train set exhibit and watching the bigger trains move on the tracks.
"It's perfect for boys," Victor said.
Midland resident Jerry Griswalda and members of the Bay City, Essexville, Auburn and Midland train club brought a model train exhibit the group has been working on for more than 30 years. The exhibit was complete with detailing such as trees and landscape materials, and even mini-versions of Denny's and Pizza Hut restaurants.
"We're just a bunch of nuts playing with trains," he said, laughing. "It's fun."
Senior Reporter Heidi Fenton contributed to this report.
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